A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dar es Salaam vs. Hibiscus Coast for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dar es Salaam and Hibiscus Coast can help you decide which place is right for you.

Where Should I go: Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast?

Dar es Salaam

Having grown from a fishing village, Dar es Salaam is now a major city and commercial port on Tanzania's Indian Ocean coast. While it is mainly used as a stopping point on the way to Zanzibar, it has a few unique treasures of its own such as the Kariakoo Market, National Museum, and the open-air Village Museum.

Hibiscus Coast

The Hibiscus Coast, or KwaZulu-Natal, is located on the southeast coast of South Africa, just south of Durban. The area is rich in beautiful beaches and lush nature reserves which offer fantastic opportunities for hiking, swimming, and other outdoor adventures. The Hibiscus Coast experiences their summer from December-February, with temperatures in the 70's Fahrenheit, making these the best months to visit.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Safaris in Tanzania, The Best Sightseeing Tours in South Africa, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in South Africa.


Which place is cheaper, Hibiscus Coast or Dar es Salaam?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dar es Salaam is $460, while the average daily cost in Hibiscus Coast is $57. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Dar es Salaam and Hibiscus Coast in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dar es Salaam $434
    Hibiscus Coast $30
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dar es Salaam $868
    Hibiscus Coast $60
Compare Hotels in Dar es Salaam and Hibiscus Coast

Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Dar es Salaam


Hotels in Hibiscus Coast


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Dar es Salaam Hotel Prices and Hibiscus Coast Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dar es Salaam $13
    Hibiscus Coast $14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dar es Salaam

Also for Dar es Salaam, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Airport Transfer from JNIA Airport to Hotels in Dar essalaam: $55
  • Airport Transfers To/from Dar Es Salaam City Center Or To/from Your Hotel: $85
  • Dar Es Salaam City Tour. All Must See Things (private Guide And Transfer) 9 Hrs : $190
  • Dar es Salaam Airport Transfer: $75
  • Dar es salaam-Morogoro-Dar es salaam transfer with comfortable car: $192
  • Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers.: $120
  • Luxury Coach - Dar Es Salaam Airport Transfer to the City Centre/Out ( 22 max): $113
  • Private Transfer from Dar El Salaam to Julius Nyerere Airport (DAR): $73
  • Private Transfer from Dar es Salaam Airport DAR to Dar es Salaam by Luxury Car: $167
  • Private Transfer from Dar es Salaam to Dar es Salaam Airport by luxury car: $167
  • Sunset Cruise - Magic of Zanzibar Sunset With Transfer - Zanzibar: $100
  • Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro: $203

Is it cheaper to fly into Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast?

Prices for flights to both Hibiscus Coast and Dar es Salaam change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Dar es Salaam $18
    Hibiscus Coast $18

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dar es Salaam

For Dar es Salaam, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Swahili Cooking Class: $115
  • Swahili food Cooking Experience: $150

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dar es Salaam -
    Hibiscus Coast $4.82

Tours and Activities in Dar es Salaam

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Dar es Salaam.

  • Private Insightful City Tour of Dar es Salaam: $25
  • WOW AFRICA TANZANIA EAST AFRICA TOUR.: $35
  • City Walking Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $41
  • City Historical Walking Tour And Street Food.: $41
  • Guided Dar es salaam walking tours: $43
  • Dar Es Salaam:Shore Excursion Tour And Street Food Tasting.: $46
  • Dar es salaam Reality Tour: $51
  • Dar es salaam City Tour & Storytelling: $72
  • Spice tour & Stone Town Zanzibar secrets with Lunch - Zanzibar: $75
  • City Tour: $77
  • Dar es salaam full City tour , unforgettable memory: $77
  • Tanzania Private Swahili culture experience: $80

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dar es Salaam $7.66
    Hibiscus Coast $5.31


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dar es Salaam and Hibiscus Coast, we can see that Dar es Salaam is more expensive. And not only is Hibiscus Coast much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hibiscus Coast would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hibiscus Coast and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dar es Salaam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dar es Salaam than you might in Hibiscus Coast.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dar es Salaam Expensive? and Is Hibiscus Coast Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast?

