What You Need to Know: The best things to do in Dar es Salaam are a city tour of the National Museum, Kariakoo market, the Kivukoni fish market and the old town; a boat to Bongoyo or Mbudya Island for a beach and snorkeling; a day trip to historic Bagamoyo; and a Zanzibar day trip by ferry or flight. Our Dar es Salaam trips cost US$123 per person with transport, guide and lunch.
A Day in Dar es Salaam City
| Sight | What it is |
|---|---|
| National Museum | History, including fossils from Olduvai Gorge |
| Kariakoo market | The city's largest market |
| Kivukoni fish market | Early-morning fish auctions |
| Askari Monument and the old town | Colonial-era buildings |
A guided city tour of about 4 hours covers the main sights and the history of the port. Mornings are cooler for walking.
Islands and Beaches Near Dar es Salaam
| Place | How to get there | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Bongoyo Island | Boat from Msasani, about 20 minutes | Beach, snorkeling |
| Mbudya Island | Boat from the north beaches | Quiet beach, seafood |
| Kigamboni beaches | Ferry or bridge across the harbor | Swimming, beach resorts |
The islands are part of a marine reserve, with snorkeling, walks and simple seafood lunches; a marine reserve fee is paid for the islands.
Day Trips from Dar es Salaam
- Bagamoyo: the old caravan town and the Kaole ruins, about 1.5–2 hours north
- Zanzibar day trip: fast ferry with Azam Marine or Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries, or a 20-minute flight
- Pugu Hills: forest walks, about 1 hour
Traffic in Dar es Salaam can be heavy, so we plan early starts.
Safaris and Islands from Dar es Salaam
| Park | Getting there | Suggested stay |
|---|---|---|
| Saadani | About 3–4 hours by road | 2 days |
| Mikumi | About 4.5 hours by road | 2–3 days |
| Nyerere (Selous) | Road or flight | 3–4 days |
See southern Tanzania safaris.
Dar es Salaam is the gateway to the south: Mikumi on a day trip by road or on our 2-day safari by SGR train, Nyerere by light aircraft, Saadani on the coast, Mafia Island for whale sharks, and Zanzibar by ferry; see our Zanzibar day trip and southern safaris.
How Much Do Our Dar es Salaam Trips Cost?
Our Dar es Salaam city and day trips cost US$123 per person, with transport, guide and lunch included. The Zanzibar day trip is quoted with your ferry or flight tickets.
Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Msasani Peninsula and Oyster Bay | Restaurants, the seafront, boats to Bongoyo |
| City center | Business, the ferry port to Zanzibar |
| North coast beaches | Quiet beach hotels and boats to Mbudya |
| Near the airport | Early flights |
Tips for Dar es Salaam
- Traffic is heavy: allow plenty of time for the airport and the ferry
- Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps
- Mornings are cooler and better for walking tours
- Dress modestly in the old town and markets
Where and What to Eat in Dar es Salaam
- Grilled seafood at the Kivukoni fish market area and Msasani
- Mishkaki (grilled skewers) and chipsi mayai from street stalls
- Indian and Swahili restaurants in the city center
- Fresh coconut and tropical fruit from the markets
A Two-Day Plan for Dar es Salaam
| Day | Plan |
|---|---|
| 1 | Morning city tour (National Museum, markets, old town); afternoon boat to Bongoyo Island |
| 2 | Day trip to Bagamoyo, or a Zanzibar day trip by ferry |
Getting Around Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is spread out and traffic is heavy, so a private driver saves time. The city's rapid bus (BRT) runs along the main roads, and ride-hailing apps work well. Allow at least 1–2 hours to reach the airport at busy times.
A City Shaped by the Sea
Dar es Salaam, "haven of peace" in Arabic, grew from a small fishing village into Tanzania's largest city and main port in little more than a century. The Sultan of Zanzibar began building here in the 1860s, the Germans made it the capital of their colony, and the British expanded the port. Walking the old town, you see Indian-style shophouses, German-era buildings and modern towers side by side, and the harbor full of ferries, dhows and container ships.
Today the city is busy and fast-moving, but its beaches, islands and markets make it worth a stop. Most travelers spend a day or two here between an international flight and Zanzibar or a southern safari; with a good driver and a plan, you see the best of it without spending hours in traffic.
Bagamoyo: A Day of History
Bagamoyo, about 43 miles (70 km) north of Dar es Salaam, was once the most important port on this coast, the end point of caravan routes from the interior and a center of the ivory and slave trades. Explorers such as Livingstone and Stanley passed through, and the town's old German buildings, mission and ruins at Kaole tell its long history.
A day trip from Dar es Salaam takes about 1.5–2 hours each way, with a guided walk through the old town, the Catholic mission museum and the Kaole ruins. It is a quiet, moving contrast to the busy city.
Common Questions About Things to Do in Dar es Salaam
Is Dar es Salaam the capital of Tanzania?
No. Dodoma is the official capital, but Dar es Salaam is the largest city and main port.
Can you visit Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam in a day?
Yes, by fast ferry (about 2 hours) or a 20-minute flight.
What is the best beach near Dar es Salaam?
Bongoyo Island, 20 minutes by boat, or the Kigamboni beaches.
How long do I need in Dar es Salaam?
One or two days for the city, islands and Bagamoyo, before heading to Zanzibar or a southern safari.
Is Dar es Salaam worth visiting?
Yes, for a day or two: markets, islands and history, and it is the gateway to Zanzibar and the southern parks.
Is Dar es Salaam safe for tourists?
Yes, with normal city care: use registered taxis, avoid walking alone at night, and keep valuables out of sight.
The Bottom Line
Spend a day in the city and a day on an island or in Bagamoyo, then head to Zanzibar or a southern park.
Send us your date, where you are staying and the number of travelers (with children's ages) through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our team will confirm the pickup time and send your quotation.