How do I get from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar?

Fast catamaran ferries run several times daily from the Kivukoni ferry terminal to Stone Town, taking about two hours; buy tickets in advance from the official operators and keep your passport handy as it is treated as a domestic sea crossing.

Is Dar es Salaam safe for visitors?

Dar is generally welcoming, but as in any large city stay alert to petty theft, avoid displaying valuables, use reputable taxis or ride-hailing apps at night, and take extra care in crowded markets such as Kariakoo.

Where does the SGR train leave from?

The modern Standard Gauge Railway departs from the dedicated Dar es Salaam SGR terminus (separate from the old central station), running inland toward Morogoro and Dodoma; check your ticket for the correct station.

What is the best area to stay in Dar?

The Msasani peninsula and Oyster Bay (Kinondoni) offer beaches, restaurants and boutique hotels, while the city centre near Kivukoni is handy for the ferry, business district and historic sights.

Destination guide

Dar es Salaam

Tanzania's sun-soaked port city, where Swahili trade, Indian Ocean beaches and the gateway to Zanzibar meet.

Things to do

Activities in Dar es Salaam

Ferry Terminal

Dar es Salaam

Ferry to Zanzibar

Board a fast catamaran from the Kivukoni ferry terminal for the roughly two-hour crossing to Stone Town, the classic way to reach the archipelago.

Tour Agency

Dar es Salaam

Island day trips

Take a boat from Slipway or Msasani to the Bongoyo and Mbudya Marine Reserve islands for white-sand beaches, snorkelling and grilled seafood.

Dar es Salaam

City and history walk

Explore the old German and British quarters around Kivukoni, the Askari Monument, St Joseph's Cathedral and the Azania Front Lutheran Church.

Museum

Dar es Salaam

Museum and culture tour

Visit the National Museum for the hominid fossils and the open-air Village Museum showcasing traditional Tanzanian dwellings and dance.

Market

Dar es Salaam

Kariakoo market visit

Dive into the sights, sounds and spices of Kariakoo, the city's largest and most frenetic market, ideal for local goods and street food.

Seafood Restaurant

Dar es Salaam

Fish market and seafood feast

Watch the daily auction at the Kivukoni (Feri) fish market, then sample freshly grilled catch cooked to order at the adjacent stalls.

Transportation Service

Dar es Salaam

SGR rail journey

Ride the modern Standard Gauge Railway from Dar toward Morogoro and Dodoma, a fast and scenic overland route into the interior.