Wildlife Safari 
Explore Destination · Tanzania
Dar Es Salaam
Dar es Salaam guide: the starting point for Nyerere, Mikumi and Ruaha safaris and the Zanzibar ferry, plus what to see with a day in the city.
- CountryTanzania
- Best timeJune to October is the coolest and driest time on the coast
- Trips8 sample trips
- Destinations nearbyZanzibar, Saadani National Park
Dar es Salaam: what to know
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and main port, a hot, humid, busy place on the Indian Ocean. Dodoma is the official capital, but Dar remains the centre of business and the hub for flights. For travellers it is the gateway to the southern safari parks and to Zanzibar.
What to know before you go
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Connections
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) has the widest choice of international flights into Tanzania. From its domestic terminal, light aircraft leave for Nyerere National Park (about 45 minutes), Ruaha, Mikumi and Saadani. Fast ferries to Zanzibar's Stone Town depart several times a day from the city-centre terminal and take about two hours; the flight takes twenty minutes.
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A day in Dar es Salaam
The Kivukoni fish market is at its liveliest at dawn when the dhows unload. The National Museum displays fossils from Olduvai Gorge, and the open-air Village Museum has traditional houses from across the country. Kariakoo is the city's huge general market. For carvings, the Mwenge craft market specialises in Makonde ebony work. If you want to get out of the city, boats from the northern suburbs reach the uninhabited islands of Bongoyo and Mbudya in half an hour for snorkelling and grilled fish on the beach.
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Where to stay
The Msasani Peninsula and Oyster Bay, north of the centre, are the most comfortable areas, with sea-facing hotels and restaurants. Allow plenty of time for airport transfers, as traffic is heavy.
When to visit Dar Es Salaam
June to October is the coolest and driest time on the coast. December to February is hot and humid. The heaviest rain falls from March to May.
Where It Is
Dar Es Salaam and the other places we travel to nearby.
Dar Es Salaam
Trips that include Dar Es Salaam
Sample itineraries. Every trip is private, so we change the days, lodges and pace to suit you.
Wildlife Safari 
Wildlife Safari 7-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi & Ruaha
Dar Es Salaam · Mikumi National Park (2) · Ruaha National Park (3)
Wildlife Safari 10-Day Mkomazi, Usambara Mountains & Saadani Safari
Mkomazi National Park (2) · West Usambara · East Usambara (2) · Saadani National Park (4) · Dar Es Salaam
Luxury Safari 8-Day Fly-In Safari: Nyerere & Ruaha National Parks
Dar Es Salaam (2) · Nyerere National Park (3) · Ruaha National Park (2)
Wildlife Safari 9-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi, Ruaha & Nyerere
Dar Es Salaam (2) · Mikumi National Park (2) · Ruaha National Park (2) · Nyerere National Park (2)
Wildlife Safari 8-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi, Udzungwa & Ruaha
Dar Es Salaam (2) · Mikumi National Park (2) · Udzungwa Mountains · Ruaha National Park (2)
Wildlife Safari 10-Day Southern Tanzania Safari: Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha & Nyerere
Dar Es Salaam (2) · Mikumi National Park (2) · Udzungwa Mountains · Ruaha National Park (2) · Nyerere National Park (2)
Wildlife Safari 8-Day Chimpanzee Safari: Gombe Stream & Mahale Mountains
Dar Es Salaam · Kigoma (2) · Gombe Stream (2) · Mahale Mountains (2)
Plan Your Safari to Dar Es Salaam
Our team in Arusha answers in English, French, German and Spanish.
Questions about Dar Es Salaam
Is Dar es Salaam worth visiting?
For a day, yes. Most travellers pass through on the way to the southern parks or Zanzibar, and the fish market, museums and offshore islands fill a stopover well.
How do I get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?
By fast ferry, which takes about two hours to Stone Town, or by a 20-minute flight.
Which safari parks are closest to Dar es Salaam?
Mikumi National Park is four to five hours by road. Nyerere National Park is about 45 minutes by light aircraft or five to six hours by road. Saadani is about four hours by road.
Shall we plan your trip?
Tell us your dates and what you would like to see. A specialist in Arusha sends a route and a clear proposal within 24 hours.
Plan this trip
