Africa > East Africa > Tanzania > Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam
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Dar es Salaam (Haven of Peace in Arabic) was founded in 1862 by Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar on the site of the village of Mzizima. Mzizima's history dates back to the time when the Barawa people started to settle and cultivate the area around Mbwa Maji, Magogoni, Mjimwema, Gezaulole and Kibonde Maji Mbagara. Present day Dar es Salaam's origins have been influenced by myriad of Sultans, the Germans and the British. The city started as a fishing village in the mid 19th century, is now Tanzania's largest city, and has become one of East Africa’s most important ports and trading centers. With its great atmosphere, mix of African, Muslim, and South Asian influences, picturesque harbour, beaches, chaotic markets, and historical buildings, it is well worth extending your stay beyond the time between flights. Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's financial and political hub despite having lost its status as official capital to Dodoma in 1973.
[edit] UnderstandDar es Salaam is certainly not at the top of the list of places to see for most visitors to Tanzania. It's often a necessary stop on their way to Zanzibar, the northern safari circuit or home. That being said, Dar has its charm. Walks around the city center are a great way to get a feel for the culture and Kariakoo market can be an interesting place for the more adventurous. It can also be a good base for visiting some of the nearby sites such as Bagamoyo, Bongoyo and Mbudja Islands, as well as learn to scuba dive or go deep sea fishing. For those looking for something more humanitarian, most international organizations are based in Dar and may be a good starting point if you wish to volunteer. [edit] GeographyMost visitors to Dar arrive via Julius Nyerere Airport, about 10km west of the city center. Dar is flat and is bordered on the east by the Indian Ocean. [edit] ClimateDar es Salaam's weather is humid and hot during the dry season from September to March, and humid and cooler following the long rainy season from June to August. Dar has two rainy seasons, the short rains from late-October to early-December and the long rains from March to June. During the dry season temperatures can easily soar to above 35°C in Dar. You should seek shelter from the sun during the midday heat and use copious amounts of sunblock, SPF 30+. Best times to visit are: [edit] Get in[edit] VisaNorth Americans and Europeans can obtain tourist visas upon landing in Dar es Salaam at a cost of US$50 (US$100 for US passport holders) paid in US dollars. However, some may prefer to get a visa before arriving. A visa can be obtained from the Tanzanian High Commission/Embassy. Fees are US$50 and you will need a passport sized photograph. Normally ready same day. At the airport, stand in the visa line, which is on the right hand side of the queue for passport control. It can get a bit hectic because several international flights arrive almost simultaneously, so ask others where the queue starts. Once you've received your visa, there's no need to stop at passport control; they issue the visa and stamp you in at the same time, so just walk through to the baggage claim area. [edit] By planeTanzania's main airport is located in Dar es Salaam, Julius Nyerere International Airport - (IATA:DAR) (formerly known as Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere International Airport and Dar es Salaam International Airport). The airport is 10km from the city center and 20km from the Msasani Peninsula. Most large hotels offer a pick-up and drop-off service upon request. A taxi from the airport to the city center should cost between 10,000TSh and 20,000TSh, but many will ask for as much as US$40. Prices will be higher at night. If you can't get a decent price, walk to the main road and flag a taxi, it may be cheaper. Do not do this at night. As of June 2008, petrol is about US$1.50/liter and climbing, this in a country where people earn less than $1 a day. Fares may rise quickly. Daladalas are also available if you walk out the the main road. Look for those marked POSTA, which is the main Post Office in the city center. Hitchhiking is uncommon and most drivers will expect some form of payment from foreigners. Dar es Salaam is served Internationally from: Europe by:
Middle East and Asia by:
Africa by
These airlines provide almost daily service to and from Dar es Salaam to all major cities including Arusha, Mwanza, Mbeya, Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro and most national parks.
