Dar es Salaam · Tanzania
Dar es Salaam Tours & Things to Do
Discover the best Dar es Salaam tours and things to do in Tanzania’s vibrant coastal hub: explore the old town, museums and bustling markets on a city tour, take a wildlife safari to Mikumi or the Selous, hop across to the beaches and islands of the Indian Ocean, and catch the ferry to Zanzibar. Compare top-rated experiences and plan the perfect trip.
380 experiences Free cancellation Top-rated tours Instant booking
Dar Es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam City Tour (Full Day With Private Guide And Car)
from$250/ person
via Viator
Dar Es Salaam
Mikumi National Park Day Trip from Dar es Salaam by SGR Train
from$415/ person
via Viator
Dar Es Salaam
Dar es Salaam Airport Transfers Comfortable Ride to Your Hotel
from$60/ person
via Viator
Browse
Explore Dar es Salaam by interest
Whatever brings you to Dar es Salaam — world-class museums, the river, or a long lunch — start with the experiences travellers love most.
What to see
Top attractions in Dar es Salaam
The landmarks that define the city — and the tickets and tours that get you in, often skipping the line.
Old Town
City heart.
40+ toursView tours
Mikumi Park
Big game.
50 toursView tours
Nyerere Park
River safari.
30 toursView tours
Bongoyo Island
Beach & snorkel.
30 toursView tours
Zanzibar
Spice island.
40 toursView tours
Fish Market
Kivukoni.
30 toursView tours
Selous
Rufiji River.
30 toursView tours
Sinda Island
Snorkelling.
20 toursView tours
3 days
Dar es Salaam in 3 days
- 1Day 1: city & beach
- 2Day 2: Mikumi safari
- 3Day 3: Zanzibar
- 4Islands
5 hr awayMikumi Park
Big game safari.
from €120View trips
Ferry awayZanzibar
Spice island.
from €60View trips
30 min awayBongoyo Island
Beach & snorkel.
from €30View trips
Day trip awayNyerere Park
River safari.
from €150View trips
2 hr awayBagamoyo
Historic town.
from €55View trips
Dar awayCity & Market
Old town tour.
from €25View trips
Practical guide
Know before you go
Short, straight answers to the questions every Dar es Salaam visitor asks before booking.
Dry (Jun–Oct)
Warm, dry and sunny — the best time for safaris and beaches.
Short rains (Nov–Dec)
Warm with brief showers and green landscapes.
Long rains (Mar–May)
Hot and humid with heavier rain.
For safaris
The dry season concentrates wildlife around water.
For beaches
June to October offers the sunniest coast.
Best overall
June to October is ideal.
One day
The city and a beach.
Two days
Add a Mikumi safari.
Three days
Add Zanzibar.
For wildlife
Mikumi or Nyerere safaris.
For the coast
Islands and beaches.
With kids
Islands and a day safari.
Tours & drivers
Guided tours and private drivers are easiest for sights and safaris.
Taxis & apps
Taxis and ride apps like Bolt are widely used.
Ferries
Fast ferries link the city to Zanzibar and the islands.
SGR train
The modern SGR train reaches Mikumi and beyond.
Where to stay
Stay in the city centre or by the northern beaches.
Shilling
Tanzania uses the shilling; US dollars are also common.
Book safaris
Mikumi and Nyerere safaris sell out — reserve ahead.
Sun & heat
It’s hot and humid — bring sunscreen, a hat and water.
Zanzibar ferry
Book Zanzibar ferry tickets in advance in peak season.
Stay aware
Keep valuables secure in busy markets and use trusted taxis.
Try Swahili food
Sample grilled seafood, pilau and street snacks.
Dry season
Visit June to October for the best weather.
Mikumi safaris
Day and overnight safaris sell out — book ahead.
Nyerere safaris
River safaris fill up — reserve early.
Zanzibar trips
Ferry tours book out in season — reserve ahead.
Island trips
Bongoyo and Sinda boats fill up on weekends.
Bagamoyo
History day trips have limited spots — book early.
High season
June to October is busiest — book everything ahead.
City tour
Around €25–45 for a half-day city tour.
Mikumi safari
About €120–200 for a day safari with transport.
Nyerere safari
Roughly €150–300 for a Nyerere day or overnight safari.
Island trip
Around €30–55 for a Bongoyo island day.
Zanzibar
About €60–120 for a Zanzibar ferry day trip.
How to save
Join group safaris and combine the city with a beach.
When to visit
Dar es Salaam through the seasons
What's best, how busy it gets, and one booking tip for each time of year.
Dry (Jun–Oct)
Jun–Oct
- Best for
- Safari & beach.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Best.
Short rains (Nov–Dec)
Nov–Dec
- Best for
- Green, brief showers.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Good.
Long rains (Mar–May)
Mar–May
- Best for
- Lush & quiet.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Wettest.
Warm (Jan–Feb)
Jan–Feb
- Best for
- Hot & sunny.
- Crowds
- Booking tip
- Humid.
People also ask
Dar es Salaam travel FAQ
What are the best tours in Dar es Salaam?
The highest-rated experiences are a city and old-town tour, a Mikumi National Park safari, a Nyerere (Selous) river safari, an island beach trip, and a Zanzibar day trip.
What should I book in advance in Dar es Salaam?
Reserve Mikumi and Nyerere safaris and Zanzibar trips ahead, especially in the June–October high season.
How many days do I need in Dar es Salaam?
One day covers the city and coast, two add a Mikumi safari, and three let you visit Zanzibar.
Is Dar es Salaam worth visiting?
Yes — Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s lively coastal gateway, with markets, beaches, islands, and easy access to safaris and Zanzibar.
When is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam?
June to October offers warm, dry weather ideal for safaris and beaches.
Can you do a safari from Dar es Salaam?
Yes — Mikumi National Park is the nearest big-game park, reachable on a day or overnight safari, with Nyerere (Selous) for river safaris.
Is Dar es Salaam good for families?
Yes — island trips, snorkelling, beaches and a Mikumi safari make it a great family base.
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