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Dar es Salaam
ℹ️Practical info — Dar es Salaam
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Kivukoni Fish Market at sunrise to witness the bustling arrival of the fishing boats.
- Book your Zanzibar ferry tickets in advance and only use official counters at the terminal.
- Avoid traveling during rush hour, as traffic congestion in Dar es Salaam can be extreme.
- Try the blue-and-white Daladalas for an authentic, albeit crowded, local transport experience.
- Don't wear flashy jewelry and keep a close eye on your belongings in busy areas.
🍽 Food
A tangy soup with potato balls and crispy toppings, widely available from street vendors.
Marinated meat skewers grilled over charcoal; a favorite evening snack in the city.
A french fry omelet, the quintessential Tanzanian street food found on almost every corner.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
A massive, spirited market where you can find everything from textiles to local spices.
Excellent for purchasing handcrafted Makonde wood carvings and other local artisanal goods.
A quiet sanctuary in the city center with shaded paths and various exotic plant species.
Visit on weekdays for a more peaceful walk along the shores of the Indian Ocean.
Water temperature…
Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania and the most significant economic hub in East Africa located on the Indian Ocean. The city was founded in 1862 by Sultan Majid bin Said of Zanzibar, and its name translates as "House of Peace." Formerly the administrative capital under German and British rule, the metropolis evolved into one of the region's most important deep-water ports, currently handling about 95 percent of Tanzania's international trade. The city is a melting pot of cultures, reflected in its architecture ranging from Swahili elements and colonial buildings to modern skyscrapers. Major sights include the Kariakoo Market, one of the continent's largest open-air markets, and the National Museum, which gives insights into early human history. Despite the transfer of capital status to Dodoma, Dar es Salaam remains the core of Tanzanian industry, finance, and media, with a population exceeding five million people.
- Location: Tanzania
- Top sights: Sherehe Arts Association Saccoss Ltd · Forest
- Nearby: Kibaha (33 km)
- Population: ~5.383.728 (2026)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 120 | 100 | 185 | 257 | 127 | 19 | 13 | 17 | 29 | 83 | 146 | 147 |
Geography
Facts
- Founded in 1862 by the Sultan of Zanzibar
- Port handles 95% of Tanzania's international trade
- Largest city in the country with over 5 million people
- Major financial center for the East African region
- Former national capital until the move to Dodoma
- Kariakoo Market is a key regional trading hub
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Dar es Salaam (2)
Frequently asked questions
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