Things To Do
in Dar es Salaam

A 10% tip is customary at restaurants if a service charge isn't included; tip small amounts (a few shillings or rounding up) for taxi drivers, porters and guides. For exceptional private guides or drivers, consider 10%–15%.

Cash (Tanzanian shillings) is widely used for markets, street food and small shops; major hotels and mid-to-upscale restaurants accept cards (Visa/Mastercard). Mobile money services such as M-Pesa and Tigo Pesa are very common for local transactions; ATMs are available but can run out, so carry some cash for smaller purchases.

Expect heavy, sometimes prolonged rain in April and May; coastal humidity is high and some roads or island boat services may be disrupted. Bring a waterproof jacket, insect repellent and plan more indoor activities during peak rain.

Cooler, sunnier and more comfortable with lower humidity — ideal for walking, island trips and city sightseeing. Nights can be pleasantly cooler; book outdoor activities and ferries in advance.

Intermittent showers (often short but intense) with hot and humid periods between rains; November can be wet at times. Travel is still generally easy but check forecasts for island transfers.

Hottest and most humid months with lively seaside social life; great for beach time and swimming but take precautions against heat and sun exposure.

A short drive from the city center with forest trails, streams and the chance to see endemic flora and birdlife; good for half-day hikes.

Semi-coastal rainforest offering shaded walking tracks, waterfalls in the rainy season and guided nature walks close to Dar.

A more challenging day or overnight trip (approximately 3–4 hours by road) with ridge hikes, cloud forest and cultural village visits—suitable for multi-day trekking.

Coastal park north of Dar combining beach, forest and wildlife — offers walking safaris and coastal hikes paired with game-viewing (requires longer travel time).

Main international airport serving Dar es Salaam with domestic and regional connections; located ~10–20 km from central Dar with taxi and shuttle options.

Major gateway to Zanzibar — frequent flights from Dar and an alternative route for island connections; ferries also operate from Dar to Stone Town.

Primary airport for northern Tanzania and safari circuits (Arusha/Northern parks) — several-hour drive or a short domestic flight from Dar; useful if combining a beach visit with a Northern Circuit safari.

Regional airport for Mafia Island (a diving destination) reachable by short flight from Dar; good option if planning marine-focused travel.

Indigenous Swahili-speaking people with deep cultural ties to the Indian Ocean coast and traditional coastal customs and cuisine.

People from various Tanzanian ethnic groups (e.g., Sukuma, Chaga and others) who have moved to Dar for work and opportunity, creating a young, mixed urban population.

Longstanding Arab and Indian merchant communities influence cuisine, commerce and religious life in parts of the city.

A visible expat community working in NGOs, diplomacy, business and tourism, concentrated in neighborhoods like Masaki and Oysterbay.

Vegetarian options exist but are not always labeled; rice dishes (pilau), vegetable curries, chapati, and fruit are widely available — ask for no meat/seafood and specify no fish stock.

More limited but possible in larger restaurants and cafes; check for ghee or dairy in curries and request coconut-based preparations instead.

Staples like rice and ugali are gluten free, but watch out for chapati, samosas and fried items that may contain wheat or be cross-contaminated.

Carry an allergy card in Swahili if you have serious allergies; prefer bottled water and busy, reputable vendors to reduce risk of foodborne illness.