Dar es Salaam

Tanzania's largest city and main international airport, with the only non-stop flight from India (Air Tanzania from Mumbai, daily since June 2026). Most visitors pass through: the Azam fast ferry to Zanzibar leaves from the harbour, the SGR train goes inland to Morogoro and Dodoma, and the bush flights to Nyerere, Ruaha and Mafia start here. A day is enough for the Kivukoni fish market, the National Museum, Kariakoo market and Bongoyo island. The city's big Indian community means plenty of Indian and pure-vegetarian restaurants, and Hindu and Jain temples, round the city centre and Upanga.

Highlights

• Kivukoni fish market at dawn
• Bongoyo island beach day
• National Museum
• Kariakoo market
• Mwenge woodcarvers
• Sunset at the Slipway
• Gujarati thali in the city centre

Things to do

• Kivukoni fish market and city-centre walkMorning · 2h 30m
• Bongoyo island boat ride and beach afternoonAfternoon · 4h
• National MuseumMorning · 1h 30m
• Sunset at the SlipwayEvening · 2h

Tours & tickets

When to go

Best time: June – October

• Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr — Zanzibar is almost entirely Muslim. During Ramadan (expected about 8 February to 9 March 2027, by moon sighting) many local restaurants in Stone Town close until sunset, eating, drinking and smoking in public by day is frowned on, and modest dress matters more than ever; hotels and beach resorts serve visitors as usual. The evenings are lively, and Eid (about 10 March 2027) brings three days of celebration, fairs and full ferries.
• Dar es Salaam International Trade Fair (Saba Saba) — The big trade fair on the Kilwa Road grounds from 28 June to 13 July, peaking on the Saba Saba holiday (7 July). Traffic in south Dar es Salaam is heavy; allow extra time for the airport.