Discover Dar es Salaam, the fascinating city in Tanzania that offers an ideal gateway for adventurers seeking safaris and treks in Africa. With its heavenly beaches, wildlife-rich national parks and vibrant culture, Dar es Salaam is a must-see destination for nature and adventure lovers.
With Off the Beaten Track Tanzania, we introduce you to Dar es Salaam’s many tourist attractions, unmissable safaris from the city, hiking trails to explore and invaluable practical advice on how to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a keen hiker or simply looking for cultural discoveries, Dar es Salaam has plenty to offer.
Get ready to plunge into the heart of this unique destination and let yourself be seduced by the diversity of its landscapes, its cultural richness and the countless adventures that await you. Follow us as we immerse you in Dar es Salaam, where African authenticity blends harmoniously with modernity.
Dar es Salaam, literally “the port of peace” in Arabic, is Tanzania’s largest city and economic capital. Situated on the east coast of Africa, this port city offers a multitude of opportunities for travellers in search of adventure and discovery.
A major tourist attraction in East Africa, Dar es Salaam is an ideal base from which to explore Tanzania’s natural wealth. Whether you’re keen on safaris, mountain trekking or Swahili culture, this dynamic city will satisfy all your desires.
Dar es Salaam enjoys a strategic geographical location for lovers of safaris and treks in Africa. The town is close to several renowned national parks, including Serengeti National Park, Mikumi National Park and Selous National Park.
By choosing Dar es Salaam as your base, you can enjoy the perfect combination of exploring the city and discovering Tanzania’s natural wonders. What’s more, Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport serves many national and international destinations, making your arrival and departure a breeze.
As well as safaris and treks, Dar es Salaam also offers you a chance to immerse yourself in Swahili culture, with its colonial architecture, bustling markets and traditional festivals. You’ll be able to enjoy an authentic experience, discovering the local way of life and soaking up Tanzanian warmth and hospitality.
Get ready to explore this enchanting destination and marvel at the diversity of its landscapes, the beauty of its wildlife and the richness of its culture. Dar es Salaam awaits you for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of East Africa.
The main sites to visit in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam is brimming with sights that are sure to capture the attention of travellers. Whether you’re interested in history, nature or relaxing on heavenly beaches, the city has something for everyone.
Dar es Salaam’s beaches are renowned for their natural beauty and fine sand. Among the most popular is Kunduchi Beach, where you can soak up the sun and enjoy a range of water sports including diving, surfing and sailing.
Coco Beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many nearby seafood restaurants. Diving enthusiasts will be delighted by the crystal-clear waters of Mbudya Island Marine Reserve, where the marine biodiversity is breathtaking.
For lovers of history and culture, Dar es Salaam is full of fascinating museums to visit. The National Museum and House of Culture boasts an impressive collection of historical and ethnographic artefacts tracing the history of Tanzania.
The Village Museum is another interesting site, offering a glimpse of Tanzania’s different cultures and traditions through reconstructed traditional houses and local craftsmen demonstrating their work. Don’t miss the historic monuments such as St Joseph’s Cathedral, built in the 19th century, or the old government building dating back to colonial times.
Dar es Salaam is an ideal base from which to discover Tanzania’s famous wildlife. Numerous national parks and reserves are within easy reach of the city, offering travellers an unforgettable experience in the heart of African nature.
The Serengeti National Park is one of Tanzania’s top safari attractions. From Dar Es Salam, however, you’ll need to take a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro airport or the Serengeti airstrip. The Serengeti is famous for its vast plains, where the great wildebeest and zebra migration takes place. You can also discover Mikumi National Park, home to a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants and giraffes.
Selous National Park is another jewel in the region, famous for its population of elephants, lions and black rhinos. Katavi National Park, meanwhile, offers visitors a wilder, more secluded experience, with abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery.
On your safari from Dar es Salaam, you’ll have the chance to see some of Africa’s most iconic wildlife up close. The Serengeti National Park is famous for its lions, leopards, elephants and buffalo. You can also admire majestic giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and a multitude of bird species.
Mikumi National Park is famous for its populations of lions, leopards and cheetahs. You can also spot herds of elephant, zebra, giraffe and buffalo in the heart of this spectacular park.
Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or a keen wildlife photographer, safaris from Dar es Salaam offer unforgettable encounters with East Africa’s iconic animals. Prepare to be amazed by the beauty and diversity of Tanzania’s wildlife.
Introduction to the mountains and hiking trails near the city
If you’re a keen hiker and trekker, Dar es Salaam also offers plenty of opportunities for mountain exploration. Several mountain ranges surround the city, offering varied trails and breathtaking scenery.
