Kariakoo Market
A sprawling, energetic market where every variety of fish, vegetable, fruit and livestock is on sale, alongside colourful vitenge fabrics, spices and traditional medicines.
Tanzania Cities & Coast
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania's great Indian Ocean city, where mosques, Indian bazaars, colonial streets and a busy harbour meet, with island beaches and coral reefs just a short boat ride away.
- Location
- Indian Ocean coast
- Known For
- Markets, art & islands
- Temperature
- 24–31°C
- Best Time
- June – October
Discover Dar es Salaam
The haven of peace.
Dar es Salaam, whose name comes from the Arabic for "haven of peace", is Tanzania's largest and busiest commercial city. Covering around 1,393 km² along the Indian Ocean coast, it is one of the biggest and fastest-growing cities in East Africa and one of the largest on the continent.
A whole tapestry of history plays out in its architecture and streets: fine mosques, German and British colonial buildings, Lutheran and Catholic churches, Hindu temples and the crowded lanes of the old Indian bazaars. Life here moves to the rhythm of the harbour, where dhows, ferries and cargo ships come and go between the mainland, Zanzibar and the wider Indian Ocean.
For travellers, Dar is far more than a gateway. Take time to explore the vast Kariakoo market, browse paintings, pottery, carvings and batik at Nyumba ya Sanaa, eat grilled seafood by the ocean on the Msasani Peninsula, and slip away by boat to the coral-fringed islands of Bongoyo and Mbudya.
Why Dar es Salaam
Markets, art and ocean life.
A day or two in Dar adds colour, culture and coastline to any southern safari or Zanzibar holiday.
Nyumba ya Sanaa
An arts and crafts centre where paintings, pottery, carvings and batik fabric designs are readily available, so you can take home whatever catches your eye.
Island Escapes
Bongoyo and Mbudya islands, part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserves, offer white-sand beaches, snorkelling and fresh seafood just off the Msasani Peninsula.
Living History
Mosques, Indian bazaars, colonial churches and government buildings tell the story of Omani, German, British and Tanzanian Dar.
Tingatinga Art
The bold, colourful Tingatinga painting style was born in Dar es Salaam, and artists still work and sell from their cooperative in Msasani.
Gateway to the South
Dar is the natural starting point for Nyerere, Mikumi, Ruaha and Saadani, and for ferries and flights to Zanzibar and Mafia.
Location
Where is Dar es Salaam?
Dar es Salaam lies on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast, opposite the island of Zanzibar. Julius Nyerere International Airport sits on the edge of the city, with international connections and frequent domestic flights. From Arusha and Kilimanjaro International Airport the flight takes around an hour and a half, while the road journey is long, usually a full day of driving.
Fast ferries link the harbour with Stone Town in Zanzibar in around two hours, and short flights connect the city with Zanzibar, Mafia, Nyerere and Ruaha. Bagamoyo lies around 75 km to the north and makes an easy day trip.
When to visit
Every season tells a different Dar es Salaam story.
Dar es Salaam is hot and humid for much of the year, with temperatures generally ranging from 24 to 31°C and two rainy seasons.
Cool Dry Season
The most comfortable time to visit, with sea breezes, lower humidity and sunny days ideal for city tours and island trips.
Short Rains
Brief showers and storms freshen the air between sunny spells; city and beach activities continue.
Hot Season
The hottest and most humid months, with calm seas and good visibility for snorkelling around the islands.
Long Rains
The wettest period, with heavy downpours that can flood some streets. Travel is still possible, with quieter hotels.
What is the best month to visit Dar es Salaam?
The cooler, drier months from June to October are the most pleasant, but the city is lively all year.
Hot and sunny, with calm seas for island trips to Bongoyo and Mbudya.
Usually the hottest, most humid month, best enjoyed by the ocean.
The long rains begin, bringing heavy afternoon downpours.
Typically the wettest month, with frequent heavy rain and occasional street flooding.
Rains gradually ease and the city turns green.
The cool dry season begins, with fresh breezes and comfortable sightseeing weather.
One of the coolest and most pleasant months for exploring markets and museums.
Dry, breezy and sunny, perfect for a city stay before or after safari.
Warm, dry weather and good conditions for beach and island days.
Warming up again, with clear skies before the short rains.
Short rains bring brief showers and occasional storms.
Hot and humid, with festive energy in the city and busy beaches.
Explore the area
Discover the different faces of Dar es Salaam.
From busy markets to quiet island beaches, Dar has many sides worth exploring.
City centreKariakoo & the Old BazaarsThe heart of Dar's trade, with Kariakoo market, Indian-built shopfronts, mosques and temples, and streets crowded with traders from across the country.
WaterfrontKivukoni & the HarbourThe fish market, the ferry terminal, St Joseph's Cathedral, Azania Front Lutheran Church and the National Museum all lie close to the harbour front.
Msasani PeninsulaOyster Bay & MsasaniLeafy residential streets, ocean-front restaurants, craft shops, the Slipway and the Tingatinga artists' cooperative.
OffshoreBongoyo & Mbudya IslandsSmall protected islands with white sand, snorkelling, grilled seafood and a peaceful escape from the city.
