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Picture of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Travel Guide for
Dar es Salaam

Tanzania

Tropical, hot and humid, rainy seasons

Introduction

Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, sits along the Indian Ocean, blending vibrant urban life with stunning coastal scenery. Founded in the 19th century, the city has grown into a lively center, rich with Swahili culture, colonial history, markets, and friendly energy.

In mid-November, expect warm, humid weather with occasional showers, perfect for exploring museums, sampling fresh seafood, or strolling along beaches like Coco Beach. For solo travelers on an average budget, Dar offers an exciting mix of affordable local eateries, bustling artisan markets, and lively nightlife, ensuring a memorable and genuine Tanzanian experience.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleSolo

Dates10-17 November 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationHotel

Interests and Activities:

arts and culturefestivals and eventsgastronomynightlife and entertainmentoutdoor adventuressightseeing and toursvolunteering

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Picture of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Key Facts

Location

Coastal Region, Tanzania

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Religion

Christianity, Islam

Population

7,300,000

Language

Swahili, English

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type D & G plugs

Time zone

UTCEAT (UTC+3)

Country code

+255

Internet access

Widely available; 4G mobile, fiber, cybercafes

Climate

Tropical, hot and humid, rainy seasons

See More Tanzania Facts

Language:

Swahili

  • hello

    hujambo (hoo-jam-bo)
  • goodbye

    kwaheri (kwa-heh-ree)
  • yes

    ndiyo (n-dee-yo)
  • no

    hapana (ha-pa-na)
  • how much

    hii ni bei gani? (hee nee bay gah-nee)
  • please

    tafadhali (ta-fa-dha-li)
  • thank you

    asante (ah-san-teh)
  • excuse me

    samahani (sa-ma-ha-ni)

Map

Logistics

Getting to Dar es Salaam is easiest by air; Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) receives direct and connecting flights from major cities in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Once in Tanzania, trains and long-distance buses connect Dar to cities like Arusha, Dodoma, and Mbeya, making overland travel affordable for solo travelers.

Ferries from Zanzibar run multiple times daily and are a scenic, budget-friendly option with a 2-hour crossing. Taxis, dala-dalas (shared minibuses), and ride-hailing apps help you get around the city. November generally marks the start of the short rainy season, but transport services operate normally—just allow extra time for occasional delays due to rain.

Weather

Dar es Salaam has a tropical climate, staying warm and humid year-round. Average temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F), with coastal breezes providing occasional relief. Rainy seasons occur from March to May (long rains) and October to December (short rains), while June to September is drier and comfortable.

Between November 10 and November 17, expect high humidity and occasional showers, as this period falls within the short rains. Rain can be heavy but is usually brief, with sunny intervals to enjoy outdoor activities. Extreme weather like cyclones or severe flooding is rare, so travel plans are seldom disrupted.

Food & Drink

Dar es Salaam’s cuisine blends Swahili, Indian, and Arabic influences. Sample street food like mishkaki (grilled meat skewers), chapati, and fresh seafood or try local favorites such as ugali and coconut curries. Enjoy fresh sugarcane juice or tangawizi (ginger beer) with your meal for a true local experience.

Great places for solo travelers on an average budget include Samaki Samaki for seafood, Mamboz Corner BBQ for grilled treats, and The Slow Leopard for delicious burgers and social vibes. For coffee, head to Épi d’Or or Café Aroma, and for evening drinks, try High Spirit Lounge Bar for stunning city views.

Tipping around 5-10% is appreciated but not mandatory. Vegetarian and vegan options are available at most places. Always check opening hours, as some spots close during religious holidays.

A picture of Ugali

Ugali

Ugali is a staple food in Tanzania, made from maize flour or cassava flour cooked with water to...

A picture of Nyama Choma

Nyama Choma

Nyama Choma is a popular grilled meat dish in Tanzania, featuring marinated chunks of meat (often goat or...

A picture of Mishkaki

Mishkaki

Mishkaki consists of skewered and grilled chunks of marinated meat (commonly beef or chicken), typically seasoned with a...

A picture of Mchuzi wa Samaki

Mchuzi wa Samaki

Mchuzi wa Samaki is a traditional Tanzanian fish curry, featuring a flavorful tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices....

A picture of Pilau

Pilau

Pilau is a fragrant and aromatic rice dish cooked with a blend of spices, including cinnamon, cumin, and...

Accommodation

For solo travelers on an average budget, the city center, Oyster Bay, and Msasani Peninsula are great neighborhoods, offering convenient access to attractions and vibrant nightlife. Popular mid-range hotels include Sea Cliff Hotel, Ramada Encore, and Hyatt Regency; all provide comfort, security, and excellent amenities for solo guests.

Booking.com, Agoda, and Expedia are reliable websites for hotel reservations in Dar es Salaam. While hostels exist, hotels offer more privacy and better services for solo stays. November falls in the short rainy season, so book early for the best rates and check for cancellation policies in case of weather-related changes to your plans.

Itinerary

Get acquainted with Dar es Salaam’s vibrant cityscape, experiencing its welcoming spirit and diverse neighborhoods as you settle in for your adventures ahead.

