Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam
Tanzania
|Pop. 5.4M
|4 neighborhoods covered
Dar es Salaam at a Glance
8 categories
Top Tips for Dar es Salaam
Things to know before you go
Local Tip
Learn a few basic Swahili phrases ('Jambo' for hello, 'Asante' for thank you, 'Pole pole' for slowly/take it easy) – it goes a long way with locals and can sometimes help navigate interactions.
Getting Around
Always agree on the taxi fare *before* starting your journey, or insist on using the meter if available. For longer distances or airport transfers, consider pre-booking a car through your hotel or a reputable company.
Watch Out For
The 'broken taxi meter' scam: Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes a high price at the end of the journey.
Solo Female Travel
Exercise heightened awareness. While many locals are respectful, avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Use trusted taxi services or rideshares after dark.
Hidden Gems in Dar es Salaam
Lesser-known spots the locals love
Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve
A pristine tropical island paradise just a short boat ride from the city. It's perfect for snorkeling, relaxing on the beach, and enjoying fresh seafood at its small restaurant.
Makumbusho Village Museum
Step into traditional Tanzanian village life without leaving the city. This open-air museum showcases authentic huts and artifacts from various ethnic groups across the country.
Little Theatre
Catch a performance at this intimate venue that hosts a variety of local theatre productions, music, and comedy shows. It's a great way to experience Dar es Salaam's vibrant arts scene.
Mwenge Woodcarvers Market
FREEImmerse yourself in a lively market bustling with local artisans selling intricate wood carvings, paintings, and other crafts. It's the perfect place to find unique souvenirs and interact with local artists.
Azania Front Lutheran Church
FREEWhile a place of worship, its distinct red-roofed architecture offers a unique landmark and a quiet space for reflection. The surrounding area provides pleasant views of the harbor.
New Africa Hotel Rooftop Bar
Enjoy panoramic views of the city and the harbor from this historic hotel's rooftop. It's a fantastic spot for a sundowner cocktail away from the usual tourist crowds.
What It Costs in Dar es Salaam
Daily budget per person in TZS
💡Premium destination pricing
TZS 150000/day
TZS 300000/day
TZS 700000/day
Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam
Honest neighborhood guide: where to stay and where to avoid
Best for
Walk to
- Dar es Salaam Yacht Club15 min
- Restaurants along Haile Selassie Road10 min
Pros
- +Safe and quiet atmosphere
- +Good selection of high-end restaurants and bars
- +Proximity to the ocean
Cons
- -Can be expensive
- -Limited public transport within the neighborhood
Top stays in Oyster Bay
Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam
$$$Offers stunning ocean views and excellent amenities in a prime location.
The Oyster Bay Hotel
$$$A charming boutique option known for its personalized service and stylish decor.
Kaskazi Hotel
$$A comfortable mid-range hotel with a pool and good access to local amenities.
Best for
Walk to
- Mikocheni B Market10 min
- Local eateries5 min
Pros
- +More affordable accommodation options
- +Access to local markets and everyday life
- +Good for experiencing a less touristy side of the city
Cons
- -Can feel chaotic and less polished
- -Public transport can be crowded and confusing
- -Infrastructure is still developing
Top stays in Mikocheni
Sea View Hotel
$$A popular choice offering decent amenities and sea views at a reasonable price.
Amal Beach Hotel
$$Located near the beach, offering a relaxed atmosphere and good value.
Bahari Beach Hotel
$$$A more upscale option with direct beach access and resort-like facilities.
Best for
Walk to
- Kariakoo Market1 min
- Posta (Central Post Office)20 min
- Uhuru Stadium15 min
Pros
- +Immersive local experience
- +Incredible street food and market shopping
- +Very central and well-connected by public transport
Cons
- -Can be overwhelming and very crowded
- -Street crime and pickpocketing are common
- -Noise levels are high
Top stays in Kariakoo
Hotel Sapphire
$$A well-regarded mid-range hotel offering comfortable rooms and good service.
New Africa Hotel
$$A historic hotel with colonial charm, offering a central location and a glimpse into the past.
Golden Tulip Dar Es Salaam
$$$A more upscale option in the vicinity, providing modern amenities.
