Dar es Salaam before or after Zanzibar: what to see in a day, Bagamoyo and how to connect
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's biggest city (the official capital is Dodoma) and the port the fast ferries to Zanzibar leave from. Most travellers only pass through, but a day is enough to see the Kariakoo markets, the Kivukoni fish market, the Village Museum and a walk on the waterfront. A day trip to Bagamoyo, about 75 kilometres north, adds the history of the old slave-trade port. Offers seen in October 2026 for a guided city tour run from about 136 to 295 dollars by private car and are cheaper in a small group. This page says what to see with 5 to 8 hours, what to skip and how to avoid missing your ferry.
Highlights
The harbour and the waterfront
The Kivukoni area, with the fish market and the boats, is liveliest early in the morning. The Zanzibar ferries leave from the port, very close by.
Kariakoo
The city's big market, very busy, with fabrics, spices and everyday goods. Keep your belongings in front of you and leave valuables at the hotel.
The Village Museum (Makumbusho)
Houses of several Tanzanian peoples rebuilt north of the city, often named by visitors as one of the best moments of a guided tour.
Practical info
Tips
- If your ferry leaves during the day, do not plan a visit to Kariakoo or Bagamoyo: Dar es Salaam traffic is very slow and delays are common. Plan to reach the port well ahead, see the Dar es Salaam - Zanzibar ferry. For a one-night stopover, sleep near the centre or the port rather than at the airport. A guided visit with a driver saves you from haggling over taxis: compare the length (6 to 8 hours), the stops and whether entry fees are included. To continue north, see Arusha and Tanzania safari or Zanzibar. For the island, see getting around Zanzibar.
How to get there
The fast ferry from Zanzibar arrives at the Dar es Salaam port, in the city centre. Durations and times change: check them in the dedicated article. The international airport is about twenty kilometres from the centre according to guides; allow an hour or more by taxi at rush hour.
Opening hours
Nearby
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