Why stop in Dar es Salaam on your way to Zanzibar or Tanzanian safaris?

If you can find a good flight to Dar es Salaam and have time to stay for 1 day, we definitely recommend a stopover. Dar es Salaam is the safest city in East Africa, so you have a unique opportunity to discover what such African cities look like.

The 10 best hotels in Dar es Salaam

Visit the local market

I love local markets, and in that respect Dar es Salaam totally satisfied me - despite the fact that there are only two really big and interesting markets.

• Ferry Fish Market - The authentic biggest fish market with just a nice view of the harbour and the sea
• Kariakoo Market - a huge district full of endless markets with a variety of goods

Ideally don't take any valuables to the market except your phone for photos and videos.

The locations are not downright dangerous (even the wealthier locals frequent them), but they are extremely crowded, making it easier for pickpockets.

Taste the local street-food

Although Tanzanian street food isn't very diverse, it's cheap and it's everywhere! Especially in Dar es Salaam.

It is here that you will have your first opportunity to come into contact with Swahili cuisine.

Stalls with grilled chicken, local pastries, cashew nuts or fruit are literally everywhere.

Regular prices for grilled chicken with chips and salad are around 6 000 tzs. I didn't get sick of street food anywhere in Tanzania.

Beaches and swimming

While Dar es Salaam is certainly not Tanzania's primary beach destination (that's clearly the island of Zanzibar), you can still enjoy the tranquility of the sea here.

Is it worth visiting the beaches in Dar es Salaam?

If you're heading straight inland from Dar es Salaam for a safari or Kilimanjaro and not stopping off in Zanzibar, then it makes sense to extend your stay in Dar by at least 1 day.

You will find several beach locations here:

• Coco Beach - the main public beach, often quite dirty and covered in seaweed.
• Bongoyo Island - a small island north of the centre ideal for a day trip, with the possibility of a regular ferry (only when 4 people are full) or organised excursions
• Sinda Island - a small island south of the centre ideal for a full day stay, currently only available for organised trips
• South Coast (Kijiji, Kipepeo and others) - a strip of nice beaches in the southern part of Dar es Salaam, but most of them are reserved for hotel guests only and are difficult to access for the general public

Book a boat trip to getyourguide

Statues on the roundabouts in the centre

Take a stroll through the centre of Dar es Salaam for some unusual entertainment.

Many of the roundabouts have quirky statues of local life - you'll find statues of fishermen, coconuts and sharks, for example.

These statues are found only in the narrowest centre of practically every roundabout.