Things to do in Dar es Salaam, Dar Es Salaam Region: The Best Bus Tours

July 22, 2021 Milan Banda

Nestled along a natural harbor on the Indian Ocean, Dar es Salaam is a multicultural city, home to African Tanzanians, Arabic and South Asian communities, British and German expatriates, Catholics, Lutherans and Muslims. This diversity in people is reflected in the culture: the city boasts international cuisine ranging from traditional Tanzanian barbecue and Zanzibari food to Thai, Chinese and American restaurants. Its vibrant music scene has witnessed a rise in Bongo Flava, a form of hip hop.
Restaurants in Dar es Salaam

1. 13-Day Kenya and Tanzania Adventure Camping Tour from Nairobi

Hotel Boulevard, Harry Thuku Rd, Nairobi, Kenya Acacia Africa
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This tour embodies the East African safari experience as you explore the multi-faceted countries of Kenya and Tanzania. From the illustrious Maasai Mara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, all being Big Five game parks and notoriously bountiful in wildlife. To the stretches of palm-fringed Indian Ocean beaches of Zanzibar Island. A combination of safari excitement with the relaxation of an island getaway. The ideal tour to simply marvel in the best of what South East Africa has to offer!

Inclusions: Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Breakfast, Breakfast, Dinner, Fully equipped safari vehicle, Camping and cooking equipment, All road tolls and vehicle taxes, All ground transportation, Sleeping mattress, Meals as indicated, Services of two crew, Included Highlights:, Maasai Mara excursion with small vehicle*, Maasai Village Walk with Resident Guide, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater Excursion, Game Drives with Resident Guide*, Zanzibar, Return Ferry & Accommodation

Exclusions: Adventure Pass Activities and Excursions (Mandatory/ USD 1330.00pp)*, Visas, Flights, Travel insurance, Departure taxes, Airport transfers, Sleeping bag, Optional activities, Drinks, tips and Items of a personal nature

Reviewed By bookeric

TLDR; this is a tremendous experience for the adventurous traveler; if you have an open mindset about meeting new people, enjoy hiking and the outdoors, and don't mind an occasionally rough ride, this is an incredible trip and well worth your time. Having never traveled outside the US, I wanted to go big on my first solo trip with the 62-day excursion from Pretoria to Nairobi. Since it was such an extensive trip, I was looking for the most value for my time, based on price, activities, and safety. I backpack often, so beyond basic comfort was not a priority for me, which turned out to be a good mindset to adopt since we camped nearly the entire trip, & rode in a truck with no AC (Namibia gets hot!). Tip - be ready to retrieve the rain fly for your tent during unexpected 3 AM rain showers! However, nearly all of the sites we stayed at had the option to upgrade from camping to comfortable indoor accommodations, which was a nice option to take advantage of occasionally. Once we reached our site for the night, we began our daily rotating duties, which included helping to cook, clean the truck, and do dishes, which I think added to the experience and helped bond our fellow tourists. Traveling solo, I felt safe at all times with our guides, drivers, and locations. My trip was split between two guides, Crispen, then Pete, and they were great company that looked out for us and kept us safe and informed about everything around us. Our guides were familiar with the paths and knew everyone at our destinations. Nothing surprised them. Our drivers were impressive as well, with Harmony and Francis keeping us safe on the often-tumultuous African roads. Navigating both urban and off-road environments in our trucks was no easy task, and Francis even proved his mechanic skills during the occasional break-down. The variety of locations we stayed at were simply incredible. From Cape Town to the deserts of Namibia, the Okavango Delta to Zanzibar Island, the mixture of urban and remote landscapes couldn't have been better. We saw every animal you can imagine. On a trip like this, an open mindset is key. Traveling for two months with strangers can go any number of ways, but due to this trip, I now have lifelong friends scattered across the globe that I can't wait to visit. This wasn't just a vacation, it was a lasting, eye-opening experience that I believe everyone should try if possible. I can't recommend this trip enough. I wish I could go back to January and do it all over again.

