Dar es Salaam

Tanzania's largest city and commercial hub, the main international gateway, and the starting point for Zanzibar and the southern parks.

Dar es Salaam lies on Tanzania's eastern Indian Ocean coast and is the country's largest city, main port and economic center. In the city you can visit the National Museum, the bustling Kariakoo Market and the early-morning fish market. Along the coast, Coco Beach, Kigamboni beaches and the Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve are good for relaxing and swimming. Julius Nyerere International Airport is a major entry point to Tanzania, ferries run from the port to Zanzibar, and rail and road links lead inland. The climate is hot and humid; June to October is relatively cool and dry, and the best time to visit.

Destinations

• Dar es Salaam

Itineraries

• Nyerere National Park Safari & Zanzibar – Fly from Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park for a river safari, then head to Zanzibar's Stone Town and East Coast.
• Swahili Coast Ancient Cities Tour – Travel north from Dar es Salaam to Bagamoyo, then head south to Kilwa to explore World Heritage sites.