Mount Meru is one of the main trekking destinations from Dar es Salaam. Located in the Arusha National Park, it offers hikers an unforgettable experience with panoramic views over the plains of Tanzania and the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Uluguru, meanwhile, is around 60 kilometres from Dar es Salaam and is an excellent option for a day’s hiking in the great outdoors. You can admire the lush flora of the Pugu Forest Reserve and the picturesque waterfalls along the way.
Trekking in these mountains will allow you to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the heart of Tanzanian nature. You may encounter monkeys, exotic birds and other wildlife along the way.
Preparations for a successful trek
Before setting off on your trek from Dar es Salaam, it’s important to prepare properly to ensure a safe journey and to get the most out of the experience. Make sure you have the right trekking equipment, including trekking boots, a comfortable rucksack, a first-aid kit and enough water and energy food.
It is also advisable to find out about the weather conditions and any permits required before setting off on your trek. Some areas may require a local guide for safety and environmental reasons.
Get ready for a memorable trekking adventure from Dar es Salaam, discovering spectacular scenery and reconnecting with nature. Whether you choose a day hike or a longer expedition, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and lasting memories.
The weather in Dar es Salaam is generally warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures averaging between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius. The months of June to October are considered the dry season, with less rainfall and more pleasant temperatures for exploring the city and its surroundings. The rainy season runs from November to May, with more frequent showers and high humidity.
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s port of peace, offers an experience rich in adventure and discovery. From heavenly beaches and spectacular safaris to mountain treks and rich Swahili culture, this cosmopolitan city is full of wonders to explore. Starting your journey from Dar es Salaam, you have the chance to discover Tanzania’s natural gems while soaking up local life and enjoying Tanzanian hospitality. Prepare to experience unforgettable moments, encounter majestic wildlife and discover a vibrant culture. Whether you’re a nature lover, a culture buff or an adventurer at heart, Dar es Salaam will welcome you with open arms, ready to offer you an authentic East African experience.
It was in 1862 that the Sultan of Zanzibar decided to found Dar Es Salaam on the village of Mzizima.
The town boasts a rich diversity of architecture, and as you stroll from one street to the next, you’ll see buildings that reflect the Swahili past as well as those with a modern, designer look.
The city was under German rule until the First World War, just before the British army took over.
It was after the Second World War that the city began to modernise, with a period of rapid growth.
In 1867 there were around 3,500 inhabitants; today, according to estimates, the city has more than 5 million inhabitants.
Dar Es Salaam was the capital of Tanzania until 2005.
Several rivers cross the city:
Dar Es Salaam has a tropical climate, due to its proximity to the equator.
The dry season is from June to October and the rainy season is between November and February.
The average temperature in the city is 23°C.
With a storage capacity of 4.1 million tonnes of goods, the port of Dar Es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest port.
It is around 2 kilometres long and can accommodate 11 deep-water berths.
95% of Tanzania’s international trade passes through the port of Dar Es Salaam. Its strategic location means that it can serve ports in the Middle East and Australia, as well as the United States and Europe.
If you’re looking for a breath of fresh air from the city’s bustling population, escape to the nearby beaches. These are easily accessible by boat, so make the most of these peaceful havens where you can sip a cocktail in the bars and restaurants.
Relax on the beach in a hammock under the trees.
Just 30 minutes by boat from Dar Es Salaam, you can reach the uninhabited islands of Bongoyo and Mbudya.
If you want to go on safari, we recommend Saadani and Mikumi national parks, which are easy to get to.
Visit the town of Bagamoyo, with its ruined colonial buildings from the Allied period
As Tanzania‘s largest city, there are so many things to do that you can visit all year round.
From
$ 2980
/ PEOPLE
Machame Hut / Shira / Barranco / Karanga / Barafu / Uhuru Peak / Mweka / Arusha
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Climb to the roof of Africa, 5895 metres high, for an authentic and extraordinary ascent.
From
$ 2620
/ PEOPLE
Manyara National Park / Ngorongoro Crater / Ndutu / Serengeti National Park / Tarangire
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Walk in Manyara National Park
Visit the village of Mto Wa Mbu
Track the big five and capture the best photo!
From
$ 2550
/ PEOPLE
Arusha / Mto Wa Mbu Village / Lake Natron / Serengeti National Park / Ngorongoro Crater / Tarangire National Park
FLAGSHIP ACTIVITIES :Bathing in the Engare Sero waterfalls with the Maasai people
Meeting with artists from Mto Wa Mbu