Arts & craftsNyumba ya Sanaa & MwengeShop for paintings, pottery, carvings, batik and Makonde sculpture at the city's craft centres and carvers' market.
South of the harbourKigamboni BeachesAcross the harbour by ferry or bridge, Kigamboni has quieter beaches and relaxed resorts facing the open ocean.
Wildlife
Marine life around Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is a city, not a safari destination, but the coral reefs and sea-grass beds of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserves around Bongoyo and Mbudya islands support colourful marine life. Snorkelling from the islands reveals reef fish, starfish and other sea creatures, and the wider coast is visited by turtles and dolphins.
8 animals to look for
Reef fish
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Reefs around Bongoyo and Mbudya
Parrotfish, butterflyfish, angelfish and wrasse are common sights when snorkelling in clear water.
1 / 8
Sea star
Chance of seeingCommon
Where to look: Shallow lagoons and sea-grass beds
Starfish and sea urchins are often seen in the shallows at low tide.
2 / 8
Octopus
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Rocky reef edges and tidal pools
Well camouflaged, octopus are sometimes spotted by sharp-eyed snorkellers and local guides.
3 / 8
Moray eel
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Crevices in the coral
Look into rocky holes on the reef for the head of a moray eel.
4 / 8
Ghost crab
Chance of seeingVery common
Where to look: Sandy island beaches
Pale crabs scuttle across the sand and vanish into burrows as you approach.
5 / 8
Green turtle
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Coastal waters and sea-grass beds
Turtles feed along the coast and are occasionally seen by snorkellers and boat crews.
6 / 8
Dolphin
Chance of seeingRare
Where to look: Open water off the coast
Dolphins are sometimes seen from boats travelling along the coast.
7 / 8
Mudskipper
Chance of seeingOccasional
Where to look: Mangroves along the creeks
Curious fish that hop across the mud of the mangrove creeks at low tide.
8 / 8
A Day in Dar
Markets by morning, islands by afternoon.
Begin early at Kariakoo, where the market comes alive with traders selling fish, vegetables, fruit, livestock, colourful vitenge fabrics, spices and traditional medicines, then wander through the old bazaars and past the mosques and colonial buildings of the city centre.
After browsing paintings, pottery, carvings and batik at Nyumba ya Sanaa, take a short boat ride from Msasani to Bongoyo or Mbudya island for snorkelling, a swim and grilled fish on the beach, returning to the mainland in time for sunset over the ocean.
Safaris to 中文
Tours that include Dar es Salaam
Southern safaris, coastal journeys and Zanzibar holidays that begin, end or pause in Dar es Salaam.
Stay in 中文
Where to stay in Dar es Salaam
City hotels, beach resorts and boutique stays across Dar es Salaam, from the city centre to the Msasani Peninsula and the northern beaches.
Silver tier
Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaMediterraneo Boutique HotelA charming oceanfront boutique hotel in Dar es Salaam, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and offering a relaxed blend Oceanfront boutique hotelView lodge
Gold tier
Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaRamada Resort by Wyndham Dar es SalaamA family-friendly beachfront resort on Jangwani Beach, with ocean-view rooms, a palm-lined pool and the white sands of tBeachfront resortView lodge
Platinum tier
Dar es Salaam, TanzaniaDar es Salaam Serena HotelAn elegant five-star oasis in the heart of Dar es Salaam, set in flower-filled gardens overlooking the city's golf cours5-star city hotelView lodge
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Usually replies within minutesHeritage
The story behind Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam began as a small fishing village called Mzizima. In the 1860s Sultan Majid of Zanzibar began building a new town and harbour here, giving it the name Dar es Salaam, the haven of peace. After his death the town declined, until the Germans made it the capital of German East Africa in 1891.
Under German and then British rule, the city grew as an administrative centre and port, and the Central Railway was built inland towards Lake Tanganyika. Dar es Salaam became the capital of independent Tanganyika in 1961 and later of Tanzania. Although Dodoma was chosen as the official capital, Dar remains the country's commercial heart.
Today the city is a vibrant mix of Swahili, Arab, Indian and European influences. Its markets, music, food and art, including the famous Tingatinga painting style, make it one of the most dynamic cultural centres in East Africa.
Is Dar es Salaam worth visiting?
Yes. A day or two in Dar lets you explore Kariakoo market, the old bazaars, Nyumba ya Sanaa and the island beaches before continuing on safari or to Zanzibar.
How long should I spend in Dar es Salaam?
One full day covers the main city sights; add a second day for an island trip to Bongoyo or Mbudya or a day trip to Bagamoyo.
What is the weather like?
Hot and humid for most of the year, with temperatures generally between 24 and 31°C. June to October is the coolest and driest period.
How do I get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
Fast ferries run from the harbour to Stone Town in around two hours, and short flights operate several times a day.
Can I go on safari from Dar es Salaam?
Yes. Mikumi, Nyerere and Saadani can be reached by road or light aircraft, and Ruaha by scheduled flight.
Is Dar es Salaam safe for visitors?
Like any large city, it is best to take normal precautions, keep valuables out of sight and use arranged transport, especially at night. A local guide makes market visits easy.
What should I buy in Dar es Salaam?
Tingatinga paintings, Makonde carvings, batik, kanga and kitenge fabrics, and spices are all popular souvenirs.
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