🇹🇿 Dar Es Salaam Day Trip Guide

🎒 Packing List Cash (no card payments) Swimsuit 👙 + sunscreen ☀️ Flip-flops + hiking shoes (for island trekking) Motion sickness pills (essential!) 🚢 Getting There 1️⃣ From Dar es Salaam: Taxi to Waterfront Restaurant (Slipway Pier) – ticket office is opposite. Costs: Island fee: 30,000 TZS/person Gov’t fee: $17.7/person (pay in cash, no ID checked) 2️⃣ Boat Ride (Chaotic but fun!): Small boat → transfer to bigger boat in deep water (~30-40 mins to island). ⚠️ Delays expected (engine failures, slow departures…). Take seasickness meds even if you usually don’t need them! 3️⃣ Arrival: Switch to a tiny boat near shore – remove shoes & roll up pants (you’ll step into water!). Beach loungers + a rustic restaurant (order lobster/octopus/fish + sodas/coconut water). 🏝️ Island Activities Hiking: Two trails – we took one to a secluded (but dirty) beach (1hr round-trip). Swimming: Crystal waters by the main beach (👙-friendly!). Toilets: Surprisingly stocked with toilet paper! 🧻 🔙 Return Trip Timing matters! Tell staff your departure time. Pro tips: Board fast – boats wobble with waves (I fell into the water! 😅). Leave before high tide (easier boarding). Bonus: Catch the sunset sail back – pure magic! 🌅 💡 Final Advice Morning trips = smoother logistics. Carry dry bags for phones/cash. The chaos is part of the charm! #Tanzania #OffTheBeatenPath #IslandEscape#DarEsSalaam