1393 km²
Size
22-33°C
Temperature
Sea level
Altitude
Hot, humid coastal city, heavy rains around April-May
Climate
Dar is Tanzania's commercial city and the jumble of terminals most southern-circuit and Mafia guests actually fly through, even if their stories start in the bush.
We do not sell Dar as a holiday. We sell a decent airport hotel, a timed transfer, and the right terminal for Coastal, Auric or Precision. If you have a full spare day, the National Museum, a ferry across to Kigamboni, or a taxi to Coco Beach is enough. The wildlife is inland at Mikumi or Nyerere, not in the city.
International flights into Julius Nyerere International (DAR) are useful if you are heading south or to Mafia. Northern safari guests are usually better into JRO near Arusha. We will say so on the first email rather than routing you through Dar for no reason.
The ferry to Stone Town leaves from the harbour. When the sea is ugly we move you onto a flight. That call is about the channel, not about selling a more expensive ticket.
Things to See & Do
Getting There
Flight
DAR is the hub for Mafia, Pemba, Ruaha, Nyerere and Zanzibar. We use airport hotels on the right side of the city for 5...
Boat
Zanzibar ferries from the harbour. Buy the fast ferry through us so the ticket matches the name in your passport.
Road
The highway west toward Morogoro is how overland trips reach Mikumi and Nyerere. It is a long, busy road; we start early...
Wildlife you can see here
All 1 speciesBest Time to Visit
FAQs
Do I need a night in Dar?
Only if your international arrival and the bush flight cannot connect the same day. We count the hours, including luggage and Julius Nyerere traffic.
Is the city a beach destination?
There are city beaches. They are not Nungwi. Save your beach nights for the islands.
Safaris Visiting Dar es Salaam
More To Explore
Add Nungwi to Your Safari
The route is ours to design — you just pick the places that call you.
Prefer to talk? Call +255 754 123 456