Buying Tickets: When purchasing tickets for domestic flights with a credit card, travel agents will add-on a fee ranging anywhere from 3-6% of the ticket price. To avoid the fee, pay for your tickets in cash. There are no additional fees when purchasing tickets for international destinations. [edit] By trainThere are two trains running out of Dar Es Salaam from different stations. Tanzania Railroad is a train that travels through the center of Tanzania to Dodoma and further West, even up to Mwanza; however, the train tends to be unreliable, not terribly pleasant, and full of thieves. Tourists should try to travel in groups, and/or buy out a first class cabin. Keep the doors and windows locked, especially when sleeping. The train travels at walking pace much of the time, so it is possible to buy fresh fruit, eggs, and other items out of the windows all along the way. Tazara runs a much nicer, though not much more on-time train to the south, which goes through part of the Selous Game Reserve, through Mbeya, and down to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia (about 2 to 3 hours from Lusaka). Tazara has a large train station just out on the edge of town. Visas for Zambia are available on the train. This is a nice but slow way to travel, as it takes about 2 days. [edit] By busBus travel is generally reliable if you pick the right company. It can be somewhat scary as Tanzanian's seem to value arriving quickly more than arriving safely ('Mungu akipenda, tutafika' - If god wants it, we shall arrive). Scandinavia Express is your best bet for a reliable schedule, a comfortable ride (many of the buses have air conditioning), and timely stops. Although the quality of their service went down in the last years. Scandinavia run their own bus station in Dar Es Salaam, and tickets should be purchased ahead of time. web site If you're traveling to Arusha, Royal Coach is perhaps an even better option. The buses are very nice, have a/c, a bathroom, and travel at 80kph for safety. The Royal Coach ticket office is located down town near the Jambo Inn and Econolodge: buses leave from here early in the morning as well. All other buses leave from Dar Es Salaam's central bus station in Ubungo, just west of the city (about 5000 to 7000 Tzs taxi ride from downtown). Here you can find buses to the majority of other cities. Although there are many touts outside of Ubungo's ticket area, they are mostly harmless. If you are put off by them, ask the taxi to take you inside the station for a small extra fee. The ticket offices are located just outside the station, though you can buy the tickets from the bus if you have entered already. This might be a better idea regardless, as you cannot tell the state of the bus from outside, nor how full the bus is (buses will only leave when completely full). Warning: Some of the cheaper lines run buses which are remarkably dilapidated, uncomfortable, will take a very long time to fill up, and will likely have to stop more often on the way, assuming they make it at all. Bus travel by night is not allowed, so most buses except for those to nearby cities will leave early in the morning. [edit] By carSee the By car in the Get In in the Tanzania article. [edit] Get around[edit] By footWalking around central Dar is a nice way to see the city and probably the best way to get around. In general people will leave you alone except for the occasional greeting. There aren't many sidewalks in Dar so exercise caution when walking along busy roads.
[edit] CyclingCycling around Dar is possible but can be difficult and scary. You should be comfortable with cycling in high-congestion areas where cyclist are often low in the food chain. Tanzanians have little patience when driving and in their mind any vehicle smaller than theirs is responsible for getting out the way. Wear a helmet and hone your defensive cycling skills. Some local tour groups offer guide bicycling tours around the city. This is a good way to get further a field and interact with the locals. [edit] By carCar hires can be organized through most hotels. Tanzanians drive on the left. Like many developing countries, driving in Dar can be stressful, difficult and dangerous. In addition to potholes, drivers must contend with aggressive taxis and dalla-dallas (see below), poor driving skills by western standards, large potholes, uncovered manholes, few if any streetlights at night, and thieves who remove any exterior part of your vehicle while you’re stopped at traffic lights. During the rainy season you must also navigate through water covered roads that may hide deep potholes and around Tanzanians who dart out into traffic in an effort to get out of the rain, often with little children in tow. In conclusion, driving in Dar should be left to those with driving experience in developing countries. Choice of vehicle
Navigation Driving in the city
Note: Carjackings are uncommon but opening doors or jumping through open windows to steal valuables is not. Keep your windows closed and doors locked. As of February 2008, reports have arisen of thieves aiming for golden and silver earrings at traffic lights, simply ripping them out. When stopped at traffic lights or parked in unattended locations, thieves have been known to steal mirrors, paneling, spare tires and anything that is not either engraved with the license plate number of bolted to the vehicle's body. Choose your parking spots carefully and don't leave valuables in plain sight. You can either offer the parking attendant a small tip to watch your vehicle, 500 to 1000 Tzs, or find a secured parking lot, especially if your leaving the vehicle overnight. Hotels often provide such parking areas. Routes
NOTE: A senior government official has suggested that the Government purchase helicopters to ferry officials and dignitaries to and from the airport and around town in a bid to reduce traffic congestion. Needless to say that this request was not well received by representatives from the various donor countries and international aid agencies.
