Port information & tips for Dar-es-Salaam
Dar es Salaam is the vibrant metropolis of Tanzania and a fascinating gateway to East Africa on the Indian Ocean. The city impresses with its lively blend of African tradition, colonial architecture, and cosmopolitan flair. Nearby, the busy Kivukoni Fish Market, the National Museum of Tanzania, and the architecturally charming Azania Front Lutheran Church invite cultural discoveries. Cruise ships dock at the centrally located Dar es Salaam Cruise Terminal, which is situated right on the edge of the central business district. Thanks to this excellent location, the city center can be reached in just a few minutes, offering guests direct access to the colorful markets and historical treasures of this major Tanzanian city.
Dar es Salaam, as Tanzania's most important port, is a vibrant gateway to the Indian Ocean and serves as the starting point for unforgettable cruises. Although it is a busy commercial port, arrival is easy to plan thanks to the nearby airport and efficient transfer options. Currently, there is no fully dedicated cruise terminal; ships dock at various berths within the large commercial port. A port shuttle takes passengers from the ship to the port exit, as walking through the industrial areas is not recommended. The terminal area is clearly laid out and not confusing.
Airplane
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is located only about 13 kilometers from the port and is the primary arrival destination for guests from the DACH region. Direct flights from Europe as well as numerous connecting flights make the journey convenient. Due to the long flight time, it is recommended to arrive in Dar es Salaam at least one day before embarkation to prepare for the cruise in a relaxed manner. The airport has three terminals, with international flights arriving at Terminal 3.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), you can reach the Port of Dar es Salaam quickly by taxi, which takes about 12 minutes directly to the terminal and costs between 8 and 10 US dollars. For longer journeys or in heavy traffic, prices can reach up to 40 US dollars, so prior price agreement is advisable. Comfortable private transfers can be pre-booked around the clock, guaranteeing a stress-free and predictable journey. Additionally, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt are available in the city and offer transparent pricing. Travel time can vary between 12 and 75 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in one of the numerous hotels in Dar es Salaam before embarkation is recommended to recover from the long journey and avoid potential traffic delays in the city. Many hotels also offer convenient transfer services to the port. Some city hotels feature "Park & Cruise" packages, which include longer-term parking options and a shuttle service to the ship. You will find various hotel options near the port and in the city center.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
Dar es Salaam, as Tanzania's most important port, is a vibrant gateway to the Indian Ocean and serves as the starting point for unforgettable cruises. Although it is a busy commercial port, arrival is easy to plan thanks to the nearby airport and efficient transfer options. Currently, there is no fully dedicated cruise terminal; ships dock at various berths within the large commercial port. A port shuttle takes passengers from the ship to the port exit, as walking through the industrial areas is not recommended. The terminal area is clearly laid out and not confusing.
Airplane
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is located only about 13 kilometers from the port and is the primary arrival destination for guests from the DACH region. Direct flights from Europe as well as numerous connecting flights make the journey convenient. Due to the long flight time, it is recommended to arrive in Dar es Salaam at least one day before embarkation to prepare for the cruise in a relaxed manner. The airport has three terminals, with international flights arriving at Terminal 3.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), you can reach the Port of Dar es Salaam quickly by taxi, which takes about 12 minutes directly to the terminal and costs between 8 and 10 US dollars. For longer journeys or in heavy traffic, prices can reach up to 40 US dollars, so prior price agreement is advisable. Comfortable private transfers can be pre-booked around the clock, guaranteeing a stress-free and predictable journey. Additionally, ride-sharing services such as Uber and Bolt are available in the city and offer transparent pricing. Travel time can vary between 12 and 75 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
An overnight stay in one of the numerous hotels in Dar es Salaam before embarkation is recommended to recover from the long journey and avoid potential traffic delays in the city. Many hotels also offer convenient transfer services to the port. Some city hotels feature "Park & Cruise" packages, which include longer-term parking options and a shuttle service to the ship. You will find various hotel options near the port and in the city center.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually about one hour before the scheduled departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Dar es Salaam is the vibrant gateway to Tanzania's largest city and, thanks to its central location, provides direct access to the cultural treasures of the metropolis.
Taxi & Bajaji
Official taxis and the popular three-wheeled Bajajis are available for passengers directly at the exits of the port area. These means of transport offer a convenient option for individual tours and bring travelers quickly and safely to the city's markets or museums.
Dala-Dala & BRT Express Buses
The minibuses known as Dala-Dala and the modern BRT system ensure excellent connectivity within the city area. Thanks to the reserved lanes of the blue express buses, longer distances through the center can be covered in a time-saving and comfortable manner.
On Foot
Many sights in the city center as well as the Posta district are only about a 15 to 20-minute walk away. The path leads along the busy coastal road and also offers a direct connection to the ferry terminal for convenient crossings to Zanzibar.
To make the most of your time in Dar es Salaam, we recommend a varied combination of the city's vibrant heart and the paradisiacal retreats directly on the coast of the Indian Ocean.
Kivukoni & City Center
The lively Kivukoni fish market, located right by the harbor area, offers an authentic insight into the city's bustling activity and, thanks to its central location, is the ideal starting point for a stroll to the majestic St. Joseph's Cathedral.
Bongoyo Island
This uninhabited coral island is part of a protected marine national park and attracts visitors with snow-white sandy beaches and turquoise waters; furthermore, this tropical refuge is perfectly accessible via a short boat trip for an exclusive swimming experience.
Makumbusho Village Museum
The fascinating open-air museum showcases Tanzania's cultural diversity through faithful traditional dwellings and simultaneously offers the ideal opportunity to experience local handicrafts as well as rhythmic dance performances in an authentic atmosphere.
Bongoyo Island
Bongoyo Island is a pristine natural paradise within the Marine National Park and can be perfectly reached via "The Slipway" leisure complex on the Msasani Peninsula, which you can reach from the port in about forty minutes by taxi. The subsequent half-hour boat trip leads you to a snow-white sandy beach, which is ideal for snorkeling and swimming in the Indian Ocean thanks to its clear coral reefs. On-site, you can enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with shaded "bandas" as well as freshly caught fish and cool drinks served directly on the beach. Ideally, take the first boat at 09:30 AM for the outward journey and choose the return trip in the early afternoon around 02:30 PM to avoid city traffic in a relaxed manner and return to the ship on time.
The Port of Dar es Salaam is centrally located on the edge of the business district and is easily accessible thanks to good connections to the main sights. Due to the lively city traffic, plan for a small time buffer for your return and enjoy the ride directly to the terminal.
Taxi and Ride-Sharing
Taxis can be found reliably at the entrances of major hotels such as the Serena Hotel or the Hyatt Regency, as well as at central locations like the Kivukoni Fish Market. For the return journey, you can also conveniently use apps like Uber or Bolt and be taken directly to the guarded main gate of the cruise terminal on Nelson Mandela Road for a smooth arrival.
Ferries and Bajaj
If you have spent the day on the beaches of Kigamboni, the Kigamboni ferry will take you back to the city center in a few minutes, in the immediate vicinity of the port area. Taxis and local Bajaj rickshaws are available at the landing stage at all times to transport you easily and quickly over the remaining short distance directly to the ship area.
Shuttle Buses and Transfers
Many organized excursions end directly at the port and, thanks to fixed schedules, offer a high degree of punctuality for your return to the pier. In addition, private transfer services often run from major meeting points such as the Mlimani City Mall, bringing guests safely back to the port and thus guaranteeing a relaxed arrival in good time before departure.
