Msasani Slipway

The Msasani Slipway is where visitors to Dar es Salaam go to relax. It sits on the sheltered bay of the Msasani peninsula, a smart residential and diplomatic area north of the city centre, and combines restaurants, cafes, craft and gift shops, a small cinema, a children's play area and a waterfront promenade where yachts and dhows rock at their moorings. It is the easiest place in the city to have a decent meal with a sea view. It is also practical. The Slipway is the usual departure point for the boats to Bongoyo Island, so many beach days begin and end here, and its shops sell local crafts, fabrics, carvings and paintings at fixed prices, which suits visitors who do not enjoy bargaining.

Arrive in the late afternoon and walk the waterfront before choosing a restaurant. The choices range from seafood and grills to Indian, Italian and Swahili-inspired kitchens, and many have outdoor tables with views across the bay. A sundowner here, with the light on the water and the sound of halyards on masts, is one of the most civilised ways to end a day in the city.

Shopping is a good reason to come. Craft shops sell Tingatinga paintings, Makonde carvings, batik, kanga and kitenge fabrics, jewellery, baskets and coffee, and the quality is generally high. Prices are higher than at a market, but you avoid the haggling and often get a better sense of provenance. If you want a better price, combine browsing here with a market visit elsewhere.

Families will appreciate the practicalities, including toilets, play areas and food that suits all ages. On some weekends a small market or live music is held, and the mood can be festive. Check locally for current events and opening hours, which can vary on public holidays.

Use the Slipway as a base for the Msasani peninsula. Coco Beach is a short ride away for street food and sunsets, the Oyster Bay shops and cafes are nearby, and several of the city's best hotels sit within a few minutes. Taxis and ride-hailing cars are easy to find outside, and the peninsula is among the safer and calmer parts of the city for an evening stroll, though it is still sensible to take normal urban precautions.

For travellers staying elsewhere, it is a worthwhile evening outing, and for those heading to Bongoyo it is an essential first stop.

Use the Slipway as a relaxed start or end to a day. In the morning, come before the heat for coffee and a browse of the craft shops, then walk the waterfront to see the boats. In the evening, reserve a table with a view, order a plate of local seafood and watch the light fade over the bay. Compare prices before buying souvenirs, and ask shop staff about the artists and where items are made, which adds value to the purchase.

If you are heading to an island, confirm boat times and return slots in advance, and keep a few small notes for fees and tips. Weekends and holidays are busiest, so arrive early for a good table and expect a lively, family-friendly crowd.