With a population of over 3 million people, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s economic capital and East Africa’s second largest port. From museums and shopping malls to international restaurants and luxurious resorts, Dar is the perfect hub to explore Tanzania’s diverse culture. Though there are many tourist attractions in the big city, I wanted to get a Dar es Salaam beach experience and chose the quiet and less-visited Kigamboni district. Kigamboni is home to a vast, white-sand beach (called ‘South Beach’), as well as small beach resorts and restaurants.

It’s also possible to escape the traffic and get to Kigamboni beach by ferry from downtown.

Best Dar es Salaam Beach: Kigamobi beach (South beach)

There are a variety of resorts in the Kigamboni beach area, some which boast a pool and bar area, while others are beachfront. Kijiji beach resort is a gorgeous plot of land facing the ocean, with a beachfront restaurant. It also has loungers shaded by thatched umbrellas where you can have lunch, enjoy a drink or even get some work done by the sea.

Where this resort is situated, the ocean has a consistent low tide to accommodate for its unique mangrove trees. Due to this, it is not an ideal spot to swim, but the resort is lovely and the trees are a really special treat.

I chose to walk down the beach to another resort called Kipepeo Beach and Village. On this walk you will pass the mangrove trees, a local spot with traditional fishing vessels, and some huge jellies that have washed up on shore.

You will notice the farther you walk (once you pass the mangrove trees), the ocean resumes its normal, wavy self and becomes more accessible for swimming. Kipipeo is situated towards the end of the beach (not as far as south beach resort), where there is an international crowd hanging out on loungers or splayed out closer to the water on towels.

Apparently there is a 3000 Tsh fee for using their resort, however I just walked up from the beach and no one charged me. Drinks are quite expensive for Tanzania at 5000 Tsh for a bottled beer, but I felt it was justified to relax on a nice lounge chair by the ocean.

Where to stay near Kigamboni beach?

I stayed at an AirBnb in the Mjimwema village, a short distance from the Kigamboni beach. I really like AirBnB as an option while traveling because it gives you the freedom to come and go in a local neighbourhood, you will most likely have the space to cook for yourself or work if you choose to, and the owners are often so helpful in directing you around the area or providing suggestions for local things not to be missed.

If you prefer to be right on the beach then I would recommend either the Kipepeo or Kijiji resorts based on their beachfront locations!

All and all it was a nice little weekend! If you are looking for a Dar es Salaam beach, I definitely recommend you check out South beach in Kigamboni.

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