Dar es Salaam City Guide

Food combines African, Indian, and Arabic flavors, with lots of street food and popular local dishes like ugali and mishkaki. International options and vegan-friendly places are available. Late-night street food is common.

Dar es Salaam has lively nightlife with rooftop bars, nightclubs, beach parties, and live music. Safety precautions are advised at night.

A growing coffee scene with artisanal cafes and widespread coffee consumption.

Tipping in restaurants and taxis is appreciated but not mandatory. Around 5-10% is common.

SIM cards are easy to buy at the airport and city shops. Vodacom, Tigo, and Airtel offer the best coverage. Passport registration and fingerprinting are required.

City cleanliness varies; busy markets and streets can be messy, but shopping malls and upscale areas are better maintained.

Some services like restaurants and cafes operate 24/7; emergency services run around the clock.

You can shop at modern supermarkets like Village and Game, which stock international and organic items. Local markets like Kariakoo offer fresh produce and expect bargaining.

Cash is still king in daily life, especially in markets and local transport. Cards work in bigger places, and mobile money is widely used for payments.

ATMs are common in major areas like Mlimani City and central business districts. Most accept Visa and Mastercard, but foreign cards can incur fees. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls for safety.

Dar es Salaam has many international schools teaching in English, including IB and British curricula. Local schools use Swahili and English depending on grade.

An emerging digital nomad scene with coworking spaces and cafés, though not yet large or highly organized.

Parks and botanical gardens are available but green space is limited within urban areas.

Limited dedicated running tracks, but parks and beach promenades provide decent running spots.

Many gyms offer modern equipment, group classes, and wellness amenities like saunas and steam rooms.

Several tennis courts and clubs exist, like Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club, with coaching available.

Padel courts and clubs are growing, with online booking and coaching available.

Yoga studios and meditation centers offer classes and retreats catering to various levels.

Options include boxing, karate, and traditional martial arts at gyms.

No ski resorts in Dar es Salaam or Tanzania’s lowlands. Mount Kilimanjaro has glaciers but no skiing facilities.

Kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are offered by clubs and resorts along the coast.

Surfing is possible at Coco Beach and nearby spots but is limited compared to well-known surf destinations. Conditions are best June to October.

Good diving around nearby islands with PADI centers available. Marine life and visibility are decent year-round.

Private hospitals offer better care with English-speaking staff, while public facilities are limited. Aga Khan Hospital and IST Clinic are good options.

Tap water is not safe to drink for visitors without purification. Bottled water is widely available and recommended.

Families will find playgrounds, kid-friendly cafes, water parks, and beaches suitable for children. Some attractions require travel outside the city.

Limited public LGBTQ visibility and community spaces due to cultural norms and laws.

Pet-friendly accommodations and parks exist, but services can be limited.