Book Flights to Dar es Salaam

The cool, dry months of spring from June to October and the hot and dry summer months of December to February are the best times to visit.

There’s plenty to keep you occupied in Dar es Salaam for a summarised version have a look at Top 7 Spots You Just Cannot Miss Out in Dar es Salaam.

It is the best place to pick up a great souvenir, for example, a Tinga Tinga painting. A painting style which originated here when a man called Edward Saidi Tingatinga moved from a small village called Ngapa in the south of Tanzania to Dar es Salaam and started painting. Two great spots to look for paintings are the Tinga Tinga Alley and at the markets next to Slipway.

Cultural & Historical Activities

There are also plenty of ethical workshops where the disadvantaged are given a chance to learn a skill or can get a job. Buying from these small places means you make a real difference in their lives. Shop at, for example, Made By Africraft (recycled materials), Wonder Workshop (metal, wood, and paper made by disabled craftsmen and women) and the Mabinti Centre (stencilled fabric made by women recovering from a fistula operation).

In town you can visit the National Museum or go shopping for fabrics and score a real bargain for a kanga, kitenge or kikoy. Some of these colourful fabrics are made locally in Tanzania. You can also opt for a guided tour of the city by bike and learn about the history and the people from your experienced host.

Relax & Unwind

If you want to relax after all that shopping, you can visit one of the islands, most are only a short boat ride away. Check out Mbudya Island or Bongoyo Island, both with white sands and turquoise waters. Go snorkelling, chill on the beach and have a super fresh, barbecued seafood lunch. It is even possible to camp overnight on Mbudya Island and feel like a real Robinson Crusoe.

Entaintanment for the whole family

If you don’t want a boat ride, you can find excellent beaches to chill south of Dar es Salaam and if you are lucky you may witness the hatching of a nest of baby turtles. Check with Sea Sense if a nest is about to hatch.

If you need to entertain kids there is no better spot than the waterpark at a hotel north of Dar es Salaam. Slide away and make a splash in this fun playground for kids of all ages.

Just along the waterfront close to the ferry terminal to Kigamboni is the Kivukoni fish market. Watch as the fishermen unload the catch of the day and haggle in a rowdy auction for a bargain, fish does not come any fresher than this!

Nightlife

Dar es Salaam is teeming with options for when the sun goes down. Pubs usually serve good barbecue food, beer, and locally produced spirits. Over the past couple of years, wine bars and more classy establishments have sprung up, mainly in the expat areas. The local clubs are loud, sweaty and dark, true diamonds in the rough that offer an unforgettable experience. The city centre and peninsula areas have more upmarket options. Whatever you choose, you are sure to be welcomed and make new friends over a drink or two.

As can be expected in a big city like Dar es Salaam, there are lots of restaurants serving everything from local Swahili dishes to Mexican, Chinese, Iranian, Ethiopian, Indian, European, Italian, fine dining and of course the best and freshest seafood you have ever tasted. Cafes offer great breakfasts and lunches and often have free wifi.

The streets are lined with vendors selling tasty fried snacks and sweet treats

Service is often slow, dishes on the menu are sometimes not possible and confusion can create an unusual bill. If somebody provides a good service, leave them a decent tip.

Accurate figures on religion in Tanzania are not available, but it is estimated that around 30-40% of the population are Christian, and another 30-40% are Muslim. The remainder follow other faiths, including traditional beliefs, or have no religion.

As the coast of East Africa in general has more Muslims than inland, it is expected that the percentage of Muslims in Dar es Salaam is higher.

With a predominantly Muslim population in Dar es Salaam, even though not extreme, it is important to be aware of some cultural rules, for example:

• Shoes should always be removed when entering a home and place of worship
• Dress modestly in public.
• Topless sunbathing and homosexuality is illegal.

In some public places, the consumption of alcohol is not allowed.

When photographing people, always ask permission first and agree on payment if required. As a general rule, ask.

Dar es Salaam is a large city with accommodation, transport, food and excursions for all budgets. As Tanzania’s main economic hub, the city has good quality hotels and conference centres. Hotels also cater for many tourists and range from high-end lodges to basic backpacking hostels.

This is what you can expect to pay in Dar es Salaam for:

• Domestic beer (0.5-litre bottle) in a supermarket – 2,595TSh
• Imported beer in a supermarket (0.33-litre bottle) – 3,750TSh
• Pack of cigarettes (Marlboro) – 3,250Tsh
• A bottle of coca cola / pepsi (0.33-litre bottle) – 1815TSh
• A small bottle of water (0.33-litre bottle) – 1157TSh