Dar es Salaam

Travel Notes Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city and former capital, is a bustling, multicultural metropolis. From lively markets and colourful street life to beaches and historic landmarks, there’s something for everyone here. The city is hot, humid, and often gridlocked with traffic — so patience is needed. The best way to get around? Hop on a tuk-tuk and enjoy the ride.

Covered on this page:

  1. Things to do in Dar es Salaam
  2. Restaurant tips
  3. To: Bagamoyo

Things to do in Dar es Salaam

  • City walk or bike tour – Explore with a local guide or join a bike tour with Afri Roots. Highlights include St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the White Fathers’ Mission House, the Botanical Gardens, and the old State House. Dar is also the birthplace of Tinga Tinga art, a playful style created in the 1960s by Edward Saidi Tingatinga. Artworks and fine fabrics make great souvenirs.

  • The Slipway & Oyster Bay – Shop for crafts, enjoy waterfront dining, or catch live music in this breezy, Swahili-inspired part of town.

  • Pugu Forest Reserve – Just 20 km southwest of the city. Hike through one of the world’s oldest coastal forests, home to endemic plants, 80+ bird species, and colobus monkeys. The viewpoint offers sweeping views of Dar.

  • Bongoyo & Mbudya Islands – A 30-minute boat ride from the city takes you to these islands, perfect for a relaxing beach day. Swim, snorkel, and enjoy grilled seafood under shady bandas. Less crowded than Zanzibar, but just as idyllic. Boats depart from The Slipway and Kibo Beach.

Restaurant tips

Dar offers endless dining options, from Swahili dishes to international flavours. Some favourites:

  • Upmarket/Continental (Oyster Bay, Masaki, Mikocheni):

    • Karambezi Café (Masaki, Sea Cliff Hotel)

    • Cape Town Fish Market (Masaki)

    • The Waterfront (Masaki)

    • SkyBar (Onomo Hotel, Masaki)

  • Ethiopian:

    • Addis in Dar – Famous for injera, tibs, vegetarian dishes, and Ethiopian coffee.

  • Italian:

    • Zuane – Known for authentic thin-crust pizza.

  • Swahili cuisine:

    • Kivukoni Restaurant (Hyatt Regency)

    • Swahili Restaurant (city centre)

    • Golden Fork Restaurant

To: Bagamoyo

Distance & time

  • 70 km | 3 hrs

Route

  • From Dar es Salaam, head north on Bagamoyo Road.

Practical notes

  • Travel time depends heavily on traffic.
  • Dar is very congested — it’s usually slower driving into the city than out of it.
  • Avoid rush hour whenever possible.
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