Dar es Salaam's markets are filled with local crafts and craftsmen at work. Craft stands and markets can be spotted all around Samora Avenue in the city centre. Ilala Market on Uhuru Street and the Kariakoo Market spread across Msimbazi and Mkunguni Streets are interesting places to browse and shop.

Taking a local guide is a good idea. Take care to leave all valuables behind and keep an eye out for pickpockets.

This Dar es Salaam Shopping Guide gives an indication of the best places to go shopping whilst in the city. Our Tanzania Shopping Guide has further information about the best things to purchase whilst in the country.

Dar es Salaam - Shopping

To buy handicrafts of the best quality, a visit to Msasani Slipway Weekend Craft Market on Msasani Slipway is a must. It is a more peaceful market too. Good quality textiles and regional crafts are also available at Ohio Street from the local artists' co-operative, Nyumba ya Sanaa or Nyerere Cultural Centre. Visiting the co-operative will also give you a chance to watch artisans at work. Another place to see artisans at work is the Myenge Carvers' Market on Sam Nujoma Road.

The Mawazo Art Gallery in the YMCA grounds on Upanga Road is another good place to buy paintings and woodcarvings. The Tingatinga Centre on Haile Selassie Road is the best place to buy the richly coloured Tingatinga paintings, first marketed by Edward Said Tingatinga.

The fish market on Kivukoni Fort is the place to watch the fish auctions and see the local catch being sold.

Shopping Places

Nyumba ya Sanaa

House of crafts located in the city center

Address : Ohio Street Adjacent to the Movenpick Royal Palm Hotel

Milimani City

Dar es Salaam's largest shopping mall - but don't compare with the malls of Europe and North America! Two flagship stores anchor the mall on either side (GAME and SHOPRITE). The mall also has designer brands like Giordano, Samsonite, Samsung, and a 3 screen cinema.

Address : Sam Nujoma road Milimani Area - near University of Dar es Salaam Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Shoppers Plaza

One of Dar es Salaam's first shopping plazas, and by far the busiest.

Address : Old Bagamoyo Road Just after the American Embassy Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Mwenge Handicraft Center

This is a communal center where you will find local artisans at work. Around 70 small shops are packed into this square, where you can bargain for local souvenirs, wood carvings, paintings and ornaments. Did we mention don't forget to bargain?

Address : Mwenge Sam Nujoma Road A short walk from the Mwenge bus terminus Dar es Salaam Tanzania

Mayfair Plaza

One of the larger shopping plazas, with various fast food joints, supermarket, and a variety of retail stores.

Address : Old Bagamoyo Road, past the US Embassy, continue on past the Shoppers Plaza, and you will see it on your right.

Harbour View Towers

This is a ground floor shopping arcade in the city center. It is often referred to by its former name, the JM Mall. The arcade features a jewellery store, supermarket, Swiss Watch store, various clothing and CD/DVD outlets.

Address : Samora Avenue. At the intersection with Morogoro Road. In the city center.

Your Local Connection

Jambo! Welcome to Dar es Salaam!

Meet Tehsin and the team at Escape Ltd, your local connection in Dar es Salaam and the surrounding coastal area. Our family has been involved in the Tanzanian travel and tourism industry for the past 52 years spanning over 3 generations, so if anyone knows the country inside and out, its us!

Part of our ingrained philosophy is sustainable tourism, and as a result you will see we give preference to hotels with a good 'caring for the destination' rating. We also ensure that the cultural tours we feature give back to the local communities being visited.

[more about us]

Visit sister sites of Dar Es Salaam hotels and tours

Shopping in Dar Es Salaam