Dar es Salaam Holiday Deals

Holiday In Dar es Salaam

If you need to get away for a while, what better place than a town that began as a summer holiday spot for a sultan?

Dar Es Salaam, on Tanzania’s east coast, may not be the official capital, but it’s the largest city and the capital of culture, combining beaches, business and bumpin’ nightlife. If holidays to Dar Es Salaam are good enough for the sultan of Zanzibar, they’re good enough for you.

Things to Do in Dar Es Salaam

A holiday in Dar Es Salaam is more action-packed than a Mad Max movie—although Charlize Theron won’t be there. Make a stop at the National Museum and get your bearings on this city of 3 million. The highlight: A famous fossil known as Nutcracker Man, discovered by someone named Leakey. (All true.) You can also see vintage autos and contemporary art. This museum is diverse, to say the least—much like Tanzania itself.

If it’s time to hit the beach, head to the Slipway on Yacht Club Road and hop on a dhow boat to Bongoyo Island. You can snorkel, swim…or rent a thatched-roof banda hut and do nothing except chow down on fish and chips. If you’re used to seagulls, you’ll get a kick out of the island’s resident leftover-hunters: monitor lizards! For a different beach experience, pick up one of lastminute.com.au’s car hire options in Dar Es Salaam and steer your way to South Beach in Kigamboni.

Shopping, Dining & Nightlife

You can use those wheels for shopping too. One must-buy on your Dar Es Salaam holiday is tingatinga art. What now, you say? This uber-bright, cartoony painting style originated in Oyster Bay, and you’ll find plenty to choose from at the Tingatinga Art Center. Since you’ll probably keep that for yourself, you still need some gifts for your friends back home. Uhuru Street in downtown might as well translate to “retail therapy street”. Find traditional kanga wrap skirts, wood carvings and more.

Our Dar Es Salaam packages in downtown suit everyone from business travellers to those who like their food from the streets—vendors, that is. Search out the mysteriously named “Zanzibar mix”. Is it a soup? A stew? There’s one thing we know for sure: The mix of lemon-mango sauce, coconut chutney and potato is definitely delicious. Wash it down with a Stoney Tangawizi if you dare—this ginger soda is strong.

When it’s time for something even stronger than that soda, you can go classy or…not so classy. On the north side of the bay, Mbezi Beach has oceanfront lounges with chill atmospheres and even chillier beverages. For a night where anything is possible, though, check out Oyster Bay, whose scene can go from upscale to dive bar within a few blocks—much like your judgment after a few drinks.

What’s Next?

Whitewashed, gift-wrapped getaways with the same-old photo ops? You’re so over it. You need lastminute.com.au’s packages to Dar Es Salaam, where you can dig into African culture, sandy coastlines and, oh yeah, tons of wonderful “Zanzibar mix”. That’s a holiday we can get behind.