Where to Stay in Daressalaam
A regional guide to accommodation across the country
Find Hotels Across Daressalaam
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Regions of Daressalaam
Each region offers a distinct character and accommodation scene. Find the one that matches your travel plans.
The upscale residential and diplomatic area offering Dar's highest concentration of quality hotels, serviced apartments, and boutique properties. This area provides the best restaurants, shopping at Slipway and Sea Cliff, and relatively safe walking environments, making it popular with business travelers and tourists seeking comfort.
The historic commercial heart with proximity to the ferry terminal for Zanzibar connections, government buildings, and local markets. Accommodation here ranges from aging colonial-era hotels to modern business properties, offering convenience for those catching early ferries or conducting business in the administrative district.
The southern peninsula across the harbor offering beach resorts and quieter coastal properties away from city congestion. Accessible via the Kigamboni ferry or new bridge, this area provides a beach retreat atmosphere while remaining relatively close to the city, though it feels distinctly separate from urban Dar.
The corridor between the airport and city center lined with business hotels catering to transit passengers and corporate travelers. Practical rather than atmospheric, this area offers convenience for early flights and meetings along the main commercial strip, though it lacks character and walkability.
The coastal stretch north of the city offering beach resorts popular with local weekenders and package tourists. These properties provide swimming pools, water sports, and beach access, though the area requires taxi transport to reach city amenities and can feel isolated for independent travelers.
Residential neighborhoods with scattered guesthouses and small hotels offering local atmosphere and lower prices. These areas provide authentic Dar es Salaam experiences but require knowledge of the city to navigate and may lack the amenities and security features international travelers expect.
Established residential areas between the city center and peninsula with mid-range hotels and serviced apartments. These neighborhoods offer a middle ground between city center convenience and peninsula comfort, popular with longer-stay business visitors and consultants working in Dar.
The premium tip of the Msasani Peninsula with luxury hotels, diplomatic residences, and high-end restaurants. This small area represents Dar's most exclusive accommodation zone, offering top-tier security, ocean views, and proximity to yacht clubs and upscale dining, though at premium prices.
Accommodation Landscape
What to expect from accommodation options across Daressalaam
International chains including Hyatt Regency, Ramada, Protea Hotels (Marriott), and Southern Sun have established properties primarily in the Msasani Peninsula and airport corridor areas. Serena Hotels operates a prominent waterfront property blending international standards with East African design. These chains provide predictable quality and amenities that business travelers and comfort-seeking tourists expect, though they typically charge premium rates compared to local alternatives. Regional chains like Protea offer good value in the mid to upper-mid range market.
Local Tanzanian-owned hotels range from well-established properties like the historic Kilimanjaro Kempinski (now under international management) to family-run guesthouses throughout residential areas. Mid-range local hotels often provide excellent value with personalized service, though standards can be inconsistent regarding maintenance, hot water reliability, and WiFi quality. Many local properties offer monthly rates for extended stays and are more flexible with check-in times and special requests than international chains. Guesthouses in residential areas provide the most affordable options and opportunities to interact with Tanzanian hosts.
Dar es Salaam lacks the distinctive accommodation types found elsewhere in Tanzania like safari lodges or tented camps, being primarily an urban destination with standard hotel formats. However, several properties incorporate Swahili coastal architecture with makuti (palm thatch) roofs, carved wooden doors, and open-air designs that reflect East African heritage. Serviced apartments have become increasingly popular, offering kitchen facilities and separate living spaces ideal for families and extended stays. A few boutique properties in renovated colonial buildings provide historical character, particularly in the Oyster Bay area. Beach bandas (simple beach cottages) appear at some Kigamboni properties, offering rustic coastal charm at lower price points.
Booking Tips for Daressalaam
Country-specific advice for finding the best accommodation
If you're only staying one night before or after a safari or Zanzibar trip, airport area hotels offer convenience despite lacking atmosphere. Many provide free airport transfers and 24-hour reception for odd-hour arrivals. Confirm shuttle services when booking, as Julius Nyerere International Airport is approximately 13km from the city center and taxi costs can add $25-40 to your accommodation expense.
Accommodation rates in Dar es Salaam may or may not include breakfast, airport transfers, WiFi, or taxes (VAT is typically 18%). Always confirm what's included before booking, as advertised prices sometimes exclude significant additional charges. Some properties quote in US dollars but accept Tanzanian shillings at varying exchange rates, so clarify the final payment amount and currency.
Standards at Dar es Salaam hotels can decline rapidly due to maintenance issues, management changes, or infrastructure problems like water shortages. Reviews from the past 3-6 months provide more reliable indicators of current conditions than older ratings or star classifications. Pay particular attention to comments about hot water, air conditioning functionality, WiFi reliability, and security, as these are common complaint areas.
For stays longer than a few nights, serviced apartments in Msasani or Mikocheni often provide better value than hotels, offering kitchen facilities, more space, and weekly rates. These are particularly cost-effective for families or those who want to prepare some meals, as restaurant dining adds up quickly in Dar's expat-oriented establishments.
Many locally-owned hotels in Dar es Salaam offer negotiable rates when contacted directly, particularly for extended stays or during low season. While international booking platforms provide security and convenience, calling or emailing properties directly can sometimes secure 10-20% discounts, complimentary airport transfers, or room upgrades, especially at non-chain establishments.
When to Book
Timing matters for both price and availability across Daressalaam
For June through October and the January-February period, book at least 6-8 weeks in advance for better properties in Msasani Peninsula and beachfront areas. Quality hotels fill up as travelers pass through en route to safaris and Zanzibar, and rates increase significantly. Business hotels along Kilimanjaro Road maintain availability but premium rooms become scarce.
During November and March-April shoulder months, booking 2-3 weeks ahead provides good selection and moderate pricing. These transition periods see fewer tourists but steady business travel, so mid-week availability can still be tight at corporate-focused properties while leisure-oriented beach hotels offer better deals and flexibility.
The long rains period from late March through May offers the best accommodation deals, with many properties discounting rates by 20-40% and offering flexible cancellation policies. Booking a week in advance is typically sufficient even for top-tier hotels, though business-oriented properties maintain more stable pricing year-round due to consistent corporate demand.
For Dar es Salaam, booking 3-4 weeks in advance provides a good balance of selection and pricing for most of the year, with earlier booking necessary only during peak safari season months. Since most visitors stay briefly while in transit, flexibility with exact dates can yield better rates. Last-minute bookings (within 48 hours) sometimes secure deals at quality properties with empty rooms, though this is risky during peak periods.
Good to Know
Local customs and practical information for Daressalaam