[edit] By taxiTaxi fares are not fixed. Dar's taxi drivers consider almost all trips within the (poorly defined) city center to be worth a minimum of 2000 Tzs. This can actually be a good deal (one side of the city to the other in peak hour) or a bad deal (when it is a couple of blocks). A price must be negotiated before your begin traveling, or the price will be considerably higher once you reach your destination. It is not customary to tip your driver. While there are many friendly and honest drivers, some will try their luck and quote an outrageous price to anyone who looks wealthy. Even if you can't see another taxi around, don't agree to it. Another taxi is sure to be just around the corner. It is quite practical to begin walking in the direction you want to go. You'll either find one on the side of the road or one will drive past. Cars owned by drivers are often maintained at a high level; taking a smooth air-conditioned trip around Dar is entirely possible if you know the right driver! If you plan on hiring a taxi for a long journey, inspect the quality of the tires, which are often extremely worn. Don't hesitate to tell the driver to slow down. "Pole Pole" in Swahili. To/from the airport to/from the city center - the average price is 15000 Tzs. This can sometimes be negotiated down, especially if you pay in USD. To/from city center to/from Msasani Peninsula - should run about 7,000 Tzs. For a small premium, you can reserve a taxi for the whole day. This can convenient if your visiting a number of places and doing some shopping. You should be able to get it for 30000 Tzs. [edit] DaladalaThe most common form of public transportation in Dar are mini-vans which go by the name "daladala". These vans ply a specific route with the start and ending point clearly marked on the front of the vehicle. You can jump on and off anywhere along the route by simply yelling out, "Shusha!" (pronounced SHOO-sha). Their popularity is due to the low cost, around 250 Tzs per ride, and sheer numbers. However, tourists should be aware that drivers will pile in as many people as possible, there is no a/c, some drive like maniacs, and the overall condition of the vehicles is poor, with many frequently breaking down along the way. That being said, travelers should not hesitate to use them for getting around. Watch out for pickpockets as you get into and leave crowded vehicles. It helps if you know a little Kiswahili and are at least a little familiar with the city when using daladalas. If you’re trying to get to the city center, hop onto any daladala marked 'posta'. They all go to the central post office. Since they tend to be very crowded, you should guard your belongings. This is especially true when you are at large bus stations such as Mwenge. The best part is that locals will often strike up friendly conversations and are always willing to help you with your Kiswahili. Travel by daladala can be quite enjoyable so long as you are on the correct route. [edit] See
Bahari Beach hotel, is about 20km to the north of Dar es Salaam along New Bagamoyo Road. The hotel charges a small fee for non-guests. Kigamboni and Kipepeo are situated across the channel from the Zanzibar ferry. You can get to the other side by ferry, not the same as for Zanzibar. The ferry station is north of the Zanzibar ferry past the Kilimanjaro Kempinski hotel near the main fish market. You walk onto the ferry which costs about 500TSH. The crossing takes about 5 minutes. Once across, you can hire a taxi to take you to the beaches, most of which are accessed through the various