The Ultimate Guide to City Tour in Dar es Salaam
If you’re looking for a really exciting holiday, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a more beautiful place than the bustling Tanzanian town of Dar es Salaam. Located along the eastern coast of Tanzania, just off the Indian Ocean, it’s the largest city in the country and has a fascinating culture dating back centuries.
Whether you’re after outdoor activities, culture, history or just some good old exploration, Dar es Salaam won’t disappoint. In this guide we’ve rounded up the best city tours – for every budget – to help you truly experience the city’s rich history and culture during your visit.
Getting Around: Best Ways to Explore Dar es Salaam
If you’re planning on exploring Dar es Salaam during your stay, it’s important to know about getting around the city and using local transportation options.
Taxis
Though I wouldn’t recommend it for the under-cautious traveler, one of the most popular ways to get around Dar es Salaam is by taxi. You can either take a private taxi or a shared taxi known as a “dala-dala”, which has a set fare and will depart as soon as all the seats are filled.
Taxis are not only accessible but also reasonably priced depending on how long your journey is. If you are taking a dala-dala then you should be aware that these tend to be very crowded, so be prepared to take the journey in tight quarters!
Bus
Alternatively, the Dar es Salaam City Urban Bus System is one of the most reliable options for getting around town. The buses are usually quite cheap and offer many routes around the city. However, you should note that due to the city’s traffic and changes in bus timetables, it can sometimes take longer than usual to reach your destination.
Walking Tours
If you’re the type of traveler who loves to explore on foot, then a walking tour of Dar es Salaam might be a great way for you to get to know the city and its culture. There are many parts of town with sights and sounds that can make your exploration very enjoyable; The Old Town, Old Bazaar and Jangwani Beach are all amazing places to explore by foot.
Rickshaw Tours
One of the most unique tours available in Dar es Salaam is a rickshaw tour. Rickshaw drivers are well-known for their ability to navigate through the city’s narrow roads and alleys and they can take you to many interesting places in their free-wheeling vehicle.
You can book a tour either at one of the local tour offices or directly with a rickshaw driver. It is advised that you negotiate beforehand and agree on a fixed price for your tour, as well as which places you would like to visit.
The Best City Tours
Ready to start your exploration in style? Here are some of our top picks for city tours that are really worth checking out during your stay in Dar es Salaam:
Full Day Tour with Private Driver
- Duration: 8 hours
- Price: Starting from $38 USD per person
- Details: Discover Dar es Salaam and its many attractions on this private full day tour with an expert driver! Explore some of the city’s best-kept secrets with stops at notable monuments and cultural hotspots such as Kivukoni Fish Market, The National Museum, Mwenge Carvings market, The Botanical Garden and the Askari Monument.
- Book Now: Full Day Private Tour with Viator
Historical and Cultural Tour of Dar es Salaam
- Duration: 4 hours
- Price: Starting from $25 USD per person
- Details: Embark on an exciting and educational journey with a professional guide who will show you some of the historic sites and monuments that highlight Dar es Salaam’s rich cultural heritage. You will travel from one destination to another visiting several interesting landmarks such as Makumbusho Village Museum and Askari Monument.
- Book Now: Zicasso’s Cultural Tour of Dar es Salaam
TendaTours Tour of Downtown Dar es Salaam
- Duration: 6 hours
- Price: Starting from $40 USD per person
- Details: Spend an unforgettable day diving into Dar es Salaam’s vibrant downtown area with TendaTours’ highly professional and knowledgeable English speaking guide! Explore popular sites such as Mwenge Woodcarvers’ Village and Kivukiti Fish Market before savoring delicious local food for lunch. This tour will give you an inside look into life in the Tanzanian capital.
- Book Now: TendaTours Tour of Downtown Dar es Salaam on TripAdvisor
East African Art Gallery Half Day Tour
- Duration: 4 hours
- Price: Starting from $24 USD per person
- Details: Visit East African Art Gallery and explore the amazing collection of contemporary African art from some of East Africa’s most renowned artists! During your visit you will learn about various African culture, art, history and craftsmanship, giving you an authentic insight into Tanzania’s art world.
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