Dar es Salaam

RegionTanzania, Africa

Dar es Salaam is a STATE in Tanzania, Africa.

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's bustling coastal metropolis, is a vibrant blend of Swahili culture, colonial history, and modern urban energy. Known as the 'Haven of Peace,' this city offers a unique mix of stunning beaches, lively markets, and cultural landmarks. Explore the National Museum to uncover Tanzania's rich history, or stroll through the Kariakoo Market for a sensory overload of spices, fabrics, and local crafts. The city's waterfront is a highlight, with the Askari Monument and Azania Front Lutheran Church offering glimpses into its colonial past. For nature lovers, a short ferry ride to Bongoyo Island provides pristine beaches and snorkeling opportunities. Dar es Salaam is also a gateway to Tanzania's legendary national parks, making it a perfect starting point for safari adventures.

Best time to visit Dar es Salaam

June to October (dry season) for pleasant weather and fewer mosquitoes, or December to February for warm beach days.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Warm 23-30°C, dry

Travel notes

Crowds
Medium
Prices
Moderate

Good time, transition to short rains

Know before you go

Getting there

DAR

Julius Nyerere International Airport

International

12 km away

ZNZ

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Zanzibar)

International

80 km away

Getting around

"Dala-dalas (minibuses) are the most common and affordable way to get around, though they can be crowded. Taxis are widely available but negotiate fares in advance. For a more comfortable ride, use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt. Walking is feasible in central areas but be cautious of traffic."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

25 Mbps

Mobile data

Good

WiFi

Widely available in hotels and cafes

Local SIM

Local SIM available at airport from $5

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scam risk low but beware of unofficial currency changers.

Night safety

7/10

Scam risk low but beware of unofficial currency changers.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas. Keep valuables secure and be cautious of pickpockets in crowded places. Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps for safer transportation."

Entry and health

Health information

"Malaria is prevalent, so take prophylactics and use mosquito repellent. Drink bottled or boiled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers medical evacuation."

Culture

Local customs

"Greetings are important in Tanzanian culture—always say 'Jambo' (hello) or 'Habari' (how are you) before starting a conversation. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 5-10% in restaurants is customary."
SwahiliEnglish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$5 | a cheap local meal costs around $5

Hotels

$40-80 | budget hotels range $40-80/night

Local transport

$1 | local bus ride ~$1

Cost notes

Mid-range hotels $80-150/night; luxury options $200+.

Timezone

Africa/Dar_es_Salaam +03:00 (EAT)

More facts

Population

6,400,000

Area

1,393 km²

Type

Region

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: דאר א-סלאם, दार अस सलाम, Dar es-Salam, ดาร์-เอส-ซาลาม, 达累斯萨拉姆区, দারুস সালাম, Dar-əs-Salam, დარ-ეს-სალამის ოლქი, דאר עס סאלאאם, Dar es-Salaam, Дар-әс-Сәләм, Νταρ ες Σαλάμ, TanzaniaDarEsSalaamGola, Дар-эс-Салам, TZ-02, Dárasalám, Daresalamo, Daressalaam, Dar es-Salamas, Dár es Salám, 達累斯薩拉姆区, Դար-էս-Սալամ, Darussalam, Dar Es Salam, ཏ་རེ་སི་ས་ལམ།, داراسلام, استان دارالسلام, 다르에스살람, தாருசலாம், 다르에스살람주, Вилояти Доруссалом, Dár es-Salám, Дар ес-Салам, 達累斯薩拉姆, Dar es Salam, Dar es Salaam, Dar-es-Salaam, Daressalam, ദാർ എസ് സലാം, دارالسلام علاقہ, ਦਾਰ ਅਸ ਸਲਾਮ, 达累斯萨拉姆, Dāresalāma, ဒါအက်စ် ဆယ်လန်းမြို့, Дар ес-Салаам, دار السلام, Dar es Salamas, ダルエスサラーム州, Περιφέρεια Νταρ ες Σαλαάμ, दार एस सलाम, Дар-ес-Салам, Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí Kin Haalʼá, დარ-ეს-სალამი, ダルエスサラーム, Darüsselam, Mzizima, Dorussalom, ዳር ኤስ ሳላም, ದಾರ್ ಅಸ್ ಸಲಾಮ್, دارالسلام, Дар ес Салам, دارېسسالام, إقليم دار السلام, DAR, Dar Es Salaam, Dar as-Salom, Dar es Salams, Dar es Salám, Dar əs Salam, Dar-ehs-Salam, Dar-ehs-Salam shaary, Dar-es-Salam, Darasalam, Daresalama, Daruesselam, Dār es Salām, Ntar es Salam, Ntontoma, da lei si sa la mu, daleueseusallam, dar alslam, dar-es-salami, dar-xes-salam, dara asa salama, dara esa salama, daralslam, dari ʿisi salaም, daruesusaramu, san lan gang, tarus'salam, Ντοντόμα, Дар ас-Салом, Дар-эс-Салам шаары, দার এস সালাম, தாருஸ்ஸலாம், ዳር ኢስ ሳላም, 三蘭港

Capital CityMajor HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingCulturalFoodie