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Where to Stay in Dar Es Salaam

Where to Stay in Dar Es Salaam

Dar Es Salaam Dar Es Salaam Region, Tanzania Travel Guide

Accommodation Types

Hotel & Hostel Options

  • Luxury Hotels:

    International hotel chains such as Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, Serena Lodging Dar es Salaam, Sea Cliff Hotel, and Southern Sun Dar es Salaam. These residences include premium services, extensive amenities, and often boast waterfront views. Find options on Booking.com or IHG Hotels.

  • Mid-Range Hotels:

    Numerous options such as Ramada by Wyndham, Best Western, and Colosseum Hotel. These balance comfort, service, and value. Search on Agoda.

  • Budget Hotels/Guesthouses:

    Simpler accommodations throughout the city, notably in Kariakoo. Often family-run, they supply a local experience.

  • Hostels:

    Poor Traveler's Lodge and Safari Inn cater to backpackers, offering dormitories and private rooms for socializing. Find hostels on Hostelworld.

Unique & Long-Stay Options

  • Boutique Hotels:

    Smaller, stylish hotels with one-of-a-kind designs plus tailored attention, creating an intimate atmosphere.

  • Serviced Apartments:

    Ideal for longer stays, these provide more space, kitchen facilities, and a home-away-from-home feel. Popular with business travelers and people with children.

  • Vacation Rentals:

    Airbnb lists numerous apartments, houses, and rooms. Local rentals and Vrbo offer flexibility and a local living experience. Consider TrustedHousesitters for unique stays.

  • Homestay/Camping:

    Formal homestay programs are limited within the city. Camping associates with safari parks or designated campsites outside urban areas, not within Dar es Salaam itself.

Neighborhood Guide

Dar es Salaam's neighborhoods each possess a distinct character, offering varied experiences for visitors.

City Center Posta/Kivukoni/Kariakoo

Benefits
  • Central location
  • Proximity to ferry terminal, museums, historical sites
  • Abundance of local eateries
Considerations
  • Noisy and congested
  • Higher risk of petty crime
  • Limited green spaces
  • Avoid walking alone at night

Masaki/Oysterbay Peninsula

Benefits
  • Upscale, residential, expatriate area
  • Generally safer, pleasant environment
  • Good selection of dining on foreign dishes
  • Access to Coco Beach, evening entertainment
Considerations
  • More expensive
  • Further from the historical city center
  • Less direct public transport to city center
  • Can still have traffic congestion

Kigamboni Peninsula

Benefits
  • More relaxed atmosphere
  • Long sandy beaches, local villages
  • Quieter, beautiful beaches, local experience
Considerations
  • Requires crossing Kurasini bridge or taking a ferry
  • Crossing can be time-consuming
  • Fewer upscale amenities
  • Further from city center attractions

Important Neighborhood Information

Safety Considerations by Area:

Masaki, Oysterbay, and Upanga are generally considered safest. City Center and Kariakoo have higher risk of petty theft. Ubungo, near the bus terminal, is very crowded and prone to petty crime.

Proximity to Attractions & Transport:

City Center excels for historical sites, museums, and the Zanzibar ferry. Masaki is closer to Coco Beach and Slipway. The City Center features high noise levels and a busy ambiance, while Masaki, Oysterbay, and Upanga are quieter with a relaxed atmosphere.

Booking Strategies

Smart booking strategies secure ideal accommodation at the right price, especially during peak seasons.

Planning & Platforms

  • Advance Booking: High Season (June-October, holidays) book 2-4 months ahead. Shoulder/Low Season 1-2 months ahead.
  • Trusted Platforms: Use Booking.com, Expedia, Agoda, Hotels.com for selection.
  • Vacation Rentals: Airbnb offers apartments and houses.
  • Direct Booking: Many hotels offer better rates or packages via their official websites.

Customs & Policies

  • Local Agents: Can assist with bookings and offer valuable local insights.
  • Negotiation: For budget guesthouses, walk-in rates might be negotiable in low season. Mid-range to luxury hotels have fixed rates.
  • Deposit & Cancellation: Policies vary. Check specific terms before booking.
  • Seasonal Prices: Prices are highest during the dry season (June-October) and public holidays, dropping in the long rainy season (March-May).