2. Dar es Salaam City tour with a View!

Aloys E Malekela
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

> No disappointment once booked > It has great places to visit and see > Health and safety is guaranteed

Inclusions: Tour Guide fees, Entry fees/ tickets, Private transportation, Lunch & bottled water

Exclusions: Specific photographic fees , Coffee, beers & wines

Reviewed By kassityh

This is my second tour with Mr. Aloys! I took a taxi and met up with him in Bagamoyo. It’s about 2 hours taxi ride north from Dar. It’s an amazing place to visit for a day and to get away from the busy city life in Dar Es Salaam. Bagamoyo has super interesting history that dates back centuries and many archeological sites to visit. If you are interested in the East African slave trade history this place is a must visit for the historical value. Highly recommended. A must visit!

3. 3 Days 2 Nights Safari to Mikumi National Parks

Rupia Adventure
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Mikumi Safari is a 3 days is a short tour from Dar es Salaam, which takes you to visit one of the spectacular's southern circuit National parks of Tanzania. This is not any other than Mikumi National parks where you will stay for 2 nights. The park hosts small and large mammals including variety of birds species and reptiles, accommodation can be at the standard or luxury lodges, luxury Tented camp or budget camping sites. Accommodation can be in lodge, tented camp or basic camping booked on full board arrangements.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner, Lunch, Breakfast, Dinner, Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By irenetG2733OK

Before safari we did trek for 4 days with our guide Maziku the young hero, Maziku from Rupia was young man but very professional and educated he know well the mountain and many specias of birds and plants, his English was slow but well understandable, the route was bit steap and summit day was bit challenge, we started midnight and reach on the top early morning around 6am, the peak was good no cloud on our day we viewed well Arusha town from the top, we thanks Rupia Adventure for this amazing trip and Maziku with his team

4. Nightlife in Dar with Sam

Samaki Samaki, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Samuel Thomas Nkingo
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

My experience provides a better way to have a chance to be like a local in Dar -The experience starts with being picked up before 9 pm and being transported to our first location for some drinks or food (vegetarians are required t give the info earlier) -the party starts here with your drinking coupons covering options for various kind of drinks. -Around 12 am we head to the famous clubs in the city where we will get chance to dance a variety of music such as the local Bongo flava, reggae, hip hop and other more till late night. After the party night we will drop you back to your hotel or to your house door step.

Inclusions: Private transportation, All Fees and Taxes, we will provide two coupon for the drink the rest guests will have to buy.

Exclusions: all the guest will be responsible to pay for their own dinner

Reviewed By 502glorym

I enjoyed my trip with nkingo adventures , It was such an amazing experience, the tour guides were polite, friendly and offered professional services.

5. Saadani-Day Trip

Wonderland
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Saadani is where the beach meets the bush. The only wildlife sanctuary in East Africa to boast for an Indian Ocean beachfront, it sounds too far fetched to be true – an epic safari adventure filled with scenic Savannah, verdant bush lands married with calm beaches absent from tourists. This description may sound like the stuff of dreams, but here in Tanzania’s Saadani National Park, it is the reality. Yet it is also the one place where those idle hours of sunbathing might be interrupted by an elephant strolling past, or a lion coming to drink at the nearby waterhole!