Dar es Salaam has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Hibiscus Coast. When comparing the sizes of Dar es Salaam and Hibiscus Coast, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.


When is the best time to visit Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast?

Hibiscus Coast has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dar es Salaam experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dar es Salaam as well as Hibiscus Coast. Dar es Salaam attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the summer, Dar es Salaam is around the same temperature as Hibiscus Coast. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dar es Salaam in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Hibiscus Coast averages at about 25°C (76°F)in January.

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dar es Salaam this time of the year. In the summer, Dar es Salaam often gets more sunshine than Hibiscus Coastin January. Dar es Salaam gets 224 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hibiscus Coast receives 184 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Hibiscus Coast. Dar es Salaam usually gets less rain in July than Hibiscus Coastin January. Dar es Salaam gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hibiscus Coast receives 119 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July and January
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (77°F) 
    Hibiscus Coast 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast in the Autumn?

Both Hibiscus Coast and Dar es Salaam are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dar es Salaam throughout the year.

In October, Dar es Salaam is generally a little warmer than Hibiscus Coastin April. Daily temperatures in Dar es Salaam average around 25°C (78°F), and Hibiscus Coast fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Hibiscus Coast. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam usually receives more sunshine than Hibiscus Coast during autumn. Dar es Salaam gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Hibiscus Coast receives 206 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dar es Salaam usually receives less rain than Hibiscus Coastin April. Dar es Salaam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hibiscus Coast receives 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October and April
    Dar es Salaam 25°C (78°F) 
    Hibiscus Coast 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast in the Winter?

Both Hibiscus Coast and Dar es Salaam during the winter are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dar es Salaam because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

Dar es Salaam is much warmer than Hibiscus Coast in the winter. The daily temperature in Dar es Salaam averages around 28°C (82°F) in January, and Hibiscus Coast fluctuates around 17°C (62°F)in July.

In Hibiscus Coast, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dar es Salaam. In the winter, Dar es Salaam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hibiscus Coastin July. Dar es Salaam gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hibiscus Coast receives 230 hours of full sun.

Dar es Salaam usually gets more rain in January than Hibiscus Coastin July. Dar es Salaam gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hibiscus Coast receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January and July
    Dar es Salaam 28°C (82°F) 
    Hibiscus Coast 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Dar es Salaam or Hibiscus Coast in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dar es Salaam and Hibiscus Coast. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dar es Salaam year-round.

In the spring, Dar es Salaam is a little warmer than Hibiscus Coast. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dar es Salaam in April average around 27°C (81°F), and Hibiscus Coast averages at about 21°C (69°F)in October.

Dar es Salaam usually receives less sunshine than Hibiscus Coast during spring. Dar es Salaam gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Hibiscus Coast receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

Hibiscus Coast receives a lot of rain in the spring. Dar es Salaam gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Dar es Salaam usually receives more rain than Hibiscus Coastin October. Dar es Salaam gets 269 mm (10.6 in) of rain, while Hibiscus Coast receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April and October
    Dar es Salaam 27°C (81°F) 
    Hibiscus Coast 21°C (69°F)

Typical Weather for Hibiscus Coast and Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam Hibiscus Coast
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 28°C (82°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 25°C (76°F) 119 mm (4.7 in)
Feb 28°C (82°F) 52 mm (2 in) 25°C (76°F) 99 mm (3.9 in)
Mar 28°C (83°F) 131 mm (5.2 in) 24°C (75°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
Apr 27°C (81°F) 269 mm (10.6 in) 22°C (71°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
May 26°C (78°F) 176 mm (6.9 in) 19°C (67°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 24°C (76°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jul 25°C (77°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 17°C (62°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Aug 24°C (75°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 60 mm (2.3 in)
Sep 25°C (76°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 25°C (78°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 125 mm (4.9 in)
Nov 27°C (80°F) 132 mm (5.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 109 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 27°C (81°F) 116 mm (4.6 in) 24°C (74°F) 130 mm (5.1 in)