The Best Hotels in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

One for lovers of glitz and glamour, guests can bet it all on red in the casino, or enjoy a hand-shaken cocktail on the seaside terrace of the Alcove Bar. Built on a peninsula next to Oyster Bay, rooms enjoy a sea view. Opt for a room on the executive floor, and you will get access to the exclusive VIP business lounge.

Overlooking the Indian Ocean and working harbour, this luxury hotel offers a room with a view. Booking a suite with club access will get you into the Regency Club, a private lounge serving continental breakfast, evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. There’s plenty to do in the area, too, with a yacht club, museums and botanical gardens close by.

With the Zanzibar ferry a short journey from this hotel, it’s a good starting point for those wanting to explore the city, as well as the other areas that make Tanzania famous. The newly renovated space has a rooftop terrace and five restaurants, meaning everything, from fresh seafood to Thai and Indian curries, is on the menu.

Just minutes from sandy Indian ocean beaches, this luxury stop-off presents a calm stay away from the hectic capital. Extensive tropical gardens, a golf course and the Maisha spa and health club are perfect places to recharge after a stroll to the nearby craft markets, boutiques and restaurants. For culture, it’s near the Village Museum and Mwenge Handcraft Centre.

White Sands lives true to its name. Located on the coast about 25km (15.5mi) north of Dar es Salaam city centre, travellers who stay here can enjoy kilometres of private beach. Sea Breeze Marine is its onsite PADI dive centre, where guests can book scuba or snorkelling activities. When you’re not swimming with marine life, live music is also on the agenda.

Set next to the transport hub of the Ubungo bus terminal, this hotel is an ideal portal to other parts of the country. While rooms are modestly decorated, deluxe double and standard twin rooms come with access to a balcony. A free continental breakfast will set up your day, and the in-house restaurant serves food from around the world to finish it off.

With direct access to Jangwani beach, this resort is about 20km (12mi) north of the main hubbub of the city. If you’re looking for day trips, the hotel arranges jaunts to the nearby Mbudya and Bongoy islands. Rooms are decorated with African art and either overlook the sea or the gardens. The pool has an ocean view too.

One of a group of hotels in the Ilala area, this is a short walk from the National Museum and House of Culture. It’s close to a golf course and popular eateries, such as seafood bar Karambezi Cafe and the flavours of African restaurant 305 Karafuu.