Best Safari tours from Dar-es-salaam
Best Safari tours from Dar-es-salaam
Often overlooked by many safari operators in favour of the northern parks, the southern parks of Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) and Ruaha National Park are worth serious consideration and are the preferred destination for most who are really keen on their safari.
The benefits of heading to the south is that, where the very north of the Serengeti gives the numbers of game, along with some seclusion, the southern parks are still very much “frontier” parks and so are noticeably less busy (they also feature the same spread of species as the north, but more like a thousand, rather than 2 million).
The second important point is that, where the average lodge cost in the north is around $700 per person per night, the lodges in the south, where they offer a similar experience, are around $2-300 less.
The south and west of Tanzania are often overshadowed by the more famous and iconic Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater in the north. Some agents feel that the south and west are better suited to the seasoned safari-goer and don’t recommend them for a first timer – however we would disagree! We have sent thousands of first timers to southern Tanzania where they have had an excellent safari experience.
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Serengeti Trips Tanzania
These tours are arranged by Serengeti TRIPS – which organize tours to all Tanzania National Parks & Holidays in Zanzibar
Welcome to Serengeti trips; For many years we have been planning trips the length and breadth of the Country. The secret to our success?
Our commitment to first-hand knowledge of every destination, lodge and activity we recommend. Collectively, we spend more than 365 days a year on safari to ensure you get the best, unbiased advice.
How to get to Dar es salaam
As Tanzania’s economic capital, Dar es Salaam has good domestic and international transport links. Several airlines offer flights to the Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), including Etihad Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways Delta, KLM, Swiss International Air Lines, and Turkish Airlines.
The bus journey from the airport to the city centre takes around 30 minutes. You can take any bus in the direction of Kisutu.
Tickets should cost TSH 200-TSH 400. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or Uber to the city centre, but this will be more expensive. A taxi to the city centre costs around TSh 400.000.
Dar es salaam Attractions / What to do
Mwenge Woodcarvers Market: This market is a great place to buy local souvenirs and watch local artists as they showcase their crafts. Artists are always happy to show off their talent and discuss their artwork with travellers. Make sure that you don’t fall for the first shop you see, venture into the depths of the market and haggle.
National Museum and House of Culture: This museum is great for learning more about the local and national history and seeing some artefacts. Visitors will be able to view some of Tanzania’s earliest fossils as well as reports on the colonial and slavery period. You can also view President Nyerere’s Rolls Royce. Despite a lot of work in the past few years, the museum can seem a bit incoherent at times. Tickets cost around TSH 6500, while students only pay TSH 2600.
St. Joseph Cathedral: Home to the Archbishop of Dar es Salaam, this cathedral was built at the end of the 19th century by German missionaries. The gothic architecture, stained glass windows, and German inscriptions continue to enthral visitors.
Askari Monument: This monument was unveiled in 1927 to honour the askari (soldiers) who fought in for the British in WW1. It is located in Kisutu, the City Centre.
Village Museum: This museum is an interactive, open-air exhibition where you can enter various Tanzanian huts to see how rural people live in the countryside. There are also dances and music performances, which come at an extra price. Prices are TSH 6500 for adults, TSH 2600 for students and an additional TSH 2000 for performances.
Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society: Tinga Tinga is the local style of art, and it depicts nature. It originated in Dar es Salaam and has since spread to other East African countries as a prime touristic art style. The Tinga Tinga Arts Cooperative Society is a group that continues this style, and they allow travellers to visit their workroom, order commissions and, buy artworks. The Society is conveniently located on the Msasani Peninsula where most travellers stay for great access to Coco Beach.
Cultural Tours with Afriroots: Afriroots provides walking, cycling and night tours to educate travellers about the city’s roots, social issues, and culture. Prices vary from US$40-50. Bookings can be organised at www.afriroots.co.tz/.
Coco Beach in Oyster Bay is Dar es Salaam’s most famous beach. The white sand beach attracts locals and travellers alike. Due to its popularity, the beach can get quite crowded, but there are many bars and restaurants to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in the evening. At night, there is often live music. Avoid taking valuables. Mbezi Beach and Kigamboni Beach are quieter alternatives.
There are also two islands just off the coast of Dar, offering serene white beach stretches, swaying cocoa palms and an island feel. Just 20 minutes away by boat, Mbudya Island is perfect for snorkelling, swimming, and tanning.
Boats can be taken from any major hotels on the beach. Travellers will need to pay a slightly inflated fee for entering the island (TSH 22,500 at the time of writing). Cabanas can be rented on the island and there are several food stalls.
Bongoyo Island is slightly larger than Mbudya Island and it is located about 30 mins away from the harbour by ferry. Ferries can be taken from the Slipway Shopping Centre on the Msasani Peninsula.
Ferries depart every 2 hours from 09:30-17:00 and the journey costs TSH 35.000 per person (at the time of writing).
The beautiful coastline can also be enjoyed from a traditional dhow, a popular boat in the Arabic part of the Indian Ocean. There are day trips that combine coast views with snorkelling and lunch on one of the many deserted islands off the city’s coastline.
You can also take a sunset boat trip or go fishing. At the time of writing, boat cruises cost around US$35 per person and kayaking costs US15$ per person.
Dar es Salaam’s eclectic food scene is a fusion of African, Asian, Arabic, and European influences.
You can try a range of delicious dishes, from traditional Tanzanian and Indian snacks from street vendors to high-end Asian restaurants to barbecued fish at the beach. At Kivukoni Fish Market, you can watch as the local fishermen bring in their catch. Fishing is the primary source of income for many of the locals.
