Things To Do
Zanzibar
If you plan to stay a bit longer, we recommend taking a few days to enjoy Zanzibar. The ferry from Dar to Stone Town takes just two hours. The ticketing office is downtown in the same place where the ferries depart. The website link offers online booking. There are also flights available. Stone Town is an interesting place to explore for a few days to learn more about the history of Swahili culture. Your hotel can also organize day trips from Stone Town to other parts of Zanzibar. We went on a tour of a local spice farm and really recommend it! There are also beautiful beaches if you are looking for a relaxing getaway.
Cultural Arts Center in Zanzibar
This is a very cool place we stumbled upon in Zanzibar. They have a shop selling art, soaps and objects made from recycled materials.
Saadani and Mikumi National Parks
The Swahili word for travel is 'safari.' The Serengeti is located in Northern Tanzania while Saadani and Mikumi National Parks are the closest ones to Dar. There are many national parks, depending on your time, budget and interests.
List of fun things to do around Dar
Check out this blog listing things to do in Dar.
Diving
This diving office is located in Slipway.
Mwenge Woodcarvers' Market
Mwenge is a busy part of town, where you can really enjoy the lively nature of Dar. There is a big area with second hand shopping- walking around there you will get an impression of where many locals buy their clothes. Then there is the actual woodcarvers' market, which is a collection of small shops selling all kinds of fabric, baskets, jewellery, carvings, etc. Be prepared to haggle and find some wonderful souvenirs to take home! It is also possible to visit behind the market, where the carvers are actually working. Speak with Anna if you would like help arranging a tour and maybe a session learning how to carve. If you continue down the same road, you will reach Mlimani City. It is a shopping mall with a movie theater and Samaki Samaki bar among other shops and restaurants. This might be a nice air-conditioned resting spot after shopping in the market.
Mbudya Island
Take a boat from White Sands Hotel to Mbudya Island to enjoy a day at the beach. This is one of Amani's favorite places in Dar!
Pugu Hills
Pugu Hills is right outside Dar es Salaam and can make for a lovely day trip to hike and have a picnic in the outdoors. Ask Anna to book a car and driver for you for the day for 30-35$ (she can do this for other day trips like Bagamoyo or Kigamboni too! Just ask!).
The Slipway Shopping Center
A great place to shop, get a pedicure or enjoy a waterfront meal! If the haggling at Mwenge Woodcarvers' Market is not your thing, this is a great alternative for finding some beautiful African crafts. There is also a book store called The Novel Idea if you are interested in finding books about Tanzania and Africa. We also recommend this as a location to have a drink and enjoy the sunset. This is also the location for catching the ferry to nearby Bongoyo Island, where you can swim, relax and enjoy some lunch or a cold drink. There is an office at Slipway that sells ferry tickets and organizes diving and other water activities.
Lemon Spa
Wonderful place to treat yourself to a massage, pedicure, etc! This is a more affordable option compared to the spas at Slipway.
Mabinti Center
This center provides training for women, who have undergone fistula surgery. There is a shop selling handbags, pillowcases, and more. When you purchase these beautiful items, you are supporting women to get back on their feet with training and entrepreneurial opportunities!
African Splash Clothing Store and Tailor
African Splash is a small shop in Mikocheni with some cool, ready-made clothes for sale as well as the possibility to get something tailor-made just for you. Check out their facebook page or instagram to get inspired by some beautiful and bold African prints!
Cape Town Fish Market
A much classier restaurant than the name suggests! This is a beautiful location to enjoy the sunset. They also have live music in the evenings (at least during the weekend).
The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant
Delicious Chinese food, need we say more?
Samaki Samaki
This bar/restaurant is a great place to have a beer. They have locations at Mlimani City, downtown Dar and Masaki. If you want to taste Amani's favorite, order a Serengeti lager ;)
Shooter's Grill
While on the pricier side, this roof-top restaurant has a beautiful ocean view, great food and happy hour!
Olive Bakery and Bar
Olive is one of the more affordable spots on the peninsula. It is a cute cafe with delicious food and juices.
Makuti Restaurant and Vipaji Gallery
Makuti is a chilled out restaurant/bar tucked away in a residential area. It is attached to an art gallery, where there are arts and crafts for sale.
Tips Lounge
If you want music, cold beer and barbeque, this is the place! You can also order the local side dish ugali here.
Historical Walking Tour of Dar es Salaam
Go for a walk through downtown Dar and learn about the history of the city!