Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and a common arrival point, particularly for travellers heading to Zanzibar or the southern parks. If you land here and want to go on safari, you have more choices than you might expect. This page outlines the main ways to reach the wildlife areas, how Zanzibar fits in, and what to think about when you choose between the northern and southern circuits, so you can make a firm plan before you arrive.
Choosing your direction
From Dar es Salaam you can look south and west, towards Nyerere National Park and other southern parks, or north towards Arusha and the northern circuit. The north has the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, the south feels quieter and offers boat safaris and walking.
The best choice depends on your interests and time, and we are happy to compare.
The southern circuit, including Nyerere National Park, tends to suit travellers who want boat safaris, walking and fewer other vehicles. The north suits those who want the Serengeti plains and the Ngorongoro Crater. Neither is better in every case. If time is short, picking one region and doing it well usually beats trying to link both, and we can explain what each involves.
Getting between regions
Options include domestic flights, road travel and, for part of the way, the railway. Each has trade-offs in time, comfort and baggage allowance. We explain them on our travel tips pages and will recommend what suits your dates.
Schedules and services change, so we do not quote timetables.
Allow for the city itself. Dar es Salaam is busy and warm, and traffic can slow any plan, so avoid tight connections on the same day. If you have a spare afternoon, local food and the waterfront are pleasant. Keep valuables out of sight, use trusted transport and let your hotel arrange taxis, particularly at night.
- Flights save time but limit bag size
- Road trips show the countryside
- Check train services before relying on them
Pairing safari with Zanzibar
Many guests combine Dar es Salaam, a safari and Zanzibar. Zanzibar can be reached by ferry or flight, and the order matters: beach first can delay the wildlife, while beach last makes a relaxed finish.
We tailor these combinations to your dates and budget; ask us for a current quote.
Seasons influence the best choice. Some parks are easier to enjoy at certain times of year, and road conditions can change in wet periods. We do not guarantee conditions, but we can tell you what is typical and plan accordingly. If you plan to end on the coast, think about when you want to rest and when you want to be active, and sequence the trip with that in mind.
City time and safety
If you spend a night in the city, follow common-sense precautions with valuables and transport. Our guides to staying safe cover this in plain terms.
Related pages on our site
- Southern safari guide
- Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry tips
- The SGR train in Tanzania
- Staying safe in Dar es Salaam
Frequently asked questions
Can I go on a northern safari from Dar es Salaam?
Yes. You can fly or travel overland to the Arusha region, then begin a northern circuit safari. We arrange the ground logistics once you tell us your plans. The route depends on your time, budget and comfort, and we can compare a flight with a longer road journey for you.
Is the southern circuit easier from Dar es Salaam?
It is closer in general terms, but the best choice depends on what you want to see. We compare northern and southern options with you. The southern parks can feel quieter and different in character, while the north offers the better-known sights, so it depends on your wishes.
Can I add Zanzibar to a Dar es Salaam arrival?
Yes. Zanzibar is easy to add before or after safari, by ferry or flight. We help sequence it sensibly. You can start at the coast to unwind and then head inland, or finish there after the parks, whichever suits you better.
