Is Dar es Salaam expensive to visit?
Dar es Salaam is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
While Dar es Salaam can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as looking for discounts and coupons.
On average, budget travelers spend $152 (TZS408,808) per day, mid-range travelers spend $452 (TZS1,216,131) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $1,541 (TZS4,143,090) per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Dar es Salaam.
Within Africa, Dar es Salaam is a very expensive destination compared to other places. It is in the top 10% of cities in Africa for its travel costs. There are only a few cities as expensive as Dar es Salaam in the region, such as Arusha.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dar es Salaam Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Dar es Salaam?
The average Dar es Salaam trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dar es Salaam travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dar es Salaam cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's essential to keep realistic expectations for your travel budget. Many people think they can visit Dar es Salaam cheaply, but most travelers aren't comfortable with an extreme "shoestring" budget. Consider what you truly enjoy on vacation. Do you prefer resorts, vacation homes, or hostels? Is experiencing attractions and dining important to you? Your budget and itinerary will depend on your answers to these questions.
Dar es Salaam on a Shoestring Budget?
You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $152 per day that younger budget travelers manage.
Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.
Fortunately, there's plenty of hostels in Dar es Salaam, like The Slow Leopard Hostel, JJ&JE Family House, and Gallivanters Hostel. Here, you can score affordable dorm accommodation along with a vibrant social scene, though amenities may be lacking.
Do You Fit the Profile of an Average Traveler?
If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. Exploring the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks is a must for most visitors to Dar es Salaam. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $452 per person, per day.
Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?
If you're looking for a luxurious getaway that offers top-notch amenities and exceptional service, you should budget around $1,541 per day. To enjoy a nicer hotel, dine at renowned restaurants, indulge in extravagant activities, and use taxis or private drivers to explore the destination, prepare for a luxury price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Dar Es Salaam City Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam offers a broad range of hotel prices, from budget to luxury. Higher-end hotels come with more amenities and higher prices, particularly during peak season. Off-season, you'll find average rates around $48, but during peak season, they can average $90. Prices range from $24 to $198, and hostels tend to be much cheaper. Save money by visiting during the low season or by taking advantage of early booking and special promotions.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Dar es Salaam for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $848 (TZS2,230,686). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $424 (TZS1,115,343) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Dar es Salaam? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Dar es Salaam include:
- Durban Hotel starting at $45
- Urban Rose Hotel & Apartments starting at $50
- The Amariah Hotel & Apartments Mikocheni starting at $60
- Silver Paradise Hotel starting at $31
By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of , you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.
Transportation Budget in Dar es Salaam
The public transit system in Dar es Salaam is not very good.
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $13 (TZS34,359) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dar es Salaam. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dar es Salaam is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
TZS34,359
Some of the standard transportation options and hotel transfers include:
- Transfer from dar es salaam to morogoro for $203 details
- Ferry Tickets to Zanzibar with Transfers. For $120 details
- Dar Es Salaam - Airport Transfers & City Centre Shuttles for $50 details
How much does it cost to go to Dar es Salaam? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Dar es Salaam will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Dar es Salaam
For many, the local food is a significant part of the travel experience, so don't miss the chance to enjoy it.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Dar es Salaam can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dar es Salaam is $31 (TZS80,383) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$31
TZS80,383
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dar es Salaam is around $30 (TZS80383) per person, with previous travelers spending from $12 to $72. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Dar es Salaam are as follows:
- Breakfast: $3 to $9
- Lunch: $4 to $12
- Dinner: $9 to $21
- Coffee: $2
- Fast Food or Street Food: $4
Tanzanian cuisine is unique and widely varied, though coastal areas like Dar es Salaam commonly favor spicy foods and dishes that use coconut milk. One popular dish is nyama choma or roasted meat, usually goat (sometimes beef or chicken) and served with a few chilies and sometimes a tomato and red onion garnish. Also common is mishkaki, the Tanzanian version of skewered meat. The meat, usually beef or chicken, is first marinated in some spices and some tomato sauce (depending on the recipe). It is then cooked on a bed of hot coals, and served with hot chili and lime juice.
Since a large proportion of Indians have migrated into Tanzania, a considerable proportion of Tanzanian cuisine has also been influenced by Indian cuisine. As a result, many Indian restaurants can be found throughout Dar es Salaam. Perhaps most significant of the city's cultural fusion is a dish called Zanzibari Mix-a combination of Indian, Arab, and African flavors into a comforting dish of deep fried fritters in a coconut milk curry and garnished with fresh chutneys and chili sauce. A good example of this dish can be found at Mama Mumtaz restaurant in Kariakoo market. Street coffee and locally brewed beer are also great items to sample.
Numerous hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, although others may charge you extra for it. The price and quality can vary from hotel to hotel. Being informed ahead of time can assist you in determining if you need to budget extra funds. The hotel buffet might be worth your money, or perhaps a cheaper option at a nearby bakery or cafe would suffice.
Fill up a water bottle rather than buying drinks every chance you get. It's also kinder to the earth.
Be sure to check which meals are part of your tour before you go. You might be responsible for some of your own food costs, which could stretch your budget further.
If you want to experience the culture in Dar es Salaam, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Private Swahili Cooking Class for $115 details
- Taste of Tanzania Cooking Class and Food Tour for $20 details
- Tanzania: traditional Swahili cooking class for $45 details
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.