Msasani has some higher end restaurants that serve European cuisine, as well as beach bars, and seafood restaurants. There are several great restaurants next to the Slipway Shopping Centre which all offer stunning views of the beach.
We recommend Thai Kani, which fuses Tanzanian and Thai cuisine. The Yacht Club is also a great choice. Many restaurants also turn into clubs and bars at nights.
Tanzanians know how to party. Tanzanian nightlife is shaped by some of the best music on the continent and cheap drinks, and nights out in Dar es Salaam are unforgettable.
Tanzanian bars and clubs are generally safe, but you should take precautions.
Some restaurants have live music performances, including the Maisha Club on Coco Beach, or Q Bar which is just 10 minutes from the beach.
Level 8, the bar of the Hyatt Regency, is a more upmarket option, and it offers sweeping views across the city and refreshing drinks.
Dar es Salaam is a great starting point for a weekend trip to Zanzibar or Mikumi National Park. Trips to both locations can be arranged through a tour operator or your hotel.
Venture to Zanzibar for its pristine beaches, a spice tour, and excellent waters for snorkelling. Zanzibar offers several outdoor activities and water sports, including cycling, kitesurfing, diving, or even island hopping.
Mikumi National Park is 4 hours away from the big city, making it perfect for a weekend trip. The park’s sweeping plains contain a plethora of wildlife that will excite animal enthusiasts and bird watchers alike.
As a result, Day Trip to Mikumi National Park (Dar es salaam safari) is a shortest safari offered in the southern Tanzania (Day safari to Tanzania). Day Trip Mikumi National Park (Safari from Dar es salaam) takes you to one of the closest park in the south called Mikumi National Park. It starts very early in the morning around 0330 hours and ends after 2000 hours back into Dar es salaam.
Day Trip to Mikumi National Park (Dar es salaam Safari)
(Dar es salaam safari)
Dar es Salaam – Mikumi National Park – Dar es salaam
Pick up from DSM city center early in the morning and proceed to south of Dar es Salaam, along the Tanzania / Zambia Highway. Game drive of Mikumi National Park with picnic lunch.
Late afternoon, return to Dar es Salaam City. Arrive in Dar es salaam after 2000 hours.
With 3,230 square kilometers coverage Mikumi National Park is well-known park in Tanzania. The park is well-known for its population of elephants, giraffes buffaloes, zebras, elands, greater Kudu, wildebeest, roan and sable antelope. Predators include tree-climbing lions (which are in large number), leopards, wild hunting dogs and black-backed jackal. More than 300 species of birds have been recorded here including Eurasian migrants such as red billed oxpecker, marabou stork and lilac breasted roller.
END OF TOUR
Inclusive:
• Safari base vehicle + English speaking driver/guide
• Pick up and drop off within Dar city center
• Park fees & game drives
• A Lunch Box
Exclusive:
• Meals & Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
• Medical and luggage insurance
• Tips: we recommend US $ 20 per group per day
• Dar es salaam airport transfers
• Other personal expenses
• Emergency evacuation insurance
Recommendations:
Where to stay in Dar es salaam
Whether the city is just a stepping-stone for other adventures or a highlight of your itinerary, you will need to find comfortable accommodation.
You can choose between a range of hotels, Airbnbs, and hostels. Hostels are a great way for young people to meet fellow travellers and they are often reasonably priced.
Some of the best hotels at mid-market prices are The Oyster Bay, The Hyatt Regency (The Kilimanjaro), and The Southern Sun. If you want to stay in a hostel, Happy Feet Backpackers is a great option.
Dar es salaam Safari FAQ's
Yes, Dar es Salaam is safe to visit if you stick to some rules. Don’t wear any flashy jewelry or carry your valuables openly. Watch out for the insane traffic. Try to only use taxi drivers at night that your hotel or restaurant recommended or one that you already know. If you are going out late, it might be worth to pre-arrange a pick-up time with a known taxi. Don’t walk around, even just between bars, after nightfall. If you are in a bar or club, keep your drinks covered or not out of sight. If you are going out, it might be wise to dress a bit more covered than you would usually do to avoid unnecessary attention. These are all rules that should apply to your general travels in Tanzania, not just Dar es Salaam. Crime is an issue in the city, but this should not deter you from visiting Dar es Salaam.
No, Dar es Salaam is fairly cheap to visit and stay in. There are various hotels and restaurants, tailored to different budgets, so there should be no problem to find something that suits your wallet best.
Dar es Salaam is usually skipped in favor of Zanzibar and the Northern National Parks. If the beautiful savannah or lonely beaches is what you are looking for, other places might be better, but Dar es Salaam is rich with culture and history. It is unbeatable for food options in the entire country and the nightlife is good. There is the possibility of accessing some beaches, but most importantly you will learn immensely about African urban life.
Dar es Salaam has a reputation for being very hot. Temperatures can reach well over 30 Degrees Celsius, worsened by the bustling city center and congestion. It is hot and humid all year round. Despite the heat you should wear covering clothes unless you are at the beach to respect the local culture.
Like in most of Tanzania, you should not drink the tap water in Dar es Salaam. It is fine to use it for brushing your teeth, but otherwise bottled water is better.
Kiswahili and English are widely spoken in the city. Learning a few words of Kiswahili will help you haggling, negotiating fares and putting a smile on most locals’ faces. It’s also a very easy language to learn!