Accommodation Recommendations

Top Picks: Budget to Mid-Range
  • Budget: Poor Traveler's Lodge (social atmosphere), Safari Inn (central, good value).
  • Mid-Range: Rainbow Hotel (good value, central), Colosseum Hotel (modern, Oysterbay), Protea Hotel by Marriott Dar es Salaam Amani Beach (south, beach access).
Top Picks: Luxury & Specialties
  • Luxury: Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro (prime location), Serenan Inn Dar es Salaam (elegant, waterfront), Sea Cliff Hotel (iconic, oceanfront).
  • Family-Friendly: Hotels with pools (Hyatt, Serena, Sea Cliff), serviced apartments (Oysterbay Suites) for space.
  • Solo Traveler: Hostels (Poor Traveler's Lodge), mid-range hotels in active, well-lit areas (Masaki, Upanga).
  • Long-Stay: Serviced apartments (Sea Cliff Court, Oysterbay Suites), Airbnb with monthly discounts.

Culturally Significant Stays

Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam:

A modern luxury hotel that is also a city landmark, known for its elegant design and waterfront setting.

Local Guesthouses:

Some older colonial-style architecture in the city center may be converted into smaller guesthouses, offering special charm and historical character.

Find Local Charm:

For an authentic experience, look for independent or family-run guesthouses that reflect local architectural styles and hospitality.

Accommodation Types & Traveler Suitability

A closer look at how different accommodation types suit various traveler profiles.

Diverse Lodging Options

Boutique Hotels

Smaller, often stylish hotels with unique designs plus tailored attention.

  • Intimate atmosphere
  • Individual character
  • Personal touch
Serviced Apartments

Available for longer stays, these provide more space and kitchen facilities.

  • Home-away-from-home feel
  • Popular with executives traveling for business
  • Ideal for families

Rental & Community Stays

Vacation Rentals & Apartments

Airbnb and local agents offer apartments, houses, and rooms across different neighborhoods.

  • Flexibility in accommodation
  • Opportunity to live like a local
  • Varied price points
Homestay & Community Tourism

Formal homestay programs are limited within Dar es Salaam city.

  • Local guesthouses offer immersive experiences
  • More prevalent in rural areas outside the city
  • Camping sites are outside urban areas

Family-Friendly Stays

  • Hotels with Pools:

    Look for hotels like the Hyatt, Serena, Sea Cliff, or Ramada, which often feature swimming pools.

  • Serviced Apartments:

    Options like Oysterbay Suites provide additional space and self-catering facilities, ideal for families.

  • Quieter Environments:

    Properties in Masaki/Oysterbay are preferred due to their calmer atmosphere and entry to family amenities.

  • Connecting Rooms:

    Inquire about connecting room options in larger hotels for family groups convenience and privacy.

Solo Traveler Recommendations

  • Social Hostels:

    Hostels like Poor Traveler's Lodge foster social interaction among guests.

  • Well-Lit Areas:

    Mid-range hotels in well-lit, active areas like Masaki or Upanga offer safety and convenience.

  • Security & Staff:

    Look for hotels with good security measures and responsive staff for added peace of mind.

  • Central Locations:

    Consider properties close to public transport or highways to ease movement around the city.

Long-Stay & Cultural Stays

Long-Stay Accommodations

Serviced apartments are ideal for extended stays. Options like Sea Cliff Court & Luxury Apartments or Oysterbay Suites are good choices.

  • Airbnb listings often have monthly discounts.
  • Some hotels offer extended stay rates.
  • Furnished apartments for rent.
Properties with Cultural Significance

While a modern luxury hotel, Serena Hotel Dar es Salaam is a city landmark.

  • Certain older colonial-style architecture in the city center are littleer guesthouses.
  • Seek out these for unique charm and local history.
  • They deliver a more intimate experience.

Specialized Accommodation Attributes

Accessibility Features

A lot of more recent or luxury hotels offer accessible rooms. Confirm specific requirements directly with the property.

Pet-Friendly Options

Pet-friendly accommodation is limited. Best to ask directly hotels or private rental owners.

Eco-Friendly Stays

Look for hotels with sustainability certifications or practices, though these are less common.

Where to Stay in Dar Es Salaam. Hotels, Neighborhoods, Accommodation