hotel along the costs. The public beaches have all be sold to developers. Hotels, such as the Sunrise, will charge a 2,000TSH entry fee. If you plan on purchasing food from the hotel's restaurant, you may be able to get them to wave this fee. Most hotels are about 10km from the ferry and you should be able to get there for 10,000 to 15,000TSH depending on your negotiating skills. There are also daladalas which ply the road to the beaches. Further south from Kipepeo is Amani [18] and Ras Kutani [19] resorts. These are upscale resorts popular with locals and the ex-pat community. Ras Kutani does not accept children. [edit] DoFor a great day trip, head out to Bongoyo Island. Bongoyo is a small, uninhabited island just off the coast. The boat to Bongoyo leaves from Slipway, the upscale set of shops and markets on the Msasani Peninsula, just north of Dar es Salaam. A taxi from the city center should run you 7,000 Tsh. The first boat leaves at 9:30AM, with others at 11:30, 13:30 and 15:30, with a minimum of four people. The ferry cost 11,000Tsh and another US$5 for the marine park fee. The return ferries are at 12:30, 14:30 and the last one at 17:00. There is a small restaurant on the island which serves a variety of foods and drinks (chips, fish and chips, egg and chips, beer etc.). Another option is to buy food at the Shoprite at Slipway. You can relax without having to worry about anyone stealing your things. Take a hike around the island, or just relax under a banda on the beach. Bandas are free but a chair cost 1,500Tsh for the day. On the weekend, be sure to get on the first ferry if you want a banda, it gets very busy on Saturday and Sunday. When you come back, you can get ice cream or meal at several of the Slipway restaurants and watch the sun set. You can also check out the Tinga Tinga paintings at the market. There are quite a number of night clubs in Dar es Salaam. Probably the most popular is Bilicanas, which is lively and sometimes not quite as full of prostitutes as the other clubs. It is popular with locals and ex-pats alike. Music is varied, depending on the night, from local to Congolese to dance to hip-hop. (The only time I've ever heard hip-hop played right before Aqua's "Barbie Girl"; the place goes nuts when they play the cheesy songs). California Dreamers is another club, but it is too full of prostitutes to recommend. There are numerous other smaller clubs that can be fun, but harder to get to. If you like to have a chillout evening, the Mediterraneo Lounge has a large collection of chill-out music. At the Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant Lounge you can enjoy the fantastic view of the Indian Ocean while sipping your favourite drink, and listening to the best lounge & chill-out music in Dar Es Salaam. [edit] BuyFor kangas (or khangas), colorful, sarong-like pieces of cloth with Swahili sayings along the bottom, try Kariakoo market or the cloth market on the streets around it. The market has moved a bit recently, but check around south end of Jamhuri St., where there are many textile shops. Here you can also buy kitenge, twice the length of kangas and usually cut in half to form a complete outfit, for around Tzs 4000 each. Try asking in here if you want something like a dress made to measure. Kariakoo is also a good place for fresh food. Watch out for pickpockets. You can get all kinds of delicious meals in Dar. With a large native South Asian population, the Indian food is amazing. Although scattered all over the city, some of the best places are found in and around Zanaki Street.
