Dar es Salaam is one of the busiest cities in Africa that is located in Tanzania. Secondly, it has a unique and rich cultural heritage of different influences including Arab, African, Swahili and other international cultures. The landscapes of Dar-el-salaam have overwhelming beauty that goes beyond the ordinary setting. So, because of unique attractions, we shall look at the top 12 things to do in Dar es Salaam with family, couples, and friends.

From exploring the National Museum to island-hopping in Bagamoyo, these top 12 activities to do in Dar es Salaam blend urban energy with coastal charm, perfect for every traveler!

The easiest way to get to Dar es Salaam is flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), just 30 minutes from downtown. There are direct flights from Nairobi (1.5 hours), Dubai (5 hours), or Amsterdam (9 hours) on airlines like Kenya Airways or Emirates. Fares start at $600–$1,200 round-trip in shoulder seasons like September, when it’s dry and less crowded. From the airport, grab a taxi ($20–$30), Uber/Bolt ($10–$15), or a lively dala-dala minibus ($1–$2) for a true local vibe to Dar es Salaam.

For a scenic approach, hop on an Azam Marine ferry from Zanzibar (1.5–2 hours, $35–$50) to catch dolphins and ocean breezes. Or take a bus from Arusha (5–7 hours, $15–$25) for a road trip past baobab trees and Maasai villages. Overland trips from Zambia or Malawi takes 10+ hours ($40–$80), best in a rented 4×4 in Tanzania ($50/day). Don’t skip the e-visa ($50, apply online), and pack travel insurance for safety. However, you shouldn’t worry about transportation as it is conducted by our Serengeti Masai Mara Experts and part of your cost for activities to do in Dar es Salaam

• Dar es Salaam is one of the cities that dwells close to the Indian Ocean. Therefore visiting this gem, gives one an opportunity to explore these mind-blowing panoramas of this town such as the beautiful beaches like the Mbudya Island. So, this gives you a chance to have combine Tanzania safari tours and beach holidays.
• Explore and get to know the interesting facts about the various unique cultures and traditions of the different influences in Dar es Salaam.
• The different flavorful and satisfactory delicacies that are in the different food markets and the high-end restaurants in Dar-el- Salaam is another fact why one should visit this flourishing city.
• Adventurous things to do in Dar es Salaam such as the game viewing safaris that make one get connected to nature should allure one to visit this place.

Want the best hangout places in Dar es Salaam? Get to experience night-time leisure activities to do in Dar es Salaam, like going to music and dance festivals. One can also visit some of the best bars in this city, like Carpe Diem Bar &Grill, which is located in proximity to Oyster Bay. So, bars are the perfect places to go in Dar es Salaam at night for those interested.

Attend  a festival in Dar es Salaam

Dar-el-Salaam festivals that happen occasionally include the Bata Msituni festivals and the Wanyambo festival, where the local culture is also showcased. This is one of the cities in Africa that hosts the best festivals that exhibit African culture, through music and drama. These festivals are not only entertaining but they are also educational, like the Kizindar festival which is a blend of the Kizomba and the African dances. So, these should be among your top 10 things to do in Dar es Salaam.

3. Visit Kigamboni Beach – Fun things to do in Dar es Salaam

This beach is about 10 km from Dar es Salaam. Also, it is one of the jaw-dropping havens of this city, and it is ideal for most beach activities such as boating safaris in Tanzania, swimming, snorkeling, and many more.

This market is found in Mwenge suburb, about 30 minutes from central Dar es Salaam. In addition, Mwenge Woodcarvers Market  has African-inspired wood carvings that represent the cultures of various African people. Also, some of these carvings are art species that represent different animals such as the lions and the leopards. On visiting, you can support this business through contributing to elevating the livelihoods of these people since these products are averagely-priced.

The Askari monument is one of the valuable possessions of Tanzania and among the top things to see in Dar es Salaam. It is located near the National Museum and it signifies the African soldiers who fought for the colonialists of Tanzania. These were the Germans and the British during  World War 1 in the 1900s.

Tourists seize the opportunity to take pictures at this historical monument whenever they visit Dar es Salaam. Words of honor are written on this monument as a sign of respect and to pay tribute to these soldiers.

Dar es Salaam city has many interesting and fun places to visit that can’t all be exhausted in a day. However, with the help of our Serengeti Masai Mara Experts tour guide, you will be able to go to some of the other attractions in the city. These include the Kivukoni front and more. Also, get to ride in the small here-wheeled vehicles (tuk-tukus) through the busy streets of the city. Observe some of the prominent buildings in Tanzania, like the St Joseph’s Cathedral and the Garden Avenue Tower in Dar es Salaam.

 The distance from Dar es Salaam to Mikumi National Park ranges from 280 to 302 kilometers. This Park conserves numerous wild animals, including the wildebeest and antelopes. Other animals include the giraffes and some of Tanzania’s big 5, like buffaloes, inclusive. Fauna such as the acacia trees are dispersed around the landscape of this park. Hence, creating beautiful, dramatic displays, the observers can observe unmatched scenic panoramas. So, go for Tanzania safari holidays in Mikumi and combine them with other fun activities in Dar es Salaam.

This Dar es Salaam yacht club accommodates all kinds of people, from children to adults. One can book a lesson with this group according to their preferences, if they either want a public or private lesson. This sailing training program in this club normally happens at the Msasani Bay, which is a harbor for boats used for training. This bay is so close to Dar es Salaam and takes at most 20 minutes and a distance of 9 km for one coming from Dar es Salaam to reach.

Msasani Bay has high-end resorts and restaurants that serve delicious cuisines, both local and international. Also, this bay is in a tranquil, breathtaking space bordering the Indian Ocean in the North and East directions. Most training programs by this private watch sailing club at the Msasani Bay are carried out on Sunday afternoons. So, when looking for fun places to go in Dar es Salaam, this Yacht Club is highly recommended.

Bagamoyo is one of the ancient slave trade sites that was used by the Germans during their colonial rule era in Tanzania. Also, it was one of the prominent trading ports, most especially for the ivory goods in East Africa. Bagamoyo has a rich African cultural heritage, including some of the Swahili groups. Reach Bagamoyo town, which is 68 kilometers (42 miles) from Dar es Salaam via Bagamoyo Road in about an hour.

This town has other tourist attractions, including the crocodile farm, which is a conservation center for a large number of crocodiles. Bagamoyo attracts a large influx of people because of its prestigious beaches and its verdant greenery, which includes the different types of flora. For example, the asystasia gangetic and the tall green canopies of the rainforests that magnify the island’s blend of beauty.

Engage in activities such as bird watching, kayaking, swimming, and other beach outdoor activities when you visit this town.

If you plan on not engaging in these top 12 things to do in Dar es Salaam in a day, consider choosing an accommodation. So, you’ll have comfortable stays in these accommodations and engage in other things to do in Dar es Salaam Tanzania on other days.

• Mediterranean Boutique hotel
• Action pack travels.
• Trinity Oyster Bay.
• Hakuna matata ocean view homes
• Diary hotel
• Hotel totara and many more.