9 Best Things To Do In And Around Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

1. Bongoyo Island

Being a large city, Dar Es Salaam offers many opportunities for residents and tourists alike. Yet not everyone enjoys being in such a busy place day in day out. That’s what Bongoyo Island is for. Close enough to be easily reached and far enough to get out of the noisiness of the city. Bongoyo Island is the perfect place to swim, to sun bath and to enjoy the beach. If you’re adventurous and want to escape the other tourists, venture on the northeastern side of the beach. The beach is narrow, but long and has no facilities built, making it a very serene place.

Bongoyo Island

Address: Off Dar Es Salaam Slipway Pier, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

2. Ruins in Kaole (Bagamoyo)

Although based on the coast, Bagamoyo and Kaole are usually not very high on the list of things to see around Dar. However, the old medieval feeling of Bagamoyo makes it worth a visit. It’s small and cozy, with a long beach and many good eating options. A few kilometers away from Bagamoyo, you will come across the ruins in the small village of Kaole. The location is very serene and peaceful.

Ruins in Kaole

Address: Kaole, Bagamoyo, Tanzania

3. Tanzania Center for Cultural Heritage

This is the place to sort out some souvenirs for your friends and family. There is a wide variety of high quality products. The prices are higher than in local markets. The advantage is that it’s easier to find good items, without having to spend a lot of time. Because it’s on the way to the airport, it makes a good stopping spot for last minute shopping of local products before heading back.

Tanzania Center for Cultural Heritage

Address: Nyerere Road, Quality Centre Mall, Dar Es Salaam 235, Tanzania

Website: Tanzania Center for Cultural Heritage

4. Explore Kariakoo Market for good value and cheap things

Walking around Kariakoo Market is a unique experience. The buzz, the variety of products, and the large number of small shops, make the place very lively. Even if you don’t like shopping very much and you’re not looking for anything in particular, getting to Kariakoo Market is more a curiosity than anything else. If you do buy something, make sure to negotiate the price, otherwise you will be overcharged for sure. Negotiating is a part of the culture.

Kariakoo Market

Address: Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Opening times: 7 am - 11 pm

5. Azania Front Lutheran Church

In case you’re wondering about the architecture of the building, Azania Front Lutheran Church was built back in 1898 by German missionaries. Now-a-days, it is one of Dar Es Salaam’s landmarks. It is still used for services and choir rehearsals. Late afternoon the service is usually in English.

Azania Front Lutheran Church

Address: Corner Azikiwe Street and Sokoine Drive

Website: Azania Front Lutheran Church

6. Join the party at Coco Beach on the weekends

Located on Msasani peninsula, Coco Beach is a favorite weekend location among the locals. The beach transforms into a food market with coconut and beer offered at many stands. If you arrive there during low tide, you won’t be able to swim, but Coco Beach is still a nice place to hang out giving one the opportunity to also interact with locals. It’s north of the city center. Taxis would generally charge around USD 6 to take you there.

Coco Beach, Dar Es Salaam

Address: Toure Dr, Dar es Salaam 14100, Tanzania

7. Explore the northern islands

Located north of the city, on Mbudya Island you can choose the beach that best fits you. The longest one is on the western side. There are also many walking trails and snorkeling is popular here. If you forgot your goggles, you can also find places to rent equipment on the island. There are also camping facilities for people traveling with their own tent.

Mbudya Island

Address: Off White Sands, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

8. Village Museum

If you’re interested to find out more about the traditional Tanzanian architecture and social habits, this open-air museum is the place to go. They display a variety of houses from different parts of Tanzania, the tools used, the usual furnishing and the daily habits. In the afternoon, there is a small show that generally lasts around one hour presenting the dances performed by different tribes. It’s a nice place to have a stroll on a nice day.

Village Museum

Address: Along Bagamoyo Road in Kijitonyama, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Opening times: 9.30 am - 6.30 pm

9. Épi d’Or

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

In search for some good coffee, good pastry and European taste? Épi d’Or is the place for you. Relax, enjoy the coffee and feel like you’ve landed in France while still being in the middle of Dar Es Salaam. It’s a good choice if you want a break from local cuisine and enjoy light lunches.

Épi d’Or

Address: 520 Haile Selasie Rd, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Facebook: Épi d’Or

Which direction are you taking from Dar? Find your bus

Once you’ve had enough of this busy city, you can easily head out. Maybe you want to go on a safari trip? Or maybe you’re in search of a quiet beach? Or maybe you want to experience village life for a longer period of time? Or maybe you want to climb a mountain? No matter what your intentions are for the rest of your trip, you can find the suitable bus for you in Dar Es Salaam. And don’t forget to recommend Tanzania as a travel destination to your friends. It’s still a country where tourism happens most through safari company, the backpackers who decide to pass by are considered rather adventurous people.