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Zoos & aquariums

Dar es Salaam Zoo

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Dar es Salaam Zoo

Dar es Salaam Zoo

Located in the Kigamboni district, this facility houses a variety of animal species. It serves as a destination for visitors interested in wildlife and nature outside the urban environment of the city.

Getting There

The zoo is situated approximately 37 km east of the city center. Travelers typically reach the area by crossing to the Kigamboni peninsula, often utilizing a combination of road transport and ferry services. Depending on traffic and the mode of transport, the journey can take several hours.

Visit Duration

Visitors should allow for a full day trip. This accounts for both the time spent exploring the animal enclosures and the significant travel time required to reach the site from the central business district.

When to Visit

It is advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid the midday heat, as animals are often more active during cooler temperatures. Like many public attractions, the site can become crowded during weekends and local public holidays.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its distance from the center, this site is best combined with other points of interest in the Kigamboni area or on the way back to downtown. Nearby locations include:

  • Sinda Island (13.8 km)
  • Kigamboni Bridge (14.7 km)
  • Azania Front Lutheran Church (18.6 km)
  • Saint Joseph's Cathedral, Dar es Salaam (18.7 km)

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near Dar es Salaam Zoo

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Dar es Salaam Zoo Nearby stays

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Itineraries including this place

Good to visit alongside

Sinda Island

Nature

Sinda Island

An uninhabited island within Dar es Salaam's marine protected area in Tanzania, home to the rare coconut crab. Ruins from the 19th century also remain here, offering a mix of nature and history.

13.8 km away

Kigamboni Bridge

Views & landmarks

Kigamboni Bridge

A bridge in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, crossing the Kurasini estuary to connect the city center with the Kigamboni district. Completed in 2016 and 680 meters long, it has become a landmark of the city.

14.7 km away

Azania Front Lutheran Church

Temples & religious sites

Azania Front Lutheran Church

A Lutheran church located in the heart of Dar es Salaam, overlooking the harbor. It was built in 1898 by German missionaries in Bavarian style with a red roof and white walls, and remains a landmark of the city.

18.6 km away

Saint Joseph's Cathedral, Dar es Salaam

Temples & religious sites

Saint Joseph's Cathedral, Dar es Salaam

This Gothic-style Roman Catholic cathedral overlooks the harbor of Dar es Salaam. Built in the early 20th century during German colonial rule, it still serves as the seat of the archdiocese, and the stained-glass window behind the altar is especially striking.

18.7 km away

National Museum of Tanzania

Museums & galleries

National Museum of Tanzania

The National Museum of Tanzania is a network of museums centered on the National Museum in Dar es Salaam, showcasing the country's history and natural heritage. First opened in 1934, it now shares Tanzania's story nationwide together with museums in Arusha.

18.8 km away

Askari Monument

Heritage & monuments

Askari Monument

The Askari Monument stands at the center of a roundabout in downtown Dar es Salaam, honoring the askari soldiers who fought in East Africa during World War I. Erected in 1927, it occupies what is considered the very heart of the city center.

18.8 km away