Carvings and other touristy souvenirs can be found all over Dar. Remember that haggling is expected. There is a fantastic craft market in Mwenge, the Mwenge Carvers' Market. Here you can watch many of the artists make the crafts that are sold throughout the country (although some crafts sold in Tanzania are imported from Kenya). Prices range from expensive to extremely cheap. There are many stalls selling similar things, and if you are savvy, you might be able to pit the vendors against each other. The perk of the Mwenge market is the sheer volume of crafts to choose from. If you like the style of something at a specific store (they tend to carry items made by one or two artists), and you have some time, you can meet the artist and have them custom make something for you. The market closes at dusk. Shopping around this time gets you the best deals. There is a smaller market at Slipway, which is the best place to get Tinga Tinga paintings and large batiks. If you run out of things to read, there are some surprisingly well stocked English language bookshops called A Novel Idea. One is located at the slipway and the other next to Steers on Ohio street. [edit] KariakooIf your looking for an authentic shopping experience, a visit to Kariakoo market, especially on Saturday morning, could be just the thing. WARNING: This is not for everyone. The market is VERY crowded and for some the smells and noises can be overwhelming. If your keen but hesitating, it might be best to find a Tanzanian friend or person familiar with the market to help you navigate around. DO NOT bring any valuables and only bring a small amount of money that you wish to spend, as pickpockets work the area and in the commotion your watch, cell phone, mp3, sunglasses and wallet can be expertly removed, or your nice leather handbag slashed with a razor. I’ve been to the market a fair bit and have witnessed many brazen theft attempts and successful thefts. Even seasoned Kariakoo shoppers occasionally fall prey to these sophisticated teams of thieves. Haggling: Haggling is expected when purchasing almost anything in Dar. However, on several occasions I've observed unnecessary arrogant and aggressive behaviour from travelers trying to buy carvings and paintings in the various tourist markets. Although it is true that most merchants quote much higher prices to tourists than locals, sometimes three times the price, negotiations should still be undertaken with respect and good humour. Don't expect to pay the same as a local and don't be insulted when you aren't. The reality is that you probably have more money in your pocket than many Tanzanians see in a year. This also applies to backpackers. Remember the extra dollar or two you paid for that carving will most likely be used to buy food for the family. None of these merchants are rich. If you think it’s too expensive leave and look elsewhere, don’t call them thieves. [edit] TanzaniteWhen it comes to expensive souvenirs, Tanzania has cornered the market with a gemstone that can only be found in Tanzania, hence the name Tanzanite. Shops selling this exquisite blue stone can be found in all major cities and towns, especially those popular with tourists like Zanzibar, Arusha and Dar. Your biggest problem will be knowing that what your getting is the real thing and worth the money your shelling out for it. The rule of thumb is the darker the gem the more expensive it is. Light colored Tanzanite is genuine just not as sought after as the darker stones. Grading is on a alphabetical scale with AAA being the best and B being the lightest and cheapest. Expect to pay as much as US$850 per carat for AAA. If, like most foreigners, you're new to this, buying from a reputable shop, such as the one at the Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski, might be more expensive but you're assured of what you're getting. Nonetheless, there are several other good shops around Dar like Tanzanite Dream, where you can get nice pieces or simply by the gems and have them set back home. Like all things, negotiating is key. [edit] EatYou can get all kinds of delicious meals in Dar. With a large native South Asian population, the Indian food is amazing. Although scattered all over the city, some of the best places are found in and around Zanaki Street. $ = Cheap (1,000 - 5,000Tsh for a meal for one) $$ = Average (5,000 - 10,000Tsh) $$$ = Moderate (10,000 - 20,000) $$$$ = Expensive (20,000+) Tanzanian: Traditional Tanzanian food can be had on almost any street. From grilled meats (mishkaki) to BBQ corn on the cob, and chips and eggs (chips maya). If you're looking for something a little more sanitary, there are a number of small hotels and restaurants that serve a buffet style meal at lunch time which offers a variety of Tanzanian stews, deep fried fish and chicken, and vegetables. City Garden ($$) on Garden Avenue between Ohio Street and Pemba Road in the city center and the New Africa Hotel on the corner of Sokoine Drive and Maktaba Street are good choices. For something even more upscale, try the Sunday Brunch at the Kilimanjaro Hotel. The restaurant on the ground floor offers a wide variety of Western dishes but also includes several local favourites taken up a notch. It's not cheap, about 30,000 Tzs per person, but if your interested in trying Tanzanian cuisine without risking gastrointestinal complications, it's your best bet.
City Center: The Retreat ($$), between Kisutu and Jamhuri Streets, is open from Tuesday to Sunday and serves excellent southern Indian and is a popular place with locals and ex-pats. Try a Thali for 6,000Tsh. K Tea Shop ($) just off of Libya Street, has great kebabs other Indian snacks. Istana serves an excellent buffet; cuisines change per day of the week. If you like Indian and Chinese food and especially if you're vegetarian, Alcove on Samora avenue is the place for you. Peninsula and around: Anghiti ($$$) (near the US Embassy) on New Bagamoyo road just after the Kawawa intersection is excellent.