Best for
Walk to
- Mlimani City Shopping Mall20 min
- Various restaurants and bars10 min
Pros
- +Good range of accommodation and dining
- +Access to shopping and entertainment
- +Relatively well-connected
Cons
- -Traffic congestion can be severe
- -Can feel busy and less serene than Oyster Bay
Top stays in Kinondoni
Johari Beach Resort
$$$A beachfront resort offering a relaxing escape with good facilities.
Best Western Premier Garden Hotel
$$$A reliable international chain hotel offering comfort and business amenities.
Hotel Slipway
$$Located by the water, offering pleasant views and good access to ferry services.
Areas to be cautious
- Areas immediately surrounding major bus terminals like Ubungo without a clear destination: These areas can be magnets for petty crime, especially pickpocketing and bag snatching, due to the constant flow of people and potential for distraction.
- Isolated or poorly lit streets, especially after dark, in any neighborhood: These areas increase the risk of opportunistic crime such as muggings. Stick to main roads and well-trafficked areas.
Insider tip: Learn a few basic Swahili phrases ('Jambo' for hello, 'Asante' for thank you, 'Pole pole' for slowly/take it easy) – it goes a long way with locals and can sometimes help navigate interactions.
Safety in Dar es Salaam
ModerateSolo Female Travel
Exercise heightened awareness. While many locals are respectful, avoid walking alone at night, especially in less populated areas. Dress modestly to avoid unwanted attention. Use trusted taxi services or rideshares after dark.
At Night
Stick to well-lit, busy areas and reputable establishments. Avoid walking alone. Use pre-arranged taxis or rideshare apps. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in nightlife districts.
Emergency
112
Common Scams to Watch For
- 1The 'broken taxi meter' scam: Driver claims the meter is broken and quotes a high price at the end of the journey.
- 2Distraction theft: Someone bumps into you or creates a diversion while an accomplice steals your belongings.
- 3Overpriced souvenirs/goods: Especially in markets, prices can be inflated for tourists; always negotiate firmly.
Getting Around Dar es Salaam
Transport, connectivity, and costs
✈️
Airport to City
Taxi: ~40,000-60,000 TZS, 45-90 mins depending on traffic. Pre-paid taxis at the airport are recommended for fixed pricing.
🎫
Day Pass
Not applicable for daladalas; taxis are metered or negotiated per trip.
Single: Daladala rides start from ~500-1000 TZS depending on distance. Taxi rides start from ~10,000 TZS.
🚶
Walkability
Car NeededUber, Bolt
📶
WiFi
Good15-30 Mbps in cafes and hotels
Public Transport
Daladalas (minibuses) are the primary public transport for locals, extensive but crowded and confusing for tourists. Taxis are widely available.
Ride-share
Uber and Bolt are available and generally reliable; typical rides within the city range from 10,000 - 30,000 TZS.
Transport Tip
Always agree on the taxi fare *before* starting your journey, or insist on using the meter if available. For longer distances or airport transfers, consider pre-booking a car through your hotel or a reputable company.
WiFi & Remote Work
Free WiFi
Hotels, upscale restaurants, cafes, shopping malls (Mlimani City).
Coworking
Several options emerging, e.g., Innovation Hub Tanzania (daily pass ~20,000-30,000 TZS), some serviced offices offer day rates.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Best months to visit: Jun, Jul, Aug
Hotels & Accommodation in Dar es Salaam
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Who Is Dar es Salaam Best For?
Matched recommendations for different traveller types
Luxury Travelers
Offers exclusive hotels, fine dining, and a serene, safe environment.
Budget Backpackers
Provides the most affordable accommodation and an intense, authentic local experience.
Digital Nomads
Offers a balance of affordability, developing infrastructure, and access to co-working spaces.
Culture Enthusiasts
The vibrant markets and local street life offer an unparalleled immersion into Tanzanian daily culture.
Families
Provides a range of family-friendly hotels, proximity to shopping, and relatively good transport links.
Dar es Salaam on TripAdvisor
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About Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam or Daresalaam (English: , Swahili: [ɗɑr‿ɛs‿sɑˈlɑːm] ; from Arabic: دَار السَّلَام, romanised: Dār as-Salām, lit. 'Abode of Peace') is the largest city and financial hub of Tanzania and the capital of the Dar es Salaam Region. It is located on the Swahili coast.
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Dar es Salaam Guides by Traveller Type
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