Tanzania · Host city guideDar es Salaam
Coast, seafood, Zanzibar a ferry-ride away. Your complete guide to Tanzania's largest city for AFCON 2027.
Where to stay
Masaki & Oyster Bay
The expat and tourist heartland of Dar — peninsula suburbs with the best hotels, restaurants and beach access. Safe, walkable, 20–30 minutes from the stadium.
Msasani Peninsula
A quieter extension of Masaki with a more residential feel. Good guesthouses and serviced apartments at reasonable rates.
City Centre (CBD)
Budget and business accommodation near the ferry terminal and main markets — cheaper but more chaotic. Useful for the Zanzibar ferry, walking distance from here.
Kariakoo
The main commercial district — very local, very busy, genuinely interesting to explore in the daytime. Not recommended for accommodation.
What to eat
Mishkaki & grills
Marinated beef or goat skewers grilled over charcoal, everywhere in Dar, especially around the stadium and fan zones. 500–2,000 TZS each.
Zanzibar pizza
A folded street-food omelette stuffed with meat and vegetables, cooked on a flat griddle — found at night markets across Dar.
Chips mayai
A thick omelette with chips baked inside — Tanzania's great late-night comfort food, cut into wedges with chilli sauce.
Seafood at Kivukoni Market
Pick your fish fresh from the catch and have it grilled on the spot at the harbour market.
Getting around
Bolt & InDriver
Bolt is the easiest option for tourists; InDriver (bid-your-price app) is also popular. Prices surge on match days.
Bajajis & dala dalas
Bajajis (auto-rickshaws) fill the gap between Bolt and walking for short trips. Agree the price before you get in.
Airport to city
About 12km from Masaki. Bolt costs around 15,000–25,000 TZS, 20–40 minutes depending on traffic.
Ferry to Zanzibar
The ferry terminal is in the CBD. Azam Marine and Kilimanjaro Fast Ferry both run services — fast ferry is 35 minutes, $35–50 one way for foreigners.
Safety tips
General safety
Broadly safe for tourists, especially in Masaki and Oyster Bay. The CBD and Kariakoo market require more vigilance — petty theft is common in crowded areas.
Beach safety
Be careful on public beaches with belongings. The ocean along the Masaki peninsula can have strong currents — swim at hotel-associated beaches.
Health
Malaria is present — take prophylaxis and sleep under a net. Drink only bottled water. The heat can be intense — stay hydrated on match days.
Emergency contacts
Tanzania Police: 112. Aga Khan Hospital Dar: +255 22 211 5151.
Side trips from Dar
Zanzibar — 35min ferry / 20min flight
Stone Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site), white sand beaches at Nungwi and Kendwa, and incredible seafood. A 2-night stay is ideal.
Serengeti — 1h flight to Seronera
One of the world's greatest wildlife experiences. June/July is prime season with the Great Migration in the Western Corridor.
Bagamoyo — 1h drive
An ancient coastal town with historical significance as a former Arab trade hub — beautiful ruins and a different pace.
Mount Kilimanjaro area — 1h flight
The climb takes 6–8 days so isn't compatible with AFCON, but Arusha (2h from Kilimanjaro Airport) is worth a day trip on its own.
Match day in Dar
Atmosphere
The Final is expected to be hosted here — if so, this will be the loudest night in East African football history.
Getting to the stadium
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is in Temeke district, south of the city centre. From Masaki, budget 45–60 minutes on a match day.
Outside the stadium
Street vendors, music and unofficial fan zones will operate in the streets around the stadium from hours before kick-off.
Post-match
The Masaki restaurant and bar strip will be the post-match destination — Q Bar, Slipway and the Oyster Bay Hotel are popular spots.
Ready to book your Dar es Salaam trip?
Flights, hotel, match tickets and transfers — all from one place.