Dar es Salaam grew from a fishing village into a busy Indian Ocean port and Tanzania's commercial capital. It is a transit hub for Zanzibar and the safari parks, with a compact centre, sprawling markets and beaches to the north and south.
The National Museum and the open-air Village Museum cover Tanzanian history and traditional architecture, within a walkable central grid.
Kariakoo is the largest and busiest market, dense and chaotic; the fish market on the harbour is best early in the morning.
Coco Beach in the city, the northern beaches around Kunduchi and Bahari, and short boat trips to Bongoyo Island for snorkelling.
Tanzania requires a visa for most visitors, available online or on arrival, and proof of yellow fever vaccination if arriving from a risk country. Check current travel advice, use registered taxis or ride apps, and take normal precautions with valuables in crowds.
A day or two covers the museums, a market and a beach before the ferry to Zanzibar or a flight to the parks.
Fast ferries to Zanzibar leave from the harbour in the city centre; book ahead in peak season and arrive early.
It is hot and humid year round and traffic is heavy. Start early, and keep afternoons loose.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most nationalities do. An e-visa in advance is the smoothest option; visas on arrival are also issued at the airport.
Is Dar es Salaam safe?
It is generally calm but petty crime happens in crowds and after dark. Use registered taxis or apps and keep valuables out of sight.
How do I get to Zanzibar?
Fast passenger ferries run several times a day from the city-centre terminal, taking about two hours. Domestic flights are quicker.
When is the best time to visit?
The drier, cooler months from June to October. The long rains fall around March to May.
Dar es Salaam, whose name means haven of peace, was developed as a port by the Sultan of Zanzibar in the 1860s and later served as the capital of German and then British East Africa.
It remains Tanzania's largest city and economic centre, though Dodoma is the official capital. The city is the main gateway for Zanzibar and the northern safari parks.
This page is an independent guide for visitors, covering any government and tourism body.