Inclusions: Lunch, Breakfast

Exclusions: Items of personal nature

Reviewed By Traveler12343211234

We received a written email stating that we would get picked up at the hotel and dropped off at the Dar es Salaam airport at the end of the safari. This transportation was to be included in the overall price. Also, we were to have all meals and activities included in the safari price, and the package was to include a safari hat and t-shirt. Well, the night before, we discovered that only one meal per day would be covered. We shrugged and went ahead anyway. At the end, the guide (Baracka Kimambo) said when we got to the airport that we would have to pay $10 each for a snake park we visited, $20 each for a lunch we had in Mikumi Park, and an incredible $50 because we were brought back to the airport instead of the original hotel in Dar es Salaam (not that far from the originating hotel). Sincere there were seven us in the group, this was a substantial amount of money! We felt as though we were being swindled by a guide whom we had gotten to know and like over the past three days. All this just minutes after we had given him a $210 cash tip! Not a good feeling. Not knowing what to do, we paid the extra money. Then, at the airport, we decided to call the director (Rodgers Bajungu), who was very nice and was apologetic. He directed Baracka to return to the airport and give us the money back, which he did. For some reason, we let him keep the tip. Unpleasant ending to an otherwise good trip.Oh, and by the way, we never got the promised hat and t-shirt.....

6. Zanzibar City/shopping (stone Town Tour)

Mo Tours & Safaris
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

This is a walking tour that takes you through fabled Stone Town, where history appears to stand still. With visits to the House of Wonders,the former slave market for East African Slave trade, and the Arab Fort amongst others, it is a fascinating look at the essence of Zanzibar.The architectural style of Stone town buildings is a unique mixture of various influences and culture. You will see Zanzibar’s bustling market, winding alleyways, ornately carved and studded doors, two cathedrals and countless mosques! Stone Town has some excellent gifts shops with plenty of souvenirs and handicrafts to choose from. A guided walk through this colorful and alternating city with tour knowledgeable tour guides, who knows not only funny of Stone town, but also cruel stories to tell about life of the old times in Stone town.

Inclusions: Pickup & Drop-off, Entrance Fees at slave market site, Expirienced Professional Tour Guide

Exclusions: Food and Drinks, Medical insurance, All cost of personal nature

Reviewed By MariaL10126

I ordered almost all my Zanzibar tours and transfers at Mo tours & safaris, and was very much pleased by their work. Mohammed Ali turned to be very knowleadgeble and thoughtful person, and what was extremely important for me - absolutely reliable. My ferry from Dar Es Salaam to Zanibar was delayed for 3 hours, while I had no phone and internet connection to inform Mo about this delay. Moreover, I had to spend additional time in the port for the border formalities - and it was such a great happines to see Mo istill waiting for me to transfer to my hotel. I highly recommend his service.

7. Dar es Salaam City Tour - Everyday

Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel, Ohio St, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Dove Adventure Tanzania
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

A tour of Dar es Salaam will take you to the National Museum, Village Museum, Mwenge Carvings Market, Tingatinga art Gallery, Slipway Shopping Centre, The Fish Market, City Centre, Historical Building and many other Sites. The name Dar es Salaam means "the house of peace" formerly Mzizima. It is an enticing mix of sight seeing, shopping and entertainment, the largest city in Tanzania reflects a fascinating blend of its rich historical past and its sophisticated contemporary present. The name was given by Sultan Majid bin Said of Zanzibar when he decided to use the harbor city as a port and trade centre in between 1858 and 1862. Since then the town has flourished and is now the commercial hub of the country with high population, important economic centre and one of the fastest growing cities in Tanzania & most prominent city in arts, fashion, media, music, film, television and a leading financial centre it is also the largest and most populous Swahili-speaking city in the world.

Inclusions: Air-conditioned vehicle, All Fees and Taxes

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Reviewed By kiugpviuz

To anyone, especially coming from Europe or US, Africa can be quite overwhelming. There you’ll need not only a guide and advisor, you’ll need a friend. There are many tour operators one can choose, but if you need someone you can trust, Shaban and Lewa are the guys who will go the extra mile. There are no words, that can describe how serous, flexible and reliable the guys from Dove Adventure were and what a good value for money their services are. One can see, that the commercialized western capitalistic society have not yet corrupted their souls. Smiles and friendly faces were accompanied by the famous “Hakuna Matata” as the answer to any request. I would highly recommend to anyone visiting this interesting place to use the Dove Adventure services for whatever they have in mind.

