Dar Es Salaam is Tanzania’s biggest city and used to be its capital. It’s a very lively place. It is a big port, an important economic hub, and one of the world’s cities of fastest growth.

The history of Dar Es Salaam

Dar Es Salaam was built by the sultan of Zanzibar on the site of the town of Mzizima in 1862. In Arabic, the name means “Place of Peace.” Before the German East Africa Company set up a station there in 1887, the city was just a small harbor. As the beginning point of the Central Line railroad, it was the capital of German East Africa from 1891 to 1916.

Dar Es Salaam has a lot of buildings that show the city’s British past and are made in a lot of different styles. Some of them are from Asia, Britain, Swahili, and Germany. But after the Second World War, the city became more modern and grew, with new buildings with more than one floor. Most of Tanzania’s agricultural and mineral products go through its natural harbor, which is almost completely cut off from the rest of the country. Apart from that, it helps the nearby landlocked countries as well. In addition, it is the most important city in Tanzania for fashion, music, movies, and TV, and it is also a major financial hub.

Dar as a place to visit

The city has become a popular tourist spot thanks to its lovely harbor, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. There is also one of the biggest markets in East Africa in the city, as well as new shopping malls and tasty restaurants. Beyond that, it gives you the chance to enjoy the lovely golden beaches on the peaceful coastlines north and south of the city. You can enjoy a cool drink and the clear blue seas here. Everyone can find something they like!

Flights from and to Dar es Salaam International Airport go both ways. Because of this, the city is where most tourists come and go when they visit Tanzania, including those going on vacation in the national parks and to the islands.

Tours of the area around Dar Bongoyo Island and Mbudya Island, which are uninhabited islands only 30 minutes by boat from the shore.
Bagamoyo, with its spiderwebbed portals and falling apart colonial houses from the German era.
It’s easy to get to Mikumi National Park and Saadani National Park.
Time it takes to get to Dar Es Salaam
The trip from Arusha to Dar Es Salaam takes one hour and twenty minutes.

It takes 35 minutes to fly from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar.

It takes 4.5 hours to drive from Dar Es Salaam to Mikumi.

2 hours to drive from Dar Es Salaam to Bagamoyo

How to plan your trip to Dar Es Salaam with what our pros say
My name is Michael, and I’ve been a guide in Dar Es Salaam for 18 years. The city has everything: beautiful beaches, shops, historic sites to see, and even safari parks are close by.

How long are you staying? One day isn’t enough to see everything in Dar; a week isn’t even enough!

Which hotel?

The Amariah Boutique Hotel is in the city center. It is a silver hotel and only a 5-minute walk from the ferry to Zanzibar.
The Best Western CBD hotel is in the city center and is a Golden hotel.
The Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam is a 4-star hotel.
The best time to go to Dar Es Salaam
You can visit Dar Es Salaam at any time of the year.