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Dar es Salaam

About Dar es Salam

Dar es Salaam Tanzania is the largest city and commercial centre in Tanzania, the place is a combination of urban liveliness and cultural richness. The place is no longer the capital of Tanzania but still plays an important role in countries economic, cultural, and transportation aspects. Dar es Salaam Tanzania is an important port city located on the Indian Ocean, it handles most of the country's imports and exports. Dar es Salaam is connected to other key areas of the world through the Julius Nyerere International Airport. The ease of travelling has increased with the coming of the Dar Rapid Transit (DART) system which showcases the city. The diverse population of the city brings in a mix of Swahili, Indian, Arabic, and European influences, which is quite noticeable in the city’s cuisine, architecture, and festivals. Some of the notable Dar es Salaam tourist attractions are Kariakoo Market, National Museum of Tanzania, Coco Beach and Mwenge Woodcarvers Market. The city also has some of the most beautiful natural attractions such as Coco Beach and Bongoyo Island which are perfect for snorkelling and other water activities. The city is also home to a few wildlife attractions such as Selous Game Reserve and Mikumi National Park.

Why Choose Dar es Salaam Over Other African Cities

Dar es Salaam is one of the African cities that seems to embrace a lot of culture and is packed with life to explore natural sceneries and historical sightseeing either in the city or in the surroundings. The country is strategically located along the Indian Ocean; thus, the country boasts of well-endowed beautiful beaches including Coco Beach, and quiet islands like Bongoyo and Mbudya. Unlike most other cities in the world, Dar es Salaam lies at a unique position where one can fully engage in city life with the flexibility of trips to quiet and calm areas.

The city also serves as a starting point to some of Tanzania’s greatest wildlife viewing points such as Mikumi National Park and the Selous Game Reserve. This means that it contains a blend of different people a rationale evident in one’s food, building and festival styles which give it a richer experience than other African urban centres. Sustainable transportation systems like the Dar Rapid Transit (DART) system and Julius Nyerere International Airport enhance mobility and access to explore the city. Dar es Salaam is a perfect combination of business and tourism due to its modern facilities, impressive cultural attractions, and access to natural sights.

Highlights of Dar es Salaam

Coco Beach

Coco Beach

The mbudya island is known for its sandy shores which you can enjoy sunbathing. The island provides you with crystal clear water for swimming and Snorkeling the explore the rich marine life. The place is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city as it is less crowded than most of the islands.
Bongoyo Island

Bongoyo Island

Bongoyo Island is part of Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, the place is just a short boat ride away from the mainland. The place is known for its clean white sand beaches, providing you with Snorkeling opportunities to explore colourful coral reefs.
Mbudya Island

Mbudya Island

The mbudya island is known for its sandy shores which you can enjoy sunbathing. The island provides you with crystal clear water for swimming and Snorkeling the explore the rich marine life. The place is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city as it is less crowded than most of the islands.
National Museum of Tanzania

National Museum of Tanzania

The National Museum of Tanzania which is situated near the city center provides you with deep insights into the history of Tanzania. The museum has remains of Fossils of early humans which were found at Olduvai Gorge which also consists of fossils by Louis and Mary Leakey. The place also has traditional arts and crafts.
Askari Monument

Askari Monument

The Askari monument is situated at Samora Avnuene roundabout, it is a bronze statue which was made to honour the African soldiers (askaris) who fought in World War I as part of the colonial forces of the British. The monument depicts the contributions and sacrifices of African soldiers during the world war
Botanical Gardens

Botanical Gardens

The botanical gardens are situated in the heart of the city, the place is home to various indigenous and exotic plant species. The gardens are widely known for their Beautifully landscaped grounds and Rare plant species such as jacarandas and tropical palms. The place acts as an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Pugu Hills Nature Reserve

Pugu Hills Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is located 20 km away from the city, it provides you with a peaceful and natural environment where you can go hiking and birdwatching. the place is known for its rich forests and diverse wildlife. The Pugu Hills reserves offer you an opportunity to go on hiking trails with a splendid view of the surrounding landscape
Nafasi Art Space

Nafasi Art Space

Nafasi art space one of the main creative centres in the city, it supports modern Tanzanian art. The place holds various art exhibitions which feature paintings, sculptures, and multimedia works by local artists. The places also sometimes hold different film screenings, Live performances and many cultural events to embrace modern times' creativity.
Tanzania Village Museum

Tanzania Village Museum

It is an open-air museum which showcases Tanzania’s rich cultural history. The highlights of the place are reconstructed huts and farmhouses from tribes, a live display of traditional crafts & cooking, and there are also regular performances of traditional music and dance
Azania Front Lutheran Church

Azania Front Lutheran Church

The Lutheran church was built in the year 1898 during the colonial rule of Germany. The place has a peaceful interior for meditation with red-tiled roofs and whitewashed walls. The place is a fine example of colonial-era architecture.