8. Dar Es Salaam City Tour. All Must See Things (Private Guide and car) Full day

Kivukoni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania Safaris Partners
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4.9 based on 9 reviews

Dar es Salaam is dynamic, colorful and diverse. Originally a small fishing village known as Mzizima it’s now a bustling city and hub for East African business and trade. Packed with interesting culture, history, food and people our Dar es Salaam city tour will give you a taste of one of East Africa’s most exciting cities. These are a few of the things you’ll see on the tour:

Inclusions: Lunch, Bottled water, Private transportation

Exclusions: Breakfast

Reviewed By 77chlo_g

We went on a one night two days safari with this company and it was so magical. We got to see so many animals, thanks to our amazing guide, Mariam. Mariam was so full of energy and on a good mood all the time, it was such a pleasure to spend those two days with her. We also had the opportunity to spend some time with Silas, our driver who is also a guide, and he was also so nice and knew everything about the park and the animals. We highly recommend the night game drive which is a complete different atmosphere from the day one and which allowed us to see more animals. Edward, the owner, was so helpful and very responsive via WhatsApp. We never got a problem with organising the trip, even from far away, he helped us book our ferry tickets to Zanzibar and arranged everything from and to Dar es Salaam. This was an incredible experience that we will never forget !! Especially because of the lions that we saw !! Thank you again, Étienne and Chloe

9. MIKUMI NATIONAL PARK - 3 Days

Bohobe Travel and Tours
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4.6 based on 40 reviews

Mikumi is Tanzania’s fourth-largest national park. It’s also the most accessible from Dar es Salaam. With almost guaranteed wildlife sightings, it makes an ideal safari destination for those without much time. Since the completion of the paved road connecting the park gate with Dar es Salaam, Mikumi National Park has been slated to become a hotspot for tourism in Tanzania. Located between the Uluguru Mountains and the Lumango range, Mikumi is the fourth largest national park in Tanzania and only a few hours drive from Tanzania’s largest city. The park has a wide variety of wildlife that can be easy spotted and also well acclimatized to game viewing. Its proximity to Dar es Salaam and the amount of wildlife that live within its borders makes Mikumi National Park a popular option for weekend visitors from the city, or for business visitors who don’t have to spend a long time on an extended safari itinerary.

Inclusions: Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Exclusions: Items of personal nature and beverages,Ferry and Flights tickets

Reviewed By OliviaBod

We booked a customized safari - 2 days in Mikumi for animals watching with a overnight stay in a lodge inside the park - 1 day Mikumi town - 1 day hiking in Moro Goro For a fair price. We had a fantastic trip! Abraham took great care of us, we learned a lot about the Tanzanian culture and history, as well as the current "state" of the country. We saw lots of animals, we have great memories to take back home. The trip itself was very well organized, we felt very safe (even though Tanzania seems to be a safe country anyway). Bohobe has a "fair" approach to business and you can see the money is "redistributed" in the local economy, which is highly appreciated. Abraham is a local, speaks perfect English so the communication was easy and without misunderstandings, which makes it possible to have really interesting conversations, not just superficial animals descriptions. We heard they also have German and French speaking staff. Mikumi might not be the most popular park in the country but we were happy to go there and we saw plenty of animals. It's just a few hours drive away from Dar Es Salaam, which allows for a combined Safari + Zanzibar stay. We for sure highly recommend Bohobe and hope to stay in touch with Abraham!

10. Darslums Swahili

Bohobe Travel and Tours
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Gain first hand experience of the social issues facing Dar es Salaam – living conditions of families, rapid urbanization, infrastructure issues and the urban environment. You will visit markets and meet the people who work and innovate in the informal economy, and hear about the struggles they face.

Inclusions: Tour Guide

Exclusions: 1.Items of personal nature and beverages

Reviewed By asmaaf402

It was a good experience. The guide explains very well the animals’ life. It was not expansive. I recommand it

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