City Center: The New Africa Hotel has a popular Thai restaurant on the roof. The Kilimanjaro Hotel's Oriental ($$$$) restaurant serves a variety of Japanese, Thai and Malaysian dishes. Peninsula: Osaka ($$$$) off of Toure, serves Korean and Japanese, including very good sushi, look for the sign on the left when heading towards Sea Cliff. Goong ($$$) serves authentic Korean food and are on the dirt road just before the Slipway.
City Center: Oliveti ($$$$) at the Movenpick serves upscale Italian food with a bit of a twist. Peninsula and surroundings: For Italian-style pizza and pasta dishes, try Saverio's. Trattoria Jan ($$$) on Kimwere has excellent food, but is a little hard to get to if you don't have a car. If you like to have a relaxing dinner while viewing the Indian Ocean, the Mediterraneo Hotel & Restaurant is the perfect place, you can find here a wide choice of Italian/Mediterranean dishes, homemade pasta and delicious seafood dishes.
A little-known and out of way restaurant called Addis in Dar ($$$) (on Ursino Street) is superb. This Ethiopian restaurant offers excellent food costing about Tzs 7,000 per dish. They serve chicken, beef, lamb and vegetarian dishes (mostly stews, but some come without sauce) on a bed of injera, a moist and springy Ethiopian flatbread. The decor is fantastic and the atmosphere is excellent as well. Try the Ethiopian honey wine before your meal and the beautifully-presented coffee after.
Al-Basha ($$) is the best middle-eastern food in Dar. They have two locations. City center on the corner of Morogoro and India Street and at the Mayfair Plaza in Mikocheni near the US Embassy.
Épi d'Or ($$) is owned and run by a French woman who makes excellent sandwiches, bread, croissants and many other dishes as well as excellent coffee. They have two locations, one in the city center on Samora avenue, close to the Zanzibar ferry, and the other at Sea Cliff village on the Peninsula.
For upscale meals, visit the Movenpick (formerly the Royal Palm Hotel), The Holiday Inn, Kilimanjaro Kempenski Hotel in the city center.
Zens Bar & Restaurant'' is open all day long 6.30am to 11pm; serving exquisite buffet and a la carte menus, prepared by the renowned 5 star chef Mahadhi. Whether you want a leisurely breakfast, a power lunch, or a delectable dinner, you’ll find the experience impressive! Zens Bar has a wide selection of drinks in a tranquil atmosphere. The Restaurant offers personalized outside catering for conferences, weddings, kitchen parties, seminars, lunch packs, and takeaways to give the customer an event of a life time where the menus are tailored to the customer’s budget. Secure parking and free wireless internet during lunch time available! Find us in Mikocheni “B”at Exclusive Resort Opposite St. Laureate Int. School, Kwa Warioba, Msikiti street CALL US AT: +255 2202780440 EXT.126
Budget Eats: Near the budget hotels in the Indian quarter is a restaurant called Chef's Pride. It caters mostly to tourists, but is very reasonably priced. Milap is a vegetarian Indian Restaurant with very cheap prices. There's also a Subway near the YWCA that is air-conditioned, and a nice treat if you're hankering for some food of a western nature. The YWCA, near the Cathedral, has a delicious and cheap canteen where you can order a traditional Tanzanian meal for under Tzs 2,000. Steers on Ohio street has several restaurants in one area. Burgers, pizzas and Chinese stir fry. But the best place to eat, both in terms of price and atmosphere, is on the street. Places to try include the corner of Morogoro road and Jamhuri street, or the large open space in front of the Dar Express bus company ticket office. Chips mayai (chips in an omelet) should be about 700 or 800 shillings. [edit] DrinkYou should only drink bottled water. A 1.5-liter bottle will cost you only 450 shillings, but you can also drink tap water if you've purified it with iodine tablets or boiled it. Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Safari (a stronger beer, 5.5% alcohol) are local beers and popular with Tanzanian's and foreigners. Import beer available in Dar include Tusker, Ndovu, Stella Artois, Castel Lager and Heineken. The Florida Inn near the UN building by the ferry port, offers South African Castle (pronounced "Castel") on tap, as well as nice air conditioning and a pool table. Konyagi is a popular local gin, and its variant Konyagi Ice is comparable to hard lemonade and other sweet drinks. Krest, bottled locally by Coca Cola, offer Club Soda, Tonic Water and Bitter Lemon drinks. Stoney Tangawizi (ginger ale) is one of the more popular soda drinks. Sodas come in glass bottles and you'll usually be asked to return the bottle or pay extra to take it, but they don't usually like that. The only bar in the Indian section of Dar, near the budget hotels, is the New Protein Bar, down the street from Chef's Pride. Good food and cheap.
