Dar Es Salaam Dar Es Salaam Region, Tanzania Travel Guide
The city a tropical climate, which means warmth and humidity year-round. However, distinct wet and dry seasons influence outdoor activities and overall comfort.
Dar es Salaam maintains an average annual temperature of approximately 26°C (79°F).
Dar es Salaam does not experience hurricanes or monsoons in the conventional sense. However, heavy rains during the Masika season (March-May) can cause significant localized flooding, specifically in low-lying urban areas. This impacts transportation and daily activities. Temperatures feel notably extreme during January and February due to the combination of high high heat and humidity.
Travel during June to October offers optimal conditions for city exploration, beach activities, and safaris from Dar es Salaam.
Long Rains
Lowest prices for flights/accommodation, fewer tourists.
Heavy rain, high humidity, travel disruptions, limited beach activities.
Hot Dry / Short Rains
Fewer tourists than high season, lush green landscapes.
Intense heat (Jan-Feb), unpredictable rains (Oct-Dec) causing localized flooding.
Dry Season
Most pleasant weather, lower humidity, ideal for city/beach/safari.
Higher prices for accommodation/flights, more crowded attractions.
Plan these for the June to October dry season. The chillier, drier conditions make walking and exploring the city's historical sites and markets comfortable.
For trips to Bongoyo or Mbudya Islands, or simply enjoying Coco Beach, the June to October period the best conditions with calm seas and sunny skies.
Optimal wildlife viewing, as animals gather around shrinking water sources.
Easily accessible for an excursion from Dar es Salaam during the dry season.
While still dry, this period is generally less dusty than the hottest months.
Good for photography and enjoying scenic drives.
Comfortable for early morning game drives.
Tanzania offers several visa types for visitors.
Determine the most appropriate visa type for your trip to Tanzania:
Assemble these documents for your visa application and arrival:
Careful budgeting aids your trip. This section a clear picture of currency, exchange options, and typical costs for different travel styles.
Understand the required precautions and available resources before your trip. Your wellness and security are important.
See your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance for personalized advice.
Required: A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is for travelers from or transiting through Yellow Fever at-risk nations.
Dar es Salaam a malaria-risk area. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended. Discuss options with your doctor.
Take prescribed anti-malarial medication diligently.
Use Insect repellent containing DEET and sleep under a Treated mosquito net.
Another mosquito-borne illness with no specific vaccine or treatment. Mosquito bite prevention is .
Employ the same mosquito bite prevention strategies as for malaria.
Wear long sleeves/pants at dusk/dawn; use repellent.
Traveler's Diarrhea from contaminated food or water is common. Heatstroke/dehydration are also concerns.
Drink only bottled or purified water. Avoid ice made from tap water.
Eat hot, well-cooked food. Avoid uncooked or unpasteurized products.
| Service | Details | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Private Hospitals | Aga Khan Hospital, Regency Medical Centre, IST Clinic. Recommended for international standards. | Individual hospital emergency numbers (check upon arrival) |
| Public Hospital | Muhimbili National Hospital (largest, often overcrowded). | N/A (private recommended) |
| Emergency Services | Police and General Emergency Line. Ambulance services often via private hospitals. | 112 |
Navigating Dar es Salaam is an adventure per se. The city a range of local transportation options, each with its own advantages.
Privately owned minibuses, most common and cheapest. Often crowded, authentic experience.
Bus Rapid Transit with exclusive lanes. Modern, faster, air-conditioned, less crowded.
Dala-dala routes are complex (ask locals); DART has maps at stations. Major hubs: Kariakoo, Posta, Ubungo.
Fares & Payment
Dala-dalas: Pay cash (TZS 400-800) to conductor. DART: Cashless a card with a chip system at stations (TZS 600-1,200).
Hours of Operation: Both run from approx. 5:00 AM to 10:00-11:00 PM. High frequency during peak hours.
Accessibility: Dala-dalas are not accessible. Some DART buses have low floors/ramps, but city infrastructure is limited.
White or yellow, hail on street or at stands. Negotiate fare Before journey; meters uncommon.
Widely available, transparent pricing, GPS tracking, safety features. Recommended for tourists. Pay cash or in-app.
For taxis, agree on price beforehand. For ride-sharing, confirm vehicle details. Avoid suspicious taxis.
Car rental is generally not recommended for tourists navigating Dar es Salaam city due to severe traffic, aggressive driving, and chaotic road conditions.
Bajajis are useful for short to medium distances, cheaper than taxis. Negotiate fares or use Bolt app (listed as "Bajaj"). Limited luggage space.
Drive on the left. Seatbelts mandatory. Speed limits: 50 kilometers per hour in urban areas, 80-100 km/h highways.
Main roads paved however potholes. Side roads often unpaved. Severe heavy traffic.
Limited street parking in commercial areas. Available at shopping malls and hotels.