Favorite Tanzania Trips

3 Days / 2 Nights Tarangire / Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater
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3 Days / 2 Nights Tarangire / Lake Manyara / Ngorongoro Crater

$10.00
12
Explore
4 Days / 3 Nights Lake Manyara / Serengeti / Olduvai / Ngorongoro
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4 Days / 3 Nights Lake Manyara / Serengeti / Olduvai / Ngorongoro

$10.00
3 days12
Explore
9 Days / 8 Nights Selous / Ruaha / Mikumi
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9 Days / 8 Nights Selous / Ruaha / Mikumi

$6.00
12
Explore
6 Days / 5 Nights Lake Manyara / Serengeti / Ngorongoro / Tarangire
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2

6 Days / 5 Nights Lake Manyara / Serengeti / Ngorongoro / Tarangire

$5.00
12
Explore
5 Days / 4 Nights Manyara / Serengeti / Ngorongoro
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3

5 Days / 4 Nights Manyara / Serengeti / Ngorongoro

$4.00
4 days12
Explore
5 Days / 4 Nights Standard Camping Safari (Selous)
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5 Days / 4 Nights Standard Camping Safari (Selous)

12
Explore
3 Days / 2 Nights Southern Tanzania Safari
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3 Days / 2 Nights Southern Tanzania Safari

12
Explore

When should you travel to Dar es Salam?

Dar es Salaam remains a place that will interest anyone with tastes that range from the traditional to the modern. From beaches to history and wildlife, the city has something to offer that gives one the experience of Dar es Salaam Tanzania in its natural form. Its huge cultural and ethnic background gives the feel of different cuisines and artistic works every time one decides to visit again.

Best Overall Time: Dry Season (June to October)

The dry season is considered the best in Dar es Salaam Tanzania weather with low humidity levels and lower chances of rain. The temperature around this time usually ranges between 29–31°C

High season: December to March

They are usually the busiest season as the Dar es Salaam weather during this time is great for marine activities and for relaxing at the beach

Worst time: During the rains (March to May)

During this time, there is heavy rainfall which can disturb your travel plans and outdoor activities are also interrupted

Low season: During the November

The weather in Dar es Salaam is pleasant during this time, with short spells of rain and lush landscapes with less crowd. this time is ideal for budget travellers.

LOW SEASON

From the end of March to early June, the crowds are gone during this period and it is considered to be the low season

Contact Us

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    Noemi Casado, Spain

    From the moment we booked our safari with Reality Tours, the service was impeccable. The staff were incredibly responsive, answering all our questions and ensuring we were prepared for our adventure in Tanzania. Our guide was not only knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecosystems but also had an infectious enthusiasm that made each day more exciting than the last. The accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious and thoughtfully prepared. This trip was a perfect vacation for us.

    Suzanne Richard, England

    I can’t thank Reality Tours enough for the incredible adventure in Tanzania, everything was perfectly organized. It was our first safari, but it definitely won’t be our last! The attention to detail, the friendly guides, and the breathtaking views made for an unforgettable journey.

    Nathan Burke, USA

    Reality Tours delivered an exceptional safari experience! Our family had an amazing time on our safari with Reality Tours. The kids loved learning about the animals, and the staff went out of their way to accommodate our needs. A truly special family vacation we’ll always cherish.

    Jennifer Riley, USA

    Our family had an incredible time with Reality Tours Tanzania! It was our first time in Africa, and we couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the continent’s beauty. Our guide was patient with our kids, answering their endless questions about the animals and landscapes we encountered. The visit to Tarangire National Park was a highlight for us, with its diverse wildlife and stunning baobab trees. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!

    John Mathew, USA

    I had an amazing experience with Reality Tours Tanzania! Our safari guide was incredibly knowledgeable about the wildlife and ecosystems, making the whole trip educational as well as exciting. Seeing the Serengeti at sunrise was truly breathtaking, and I’ll never forget the moment we spotted a pride of lions resting in the shade. I highly recommend this tour company for an unforgettable adventure!

    FAQ's

    Dar es Salaam is a coastal city which is located along the Indian Ocean. It is the largest city in the country and acts as a major commercial and cultural hub.

    The local currency of the city is  Tanzanian Shilling (TZS).US dollars are also accepted widely in the region by hotels, restaurants and travel agencies in Dar es Salaam but smaller establishments usually prefer shillings.

    The languages spoken by people in the region are  Swahili and English.

    Dar es Salaam is usually  safe for people travelling there, but certain routine  precautions should be taken:

    •  You should Avoid displaying any kind of valuables in public.
    • You should use only creditable transportation services.
    • Make sure that you Stay in a well-lit and populated area, particularly during the nighttime.
    • Be careful  in crowded places such as markets to avoid pickpocketing

    Dar es Salaam travel includes public transportation options such as dala-dalas, which are public buses, and the Dar Rapid Transit (DART) system, a BRT network. Taxi-hailed private cars and transport apps like Uber and Bolt are also available. For exploring nearby islands, ferries and boats are accessible.

    Tourists in Dar es Salaam can enjoy Swahili, Indian, and European cuisines. Popular dishes include biryani, mishkaki, and seafood. Street delicacies such as samosas and roasted corn are must-tries for food lovers exploring Dar es Salaam tourist attractions.

    Yes, shopping in Dar es Salaam is diverse. Highlights include the bustling Kariakoo Business Section, Mlimani City – a premier shopping mall, and Mwenge Woodcarvers Market, which specializes in souvenirs and handcrafted wooden products.

    Modern healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics, are available in Dar es Salaam.

    Wildlife is limited within the city, but nearby attractions like Mikumi National Park and Selous Game Reserve offer the opportunity to see lions, elephants, zebras, and more. These parks are highlights of any Dar es Salaam travel guide.

    Visitors can experience vibrant cultural events such as the Swahili Festival (Sauti za Busara) and traditional dance performances. These events enrich the experience of Dar es Salaam tourist attractions, showcasing the local culture and creativity.

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