The Best Hotels in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Enjoy kilometres of private beach at White Sands Resort & Conference Centre
Enjoy kilometres of private beach at White Sands Resort & Conference Centre | Courtesy of White Sands Resort & Conference Centre / Expedia
Lucy Harley-McKeown

One of East Africa’s largest cities has, for centuries, been a bustling hub of transit and trade. The frenetic Dar es Salaam is the endpoint to the TaZara railway, which runs from neighbouring country Zambia, as well as the jumping off point for the island of Zanzibar. From mega hotels to boutiques, there’s a flavour for every traveller here in Tanzania‘s busiest city.

1. Sea Cliff Hotel

Hotel

Woman swimming in the outdoor pool of Sea Cliff Hotel, surrounded by palm trees and the ocean in the background.
Courtesy of Sea Cliff Hotel / Expedia

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.

2. Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro

Chain Hotel, Luxury

Outdoor deck at Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam at dusk. White wicker chairs with black cushions, low glass-topped wicker tables and palm trees decorate the deck.
Courtesy of Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam / Expedia

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.

3. Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam New Africa

Chain Hotel

V shaped outdoor pool surrounded by blue sun loungers, palm trees and pink flowers on the cream outdoor deck at Four Points Sheraton Dar es Salaam.
Courtesy of Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam New Africa / Expedia

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.

4. Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel

Hotel

Circular outdoor pool ringed by ornate sun loungers, striped blue umbrellas and tall trees at Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel.
Courtesy of Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel / Expedia

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.

5. White Sands Resort & Conference Centre

Hotel

Aerial view of thatched beach huts along the shore at White Sands Resort. Thatched roofs of the the resort itself visible behind the beach, shrouded in tall trees.
Courtesy of White Sands Resort & Conference Centre / Expedia

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.

6. Jaromax Palace Hotel

Hotel

Small double bed with decorative silk cushions flanked by red night stands in small room at Jaromax Palace Hotel.
Courtesy of Jaromax Palace Hotel / Expedia

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.

7. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam

Chain Hotel

Double bed with white sheets under decorative panel in large, stylish suite with a balcony and private dipping pool at the Ramada Resort.
Courtesy of Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam / Expedia

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.

8. City Lodge Hotel Dar es Salaam

Chain Hotel

Red and grey chairs around small white tables in the dining area of City Lodge Hotel. A wooden suspension sculpture is in the middle of the room.
Courtesy of City Lodge Hotel Dar es Salaam / Expedia

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.

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