Holiday in Dar es Salaam
City in Tanzania — tips, highlights & best time to visit 🇹🇿
Country
Tanzania
Type
City
Best time to travel
June to October — cooler dry season. January/February hot but dry. March-May avoid heavy rainy season.
Budget/day
Getting there from Germany
Direct flight with Condor from Frankfurt to Dar es Salaam (DAR), approximately 9 hours. Also via Addis Ababa or Nairobi.
Deals for Dar es Salaam:
What makes Dar es Salaam special as a destination?
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city and economic heart, is located on the Indian Ocean and serves as the gateway to some of Africa's greatest natural wonders: Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Ngorongoro Crater, and the Spice Island of Zanzibar. The former capital (the government seat has been moved to Dodoma) pulses with East African energy: the Kariakoo Market is an overwhelming hustle and bustle of spices, fabrics, and tropical fruits. The Slipway and Oysterbay beaches offer waterfront restaurants with fresh seafood. The architecture tells of the German and British colonial era — the Askari Memorial and the Lutheran Church date back to the German East Africa period. The National Museum houses the oldest hominid finds in Africa. Dar es Salaam means "Harbor of Peace" in Arabic and combines African, Arab, and Indian influences into a unique urban culture.
What are the top highlights in Dar es Salaam?
The top highlights in Dar es Salaam include Kariakoo Market, Ferry to Zanzibar, Oysterbay Beach, National Museum, Village Museum.
The places you absolutely must not miss.
Kariakoo Market
East Africa's busiest market — spices, fabrics, Kanga cloths, and tropical fruits in overwhelming abundance.
Ferry to Zanzibar
In just 2 hours by fast ferry to the Spice Island — Stone Town, beaches, and spice plantations.
Oysterbay Beach
Popular city beach with restaurants, bars, and the best sunset over the Indian Ocean.
National Museum
Hominid fossils, German colonial history, and contemporary Tanzanian art under one roof.
Village Museum
Open-air museum with 16 traditional houses from various ethnic groups in Tanzania — including dances and crafts.
Hotels in Dar es Salaam
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Reise-SIM für Dar es Salaam
Günstig surfen im Urlaub mit travSIM
Pauschalreisen & Rundreisen
Berge & Meer – 170 Tage Cookie
When is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam?
The best time to visit Dar es Salaam is June to October — cooler dry season. January/February hot but dry. March-May avoid heavy rainy season.. 28-33°C, humid, rainy season March-May In winter: 23-30°C, dry and pleasant
Recommended travel time
June to October — cooler dry season. January/February hot but dry. March-May avoid heavy rainy season.
Summer
28-33°C, humid, rainy season March-May
Winter
23-30°C, dry and pleasant
How much does a holiday in Dar es Salaam cost?
Budget travellers: 20-35 €/day, mid-range: /day, luxury: 100-250 €/day.
Average costs per person per day
Budget
20-35 €
Hostel, Street food, Public transport
Mid-range
Hotel, Restaurant, Excursions
Luxury
100-250 €
Boutique hotel, Fine dining
How do I get from Germany to Dar es Salaam?
Direct flight with Condor from Frankfurt to Dar es Salaam (DAR), approximately 9 hours. Also via Addis Ababa or Nairobi.
Book a package holiday to Dar es Salaam
Compare thousands of package holidays to Dar es Salaam and find the best deals with flight & hotel.
Compare package holidays nowWhat travel tips are there for Dar es Salaam?
Insider knowledge that makes your holiday better.
Zanzibar Ferry: Azam Marine is the most reliable ferry — book Business Class for air conditioning and snacks.
Dalla Dalla: The local minibuses are adventurous and cheap. For comfort, better use Bajaj (Tuk-Tuk) or Uber.
Safari Gateway: Flights to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Selous/Nyerere depart from the small Julius Nyerere Airport.
Dress code: Tanzania is conservative. In the city, cover shoulders and knees, especially in Muslim neighborhoods.
What should you eat in Dar es Salaam?
Typical specialities in Dar es Salaam: Ugali na Nyama — maize porridge with stewed meat — the staple food of Tanzania, eaten daily., Chips Mayai — fries omelette — Tanzania's most popular street food: fries fried in egg, simple and genius., Zanzibar Mix — street food platter with samosas, bhajias, kachori, and spicy chili sauce — Indian-African fusion., Mishkaki — grilled meat skewers with spice marinade — available at every street stand in the evening, served with fries and salad., Vitumbua — sweet coconut rice cakes — fried in ball pans, the perfect breakfast snack..
These specialties you must try!
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