Overview
Take a trip to Dar Es Salaam on your Tanzania Vacation
Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, is located on a massive natural harbour on the eastern coast of Africa. It is the country’s richest city, serves as an important economic centre and can easily be combined with a Tanzania safari.
The Germans were the first to arrive in Mzizima (a healthy town), the former name of Dar es Salaam in 1859. By 1866 the Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar gave the city its current name. The German East Africa Company established a trading station in 1887, overthrowing the Arabic rulers. They began to colonise the East Africa Coast and Dar es Salaam became the administrative and commercial centre of the company.
During the First World War, the territory was occupied by the British forcing Germany to relinquish control. Following the Second World War, Dar es Salaam continued to grow, and when Tanganyika and Zanzibar merged to form Tanzania in 1964, it became the capital. (The capital was later changed to Dodoma in 1973).
The name Dar es Salaam translates to “haven of peace” and is an apt description of the lifestyle found there. In a multicultural society, African, Arabic and Asian influences are found everywhere and various cultures, Arabic, Indian, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu coexist. Visits on travel to Tanzania to the beaches and nearby islands as well as the museums and local markets highlight what the city has to offer. An exciting culture with a laidback attitude, there is much to do in Dar es Salaam.
The name Dar es Salaam translates to “haven of peace” and is an apt description of the lifestyle found there. In a multicultural society, African, Arabic and Asian influences are found everywhere and various cultures, Arabic, Indian, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu coexist. Visits on travel to Tanzania to the beaches and nearby islands as well as the museums and local markets highlight what the city has to offer. An exciting culture with a laidback attitude, there is much to do in Dar es Salaam.
At a Glance
Languages
Swahili, EnglishCurrency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)What do the experts say?
An ideal first-time itinerary starts in Arusha and ends in Zanzibar. To maximize time, “Sky Safari” packages using small aircraft to fly guests directly between lodges offer breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes as well as convenience.
The people and wildlife are amazing. You always feel safe at the tented camps, even knowing animals are around. The locals treat you with such warmth and respect.
We provide local experiences, manage client expectations, and work with trusted suppliers so travellers feel safe and enjoy every moment of their trip.
Ngorongoro and Serengeti National Park are simply spectacular. There’s no place quite like the massive crater or the migration-covered plains.
Tanzania’s hospitality is incredible. You’ll always feel welcomed, wherever you go.
An aerial view of Dar es Salaam
The waterfront is a popular photo spot to take ...
Fishing boats close to Dar es Salaam
Most Popular Time to Travel
Know when to go.
Place
Conditions
Daily max temperatureMonthly rainfall
Dar Es SalaamPartly Cloudy
32°C / 90°F
43mm / 1.7"
Weather data is based on monthly averages.Popularity rating
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ExcellentBased on 5,326 ReviewsBijal and Martin (tour guide in Kenya) made this the trip of a lifetime. I felt safe every minute of the trip. I did not care for the travel from the Serengeti to Ngorogoro Crater. I felt the last hotel was too far from the crater i was exhausted not wanted to travel to the crater. The travel was absolutely brutal for 6 hoursKathie BeckerJosie was incredible to work with. She replied to all emails quickly and effectively. She was very knowledgeable and always willing to help. Would definitely work with Josie again!! Clients had an incredible 14 days in Italy with no complaints. A dream vacation!!Chattell BlueOur safari in Tanzania was excellent. Brooke Theron, our Goway representative, was easy to work with, responsive and knowledgeable. Our guide in Tanzania, Anwar Razak, was outstanding. His knowledge and his driving ability was impressive. He was also engaging. We enjoyed our time with Anwar. The camps that Goway recommended were comfortable, welcoming and surprisingly luxurious while capturing the essence of the Serengeti and Ngorongoro. We had a wonderful trip. Jack B.My agent Lisa made the booking process easy. Her expertise on the Azores was extremely helpful. Final documents were precise and thorough. Transfers were on time, tours were informative and fun, and the lovely accommodations were well suited to our needs.Christine HostyI am so happy to use Goway for my tour experience while visiting Vietnam during Oct 15 through October 29, 2026. We had 3 very good, thoughtful, and caring guides in Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City. They were very knowledgeable for each of their respective areas. they all fulfilled every part of our itinerary. I wish to give an extra acknowledgment to my guide in Danang and Hoi An. Mr. Phung Van Hung was very friendly and caring for me. During my stay in Hoi An, I became sick and required a visit to the local hospital in Hoi An. I contacted Mr. Phung, and he graciously offered to take me and stay with me to interpret during my visit for medical care even though he was not working that day. I really appreciate his extra above and beyond service he provided. I really must let Goway know, he is a wonderful guide!George C.Suzzette and her team provided exceptional support throughout our year‑long planning process for our Bali group. Despite multiple changes, updates, and last‑minute cancellations, she remained organized, responsive, and solution‑focused. Asia Trails Indonesia delivered a seamless experience from arrival to departure, and our guides, Dayu and Adit, were outstanding; prompt, knowledgeable, and attentive to every detail. The coordination across multiple departure cities, the curated excursions, and the overall flow of the itinerary were executed beautifully. My group thoroughly enjoyed the trip and is already asking about returning. I highly recommend Suzzette as a group coordinator for her professionalism, dedication, and high‑quality service.Anchored Memories TravelMike K. graciously provided us with a perfect itinerary, offering us flexible high quality options for our trip. We added in a few complex details and he maneuvered around them creating smooth transitions. Planning an overseas 11 day trip can be overwhelming and Mike made everything feel easy. I highly recommend!Amy ChallgrenGoway staff was available to us throughout our entire trip to Costa Rica. Their involvement was seamless and surprisingly smooth between them and all of our hotels and tours. We have been totally impressed with their involvement with our travel agent and their complete resolution of the only problem we had during the 2 different international trips that we have taken.Diana McCroryThank you to Goway for a great and enjoyable 7 day tour in China, for our Canadian group of 14! Very special thanks to the local guides in Shanghai, Xi’an and Beijing ( Richard, Richard and James) who were second to none! Each was a knowledgeable ambassador for their home city, working hard to ensure our enjoyment and comfort, and to showcase the beauty of each area and its current and historical sites. They very kindly and patiently assisted everyone, and especially accommodated 2 of our group who encountered unexpected wellness challenges. The local bus drivers for our group were experts too, keeping us on time and safe on the roads and highways. Hotels were beautiful, welcoming, well located and appointed, quiet, comfortable and clean. Additional travel arrangements by air and high speed train went off without a hitch. KATHLEEN LLOYDThis was the first time we used Goway Travel and Brooke Theron was absolutely the best to deal with. Our safari in Africa was fabulous and we were able to have all four questions answered before we left. It was a trip to remember and we would recommend both Brooke and Goway to other who are looking for a great experience. Thanks Brooke and Goway.Joyce Robinson
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