Gallivanters Hostel — Hotel in Dar es-Salaam

Easily recommending Gallivanters Hostel 10x over!

This was my first time as a female solo traveller, and also my first time staying in a hostel, so I was a little nervous going in. However, from the moment I found Gallivanters while searching for a work exchange opportunity, I knew I had made the right choice—and I do not regret it one bit!

The owners, Kibe and Tamara, are truly exceptional people. They made me feel welcome from the get-go, providing constant communication and going above and beyond to ensure I felt at ease in this new environment. Not only did they give me a warm welcome and show me around the area, but they also shared amazing suggestions for things to do and places to visit. Their kindness and hospitality made me feel like I was part of the family right away.

As an artist, I was given creative freedom to contribute to the 2 murals I painted on the main walls of both the top and bottom porch, which was a huge highlight of my trip. The support I received both for the mural and throughout my stay was more than I could have asked for. Kibe and Tamara were always there to help, offering guidance when needed but also trusting me to express myself in the process. Their genuine care for my experience was reflected in every aspect of my time there.

The hostel itself is an absolute gem. The space is beautiful, with a unique, cozy vibe that encourages mingling. The staff are incredibly friendly, and the sense of community they foster is something truly special. During my time at Gallivanters, I met an amazing mix of local and international travelers, and I formed connections that I know will last a lifetime.

The energy at Gallivanters is something you can’t find just anywhere—it's a place where people come together, share stories, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re traveling solo or with friends, the welcoming atmosphere and vibrant community are sure to make your stay unforgettable.

A huge thank you to Kibe, Tamara, and the entire Gallivanters team for making my stay in Tanzania so special. Gallivanters will always have a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to return one day! ❤️

I've added before and after photos of the mural, the pool at Gallivanters and some photos from nearby, walkable spots I...

This was one of the worst "hostels" we've stayed in during our time in Africa which is a shame because the location was good & the dorm room not too bad but the service was incredibly poor & hence the one star review. It is all of the little things that matter which end up turning into a bad experience. The check in was embarrassing where we were shown our room & then just left to it. There was no info on the facilities or wifi & when we politely asked it was like it was a hassle for the manager (or owner?). We had people check out & they didn't even bother cleaning the room or those beds. The breakfast was pathetic being a one egg omelette & small piece of fruit so not worth advertising that. We were never sure who was in charge & it was just chaotic, even with a young kid running around. I would not call this a hostel but more like a dysfunctional guesthouse where you're intruding on their space rather than being...

Our stay at Gallivanters Hostel was our first hostel experience, and we really liked it! From the moment we arrived, the friendly staff welcomed us and made us feel at home.||||Our private room had everything we needed, providing a comfortable and pleasant stay. The best part was the location – very safe and close to everything a tourist would need! ||||Although we were busy and didn't have time to use the pool, it looked great and well-maintained. Breakfast was very simple (be prepared)- one fried egg and some fruit- still good. Unfortunately the hostel was very quiet so we didn't meet other travellers as we were hoping to. ||||Though there SHOULD be hot water, it didn't work in our room until when we were leaving (I think they were working on it, but nobody informed us). It was fine though. ||||Overall, we had a positive experience and would definitely recommend staying at...