Hotels in Dar es Salaam1,100+ properties compared
Tanzania's coastal gateway — Serengeti safaris, Zanzibar ferries, and Indian Ocean sunsets
Hotels in Dar es Salaam start from $15-35/night across 1,100+ properties. The best area to stay is Masaki & Oyster Bay, ideal for Business travelers, luxury stays, expat dining. Book on Travorio and pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or 100+ cryptocurrencies.
Quick Facts — Hotels in Dar es Salaam
Budget
$15-35
per night
Mid-Range
$50-120
per night
Luxury
$150-400+
per night
Best Area
Masaki & Oyster Bay
Business travelers, luxury stays, expat dining
Compare 1,100+ properties in Dar es Salaam. Pay with crypto or PayPal.
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Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam
Neighborhood guide with prices and local insights
Masaki & Oyster Bay
The upscale peninsula district with embassies, international restaurants, and the Slipway waterfront complex. Oyster Bay beach is popular for weekend sundowners. Home to the Hyatt Regency and Serena Hotel. Safe, quiet, and walkable.
$120-350/night
Best for: Business travelers, luxury stays, expat dining
City Centre
The bustling commercial heart around Askari Monument, Kariakoo Market, and the National Museum. Budget hotels and busy streets. The most connected area for transport but not the most comfortable for tourists.
$15-50/night
Best for: Budget travelers, transit stays, market explorers
Msasani Peninsula
Modern peninsula north of the city centre with The Waterfront restaurant complex, craft markets, and yacht clubs. A growing number of mid-range hotels and serviced apartments. Good restaurant scene.
$50-150/night
Best for: Mid-range comfort, waterfront dining, expats
Kigamboni (South Beach)
Across the harbour from the city centre, accessible by the new Kigamboni Bridge or ferry. Undeveloped beaches, new resort developments, and a quieter atmosphere. Growing as a beach getaway within the city.
$40-120/night
Best for: Beach seekers, quiet stays, eco-travelers
Mikocheni
A residential suburb between Masaki and the city centre with shopping malls (Mlimani City), local restaurants, and a more authentic Dar experience. Good value hotels and guesthouses.
$20-60/night
Best for: Value seekers, local experience, longer stays
Bagamoyo Road (Airport Corridor)
The road connecting the airport to the city with several modern hotels convenient for transit. Near the Village Museum and University of Dar es Salaam. Practical for airport proximity.
$40-100/night
Best for: Airport proximity, transit stays, university visitors
Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices
1,100+ properties across all price ranges
| Category | Price/Night | Best Areas | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (1-2★) | $15-35 | City Centre, Mikocheni | Budget travelers, transit stays, market explorers |
| Mid-Range (3★) | $50-120 | Msasani Peninsula, Kigamboni (South Beach), Bagamoyo Road (Airport Corridor) | Mid-range comfort, waterfront dining, expats |
| Luxury (4-5★) | $150-400+ | Masaki & Oyster Bay | Business travelers, luxury stays, expat dining |
Budget (1-2★)$15-35/night
Areas: City Centre, Mikocheni
Mid-Range (3★)$50-120/night
Areas: Msasani Peninsula, Kigamboni (South Beach), Bagamoyo Road (Airport Corridor)
Luxury (4-5★)$150-400+/night
Areas: Masaki & Oyster Bay
Best Time to Visit Dar es Salaam
Best for Deals
June-October for dry season; April-May for lowest prices. Hotel rates drop 30-40% during off-peak months. Midweek stays (Sunday-Thursday) save an additional 15-20% year-round.
Best for Weather
June-October for dry season and safari; January-February for hot, dry weather; April-May for budget deals. Tropical coastal — hot and humid year-round (25-32°C). Long rains March-May, short rains November-December..
Dar es Salaam Travel Essentials
Tanzania's coastal gateway — Serengeti safaris, Zanzibar ferries, and Indian Ocean sunsets
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and main commercial port — a sprawling, energetic metropolis on the Indian Ocean coast. While most tourists pass through en route to the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar, Dar has its own appeal: vibrant markets, excellent seafood, a growing arts scene, and some of East Africa's best nightlife. It's also the departure point for the Zanzibar ferry (2 hours) and the gateway to Tanzania's southern safari circuit.
Top Things to Know About Dar es Salaam
Zanzibar ferry — fast catamaran to Stone Town in 2 hours ($35), departing from Dar's harbour multiple times daily
National Museum — Tanzania's premier museum with fossils from Olduvai Gorge (earliest human ancestors) and Makonde art
Kariakoo Market — East Africa's largest market, a sprawling grid of stalls selling everything from spices to electronics
Coco Beach — popular sunset spot with food vendors, cold drinks, and a local atmosphere (weekends best)
Southern Safari Circuit — Selous/Nyerere (3h drive) and Ruaha (1h flight) offer uncrowded Big Five safari
Climate
Tropical coastal — hot and humid year-round (25-32°C). Long rains March-May, short rains November-December.
Best Time to Visit
June-October for dry season and safari; January-February for hot, dry weather; April-May for budget deals
Currency
Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). ~TZS 2,500 = $1 USD. USD accepted at hotels/tours; TZS for markets and transport.
Language
Swahili (primary), English (widely spoken in tourism and business)
Time Zone
EAT (UTC+3) — same as Nairobi and Zanzibar
Visa
Most nationalities need an e-visa ($50) — apply at immigration.go.tz. Also available on arrival at DAR airport ($50). Apply online 2+ weeks before to avoid queues.
Flexible Payment for Dar es Salaam Hotels
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Crypto in Dar es Salaam: Tanzania has limited crypto infrastructure but growing mobile money (M-Pesa/Tigo Pesa). Paying for your trip in crypto through Travorio avoids carrying large amounts of USD cash for safari tips and tours.
Hotels in Dar es Salaam — FAQ
Where is the best area to stay in Dar es Salaam?
Masaki/Oyster Bay ($120-350/night) for upscale comfort and waterfront dining. Msasani ($50-150/night) for mid-range with good restaurants. City Centre ($15-50/night) for budget. Kigamboni ($40-120/night) for beach.
How much do hotels cost in Dar es Salaam?
Budget hotels in the city centre start at $15/night. Mid-range hotels in Msasani and Mikocheni average $50-120/night. Luxury properties in Masaki (Hyatt, Serena) range from $150-400/night.
Is Dar es Salaam safe for tourists?
Masaki, Oyster Bay, and Msasani are safe and popular with expats. Use Uber/Bolt for transport, especially at night. Avoid walking in the city centre after dark. Petty theft can occur in crowded markets — keep valuables secure.
When is cheapest for Dar es Salaam hotels?
April-May (long rains) offers the lowest rates — 30-40% below peak. November during short rains is another value window. The weather is still warm (28-30°C) despite rain. Best for city exploration and beach; less ideal for safari.
Can I combine Dar es Salaam with a safari?
Yes. Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) is just 3 hours by road — Tanzania's largest game reserve with boat safaris on the Rufiji River. Ruaha National Park is a 1-hour flight. Both are uncrowded compared to the northern circuit.
Can I book Dar es Salaam hotels with cryptocurrency?
Yes. Travorio accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, and 100+ cryptocurrencies for hotel bookings in Dar es Salaam.