Upscale peninsula area with international hotels, restaurants, and the Slipway shopping center.

About Msasani Peninsula / Masaki

Msasani and Masaki occupy a peninsula jutting into the Indian Ocean north of the city center, forming Dar es Salaam\'s most affluent and cosmopolitan neighborhood. The Slipway, a waterfront shopping and dining complex, is the social hub with restaurants overlooking the ocean, a craft market, and boat departures for snorkeling trips to Bongoyo Island—an uninhabited marine reserve just 30 minutes offshore.

The peninsula is home to most foreign embassies, international school campuses, and expat-friendly businesses. Restaurants range from high-end seafood at Cape Town Fish Market to casual Ethiopian, Indian, and Lebanese eateries. The Sea Cliff Hotel, perched on the cliff edge, offers some of the best sunset views in East Africa. Coco Beach (Oyster Bay) is a popular weekend gathering spot for locals, with street food vendors and a festive atmosphere. The neighborhood is noticeably quieter, cleaner, and better maintained than the city center.

Nearby Landmarks

The Slipway Coco Beach (Oyster Bay) Sea Cliff Hotel Bongoyo Island Masaki Church

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost $18-30
Time 35-70 min

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost $10-18
Time 35-70 min

Terminal exits

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Take a taxi from Julius Nyerere Airport to Msasani Peninsula (TZS 50,000–70,000, 40–75 min).
2. Request the Bagamoyo Road route if traffic on Morogoro Road is heavy.
3. Uber/Bolt from the airport: approximately TZS 40,000–60,000.
4. Many hotels and serviced apartments in Msasani offer airport transfers.
5. Public transport (daladala) from the airport to Msasani is possible but not recommended with luggage.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi $18-30 35-70 min Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare $10-18 35-70 min Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Taxis and ride-hailing (Uber, Bolt) are available 24/7. Msasani has more evening activity than the city center, with restaurants and bars at The Slipway and along Haile Selassie Road open until 11:00 PM or later. The fare from the airport to Msasani is approximately TZS 50,000–70,000 (USD 20–30). Hotel pickup is recommended for late arrivals.

Luggage Tips

Airport taxis handle luggage for the straightforward ride. The peninsula's streets are better maintained than downtown, and hotels/serviced apartments have proper access roads. If staying at a guesthouse, confirm vehicle access—some properties are on narrow side streets.

Accessibility

Msasani Peninsula has better infrastructure than most of Dar es Salaam, with maintained sidewalks in some areas. The Slipway is accessible with flat pathways. Major hotels (Sea Cliff, Golden Tulip) have accessible rooms. Beach access at Coco Beach involves sand and uneven terrain. Private vehicles are recommended for wheelchair users.