Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and its commercial centre. Its name means house of peace in Arabic, and the city was founded around a natural harbour by the Sultan of Zanzibar in the nineteenth century. Buildings from the German and British periods stand together along a few central streets. The city is also the start of the country's two great travel routes: Zanzibar is about two hours by ferry, and the northern safari parks are reached on domestic flights. On the coast, Coco Beach and Bongoyo Island opposite are the usual day trips.
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See flights to Dar es Salaam →When to visit Dar es Salaam
June to October is dry and cooler and the best time to travel. March to May is the long rainy season and downpours can last for days. Short rains fall in November and December. Temperatures stay between 25C and 32C all year.
Things to do in Dar es Salaam
National Museum of Tanzania
The museum displays casts of hominin finds from the Olduvai Gorge excavations along with the country's colonial era records. Vintage cars and steam locomotives stand in its grounds.
Kariakoo Market
The city's largest market is a three storey concrete hall with street stalls spilling out around it. Its fruit, spice and cloth sections stay busy at every hour of the day.
Bongoyo Island
Reached by boat in about half an hour from the Msasani peninsula, the island is part of a marine reserve. Its beach, shallow reef and shaded paths make it a standard day trip.
St Joseph's Cathedral
Built in the German period at the start of the twentieth century, this Gothic cathedral stands right on the harbour front and its spire is visible from the water. The wooden altar and stained glass inside survive as built.
Kivukoni fish market
At the market on the tip of the harbour the boats unload early in the morning and the auction begins. It is the most direct view of the city's daily relationship with the sea.
Coco Beach
The city beach on the Msasani peninsula is where locals gather at weekends. Food stalls line the shore and it fills up towards sunset.
Flights from Turkey to Dar es Salaam
The flight from Istanbul to Dar es Salaam is about 7 hours 30 minutes on the great circle route, operated by Turkish Airlines. Domestic connections to Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro run from Julius Nyerere Airport, and Zanzibar is also served by ferry from the port.
Dar es Salaam FAQ
How many days do you need in Dar es Salaam?
Two days cover the centre, the museum and the markets. It is usually combined with Zanzibar or a safari route, so the overall trip runs longer than a week.
How far is the airport from the city centre?
Julius Nyerere International Airport is about 12 kilometres from the centre. The taxi ride takes between 30 and 60 minutes depending on traffic.
How do you get to Zanzibar from here?
Fast ferries from the port reach Zanzibar in about two hours. The domestic flight takes around twenty minutes and runs more frequently.
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