City in Dar es Salaam Region, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam for solo travelers
Is Dar es Salaam good for solo travel?
Tanzania's busiest port city and main air hub, with beaches, markets and ferries to Zanzibar. Hot, congested and spread out; bag snatching and express kidnaps make Ubers and caution essential.
Solo travel at a glance
| Solo travel | 3/5 · Good, with some effort |
|---|---|
| Locals | Friendly |
| English | Common in tourist areas |
| Safety | 3/5 · Take real precautions |
| Solo women | Verbal harassment is common; dress modestly and use apps after dark. Solo women should avoid walking alone and unlit beaches. |
How to meet people in Dar es Salaam
Hostels and Airbnbs in Msasani, beach clubs, expat sports clubs, dive trips to Mbudya and Bongoyo islands, and ferry day trips to Zanzibar.
Good things to do alone
- Take a boat to Bongoyo or Mbudya Island
- Shop for fabrics at Kariakoo market
- Visit the National Museum
- Eat grilled fish at Kivukoni fish market
- Ride the ferry to Kigamboni
Where to stay in Dar es Salaam
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Masaki and Oyster Bay | Expats, restaurants, hotels and the safest base |
| Msasani Peninsula | Cafés, supermarkets, beaches and longer stays |
| City center (Kivukoni and Posta) | Ferries, markets and museums; busy by day only |
| Kigamboni (south ferry) | Beach resorts and quieter long stays, away from traffic |
Solo travel across Tanzania
Quick answers
Is Dar es Salaam good for solo travelers?
Good, with some effort (3/5). Tanzania's busiest port city and main air hub, with beaches, markets and ferries to Zanzibar.
How do you meet people in Dar es Salaam?
Hostels and Airbnbs in Msasani, beach clubs, expat sports clubs, dive trips to Mbudya and Bongoyo islands, and ferry day trips to Zanzibar. On SoloSquare you can also join small plans with other travelers who are there now.
Do people speak English in Dar es Salaam?
Common in tourist areas.
Is Dar es Salaam safe for solo female travelers?
Verbal harassment is common; dress modestly and use apps after dark. Solo women should avoid walking alone and unlit beaches.
More about Dar es Salaam
Going to Dar es Salaam solo?
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Sources
Ratings are SoloSquare's editorial judgment. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.