Tanzania: Hustle, Heat & Huge Potential Country #125 | 02–03 August 2025
Dar es Salaam gave me a very different taste of Tanzania compared to the country’s world-famous safari destinations. While clearly developing, it still has a long way to go in terms of infrastructure and visitor experience.
Arrival in Dar es Salaam
I landed in Dar es Salaam and was relieved when immigration accepted the Yellow Fever certificate I had bought in Angola (USD 50, no actual vaccine needed — a useful trick in Africa). The visa on arrival cost a steep USD 100, which felt quite expensive.
The taxi ride into the city and the general atmosphere immediately felt hustler-heavy — something I don’t enjoy. Because of this, I decided to stay cautious and rely on organized transport and guides.
Stay at Johari Rotana
I stayed at the Johari Rotana, a modern 5-star hotel owned by a UAE group, which is widely considered one of the best in Dar es Salaam. It offered a comfortable and safe base with good facilities after weeks of more basic accommodations.
City Tour
The next day I booked a short 2-hour city tour through GetYourGuide. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much to see. Dar es Salaam has a lot of old, tired infrastructure and colonial-era buildings, but very little modern appeal. The constant hustling from people on the streets made the experience tiring rather than enjoyable.
Because of this impression, I chose to skip Zanzibar (even though it’s very close). I had heard about frequent power outages and poor internet, which didn’t motivate me to visit on this trip.
Final Thoughts
Dar es Salaam feels like a busy, commercial African port city still searching for its identity. It’s developing, but progress is slow, and the heavy hustling culture makes it less relaxing for independent travelers.
Would I recommend Tanzania? Dar es Salaam specifically? Not really — unless you’re just transiting. Tanzania in general? Absolutely yes! Next time I will skip the city and head straight to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or other safari areas. That’s where Tanzania truly shines and where I believe most visitors should focus their time.