[edit] SleepThe cost of accommodation can vary from 1500 Tzs a night for very basic rooms to hundreds of dollars for the Movenpick. The YMCA (near Posta daladala stand) is the main place to stay and meet fellow backpackers. It fills up quickly. Items left in locked rooms at the Jambo Inn near Mnazi Moja have a way of disappearing, which can turn a cheap bed into a very expensive night. [edit] Budget
If you don't want to spend too much and get a clean room together with a good service the CEFA Hostel could be the solution you're looking for. Situated in Mikocheni B, on Old Bagamoyo Road, this hostel offers accommodation, including breakfast, starting from $25. The hostel is run by CEFA, an Italian NGO that throughout this activity finances its rural development projects in the inner part of the country. Very kind staff, wi-fi connection available free for guests, a wonderful terrace with view on the sea and the possibilty to eat excellent italian food for less than $4. The place usually packs up quite quickly so it's better to book with some advance.
196.46.120.67 04:45, 1 August 2008 (EDT)===Middle Class=== There are plenty of expensive hotels in and around Dar but here are some modern hotels which are reasonably priced:
Harbour View is currently (October 2007) fitting out two more floors and should have a restaurant and fitness center soon. [22]. Tel: +255 22 2124040.
[edit] UpscaleDar also has its fair share of hotels which cater largely to foreigners traveling here for work. You can find the Movenpick, Kilimanjaro Hotel Kempinski, and Holiday Inn, just to name a few, in the city center and the Coral Beach Hotel and Alexander's hotel[23] on the Msasani Peninsula. In September 2007, the Sea Cliff Hotel was almost completely gutted by fire. This was a popular upscale hotel on the Peninsula with a beautiful view on the Indian Ocean. The adjoining shopping mall was left unscathed and many of the hotel's restaurants are now open for business after a thorough cleaning. It's unclear how long it will be before the hotel reopens. If you're wanting to escape the city, there are a few upscale hotels just outside of Dar. Just off the road to Bagamoyo, New Bagamoyo road, about a 45 minute drive from the city center, without traffic of course, there is the White Sands Hotel. Some people may like this option as there are several scuba diving schools situated in and around the hotel. Ernst Prinsloo runs Sea Breeze Marine Ltd from the water park adjacent to the White Sands Hotel. His staff are professional and friendly. Email him at info@seabreezemarine.org or call +255 754 783 241. [edit] Get out
Organizing safaris or travel out of Dar You can organize all safaris and travel around Tanzania from Dar es Salaam. There are several good travel agents that can help you organize anything. Kearleys Travel and Tours [25] which has offices in the Movenpick and at the Sea Cliff Village and Emslies Travel Ltd [26] across from the Movenpick are excellent. You can also contact many safari lodges directly to arrange accommodation. Be advised that in many cases, lodges and safari tours require cash payment. More and more and accepting credit cards, but do not assume that you can pay with a credit card. In the south and around Dar Foxes Safari [27] run several safari and beach lodges. Mikumi, Ruaha, Sadaani, and Lazy Lagoon, just to name a few places they operate.
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