Stroll Through Kariakoo Market

Dive into Dar es Salaam’s daily life by wandering Kariakoo Market, the city’s bustling shopping hub. Explore stalls filled with fresh produce, local crafts, and textiles, and soak up the energy as you interact with friendly Tanzanian vendors.

Coffee Break at Akemi Revolving Restaurant

Relax and orient yourself over a coffee at the Akemi Revolving Restaurant, which offers a unique 360-degree panoramic view of Dar’s skyline. It’s a perfect spot to get your bearings and begin city exploration.

Explore the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market

Marvel at Tanzanian artistry at the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market. Browse handcrafted wooden sculptures and have a chat with artisans about their techniques—a great introduction to local creativity and a chance to buy souvenirs.

Dar es salaam Reality Tour

Dar es salaam Reality Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

You will experience the real life of locals and their difference compare to middle income peoples and higher income earners.

4.2 (17 reviews)

From $51 USD

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Experiences

Culture Week in Tanzania
animals

Culture Week in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$495/week

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English Teaching in Tanzania
teaching

English Teaching in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$370/week

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Environmental Conservation in Tanzania
volunteering

Environmental Conservation in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$370/week

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Maasai Tribal Immersion in Tanzania
volunteering

Maasai Tribal Immersion in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$430/week

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Empowering Village Women in Tanzania
volunteering

Empowering Village Women in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$370/week

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Medical Experience in Tanzania
learning

Medical Experience in Tanzania

Minimum 1 week

Tanzania

$615/week

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Attractions

4.9 (13 reviews)
3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi National Park from Dar es salaam road trip

3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi National Park from Dar es salaam road trip

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Welcome to Mikumi national parks rich in wildlife like buffalo, elephant, lions, wildebeests, Masai giraffe, hippos, impalas, crocodiles, There are also, zebras and wart hogs. Most of the animals can be seen at all seasons, drive from Dar es salaam to Mikumi national park is about 5 hours driving, this will be a camping safari with tents, during the night you will hear lots of animals, including hyena, sometimes even a lion, also itinerary can be customized depending on your needs and budget,

From $820 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Trip to the old City of Bagamoyo

Trip to the old City of Bagamoyo

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Trip to Bagamoyo it’s an unique way for a guest to get to know the history and culture of Bagamoyo, but also the guest will be able to see the first church to be built in East Africa. The old Germany Boma that was used by Germany leaders, the hanging place where most of the Africans were hanged during colonial time, the ruins of Kaile which stands to date since 13th century. Also this trip is unique due to the fact that guests will be able to interact with the local and lien the original culture of the people of Bagamoyo. Guest will also be able to see the first point to which the missionaries passed as they were establishing the Christianity in East Africa. We will also have a chance to visit the crocodiles ranch.

From $107 USD

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4.9 (62 reviews)
2 nights 3 days safari to mikumi national park

2 nights 3 days safari to mikumi national park

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

3 Days 2 Nights Mikumi National Park Safari is a perfect gateway Safari from Dar es Salam, for travelers who have limited days and budget in Tanzania.Experience the safari adventure thrill. Mikumi is accessible throughout the year. The landscape of Mikumi provides a serene wildlife experience Commonly seen animals are Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Antelope, Wildebeest, Eland, Crocodile, Hippo, Baboon. If you are lucky, won’t miss to see Lion & very lucky to see a Leopard. Over 300 spices of birds are seen are saddle bill stork, hammer kop, malachite kingfisher, lilac breasted roller, yellow throated long claw, battler eagle among others Main attraction in Mikumi: game drive and visit to the Hippo Pool, where you can watch hippos wallowing and snorting at close range

From $600 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Mikumi national park full day tour

Mikumi national park full day tour

INSTANT

The tour is preferred before or after visiting the beaches in Dar es salam and Zanzibar. its the best way to spend a day away from the bustle and hustle of the city.

From $400 USD

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5.0 (13 reviews)
5 Days Selous/Nyerere & Mikumi NP Game drive, Maasai and Walking

5 Days Selous/Nyerere & Mikumi NP Game drive, Maasai and Walking

INSTANT

Safari in Mikumi, Selous and Udzungwa is probably the only classic Safari to Southern Circuit of Tanzania and we offer you the best of it. Starting and ending at Dar es Salaam this safari takes you to the Greater Selous Ecosystem and gives you the rare chance to experience real African Wilderness in the few untouched areas of Tanzania

From $9872 USD

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4.9 (66 reviews)
3 Days Private Mikumi National Park Wildlife Encounter Safari Tour

3 Days Private Mikumi National Park Wildlife Encounter Safari Tour

INSTANT

Destination Overview Mikumi National Park Mikumi National Park lies alongside the Northern border of Africa's biggest Game Reserve - the Selous Game Reserve– forming a unique ecosystem. The open horizons and abundant wildlife of the Mkata Floodplain, the fashionable centrepiece of Mikumi, draw frequent comparisons to the more famous Serengeti Plains. More than 400 bird species were recorded, the lilac-breasted rollers, yellow-throated longclaws and bateleur eagles joined by a host of European migrants during the rainy season.

From $1035 USD

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FAQ

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