As an expat or digital nomad in Dar es Salaam, you’ll find that the city’s markets are a vibrant and essential part of daily life. They are places where you can immerse yourself in local culture, find fresh produce, and discover a variety of goods ranging from handcrafted jewelry to bespoke furniture. Here’s a curated list of the best markets in Dar es Salaam that offer a unique shopping experience and a taste of the local flavor.
Kariakoo Market
Location: Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam
Type of Market: General Market
Open: Daily, 8 AM – 6 PM
Kariakoo Market is the heartbeat of Dar es Salaam’s local commerce. It’s a sprawling, bustling market where you can find almost anything. From fresh fruits and vegetables to clothing and household items, Kariakoo offers an authentic Tanzanian shopping experience. The market is also known for its lively atmosphere and is a great place to practice your bargaining skills.
We Recommend: Trying the local street food delicacies such as mishkaki (grilled meat skewers) and vitumbua (rice pancakes), which are popular among both locals and visitors.
Mwenge Woodcarvers Market
Location: Mwenge, Dar es Salaam
Type of Market: Craft Market
Open: Daily, 8 AM – 7 PM
For those interested in Tanzanian art and crafts, the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is a must-visit. This open-air market showcases the work of local artisans, with a focus on hand-carved wooden sculptures, masks, and furniture. It’s an excellent place to find unique souvenirs and gifts, and you can often watch the carvers at work, giving you a glimpse into their craft.
We Recommend: Purchasing a Makonde carving, which is a traditional Tanzanian art form recognized for its intricate designs and cultural significance.
Slipway Shopping Center
Location: Msasani Peninsula, Dar es Salaam
Type of Market: Upscale Market and Shopping Center
Open: Daily, 10 AM – 7 PM
Slipway Shopping Center is a more upscale market experience, located on the picturesque Msasani Peninsula. It offers a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment with a beautiful view of the Indian Ocean. Here, expats and digital nomads can find a variety of shops selling high-quality crafts, clothing, and jewelry, as well as a supermarket for daily needs.
We Recommend: Visiting on the weekend when the adjacent outdoor market takes place, offering a range of artisanal goods and organic produce.
Tingatinga Art Market
Location: Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam
Type of Market: Art Market
Open: Daily, 8 AM – 6 PM
The Tingatinga Art Market is named after the famous Tanzanian painting style that originated in the late 1960s. This market is a colorful and vibrant place where you can find a wide array of paintings and other artworks. It’s an excellent spot for art lovers and those looking to add some local flair to their home decor.
We Recommend: Buying an original Tingatinga painting, which is characterized by its bright, bold colors and simplistic, yet captivating designs.
Coco Beach Market
Location: Toure Drive, Oysterbay, Dar es Salaam
Type of Market: Weekend Market
Open: Weekends, 10 AM – 5 PM
Coco Beach Market is a weekend market located along the popular Coco Beach. It’s a great place to enjoy the sea breeze while browsing through a selection of local crafts, clothing, and accessories. The market also features food stalls where you can try local snacks and refreshments.
We Recommend: Sampling some freshly caught seafood from one of the food stalls, such as grilled octopus or fish kebabs.
Ilala Boma Market
Location: Ilala, Dar es Salaam
Type of Market: Local Market
Open: Daily, 8 AM – 5 PM
Ilala Boma Market is a traditional Tanzanian market that offers a wide range of products, including textiles, clothing, and local crafts. It’s a great place to find traditional fabrics like kanga and kitenge, which are used to make colorful clothing and accessories. The market’s friendly atmosphere makes it a pleasant place for expats and digital nomads to explore.
We Recommend: Picking up some kitenge fabric, which can be tailored into custom outfits by local seamstresses and tailors around the market.
The Village Market
Location: Masaki, Dar es Salaam
Type of Market: Artisan Market
Open: Daily, 9 AM – 6 PM
The Village Market is a charming artisan market located in the upscale neighborhood of Masaki. It features a collection of boutiques and stalls selling high-quality Tanzanian crafts, jewelry, and organic products. The market is also known for its relaxed atmosphere and is a great place to find unique, handcrafted items.
We Recommend: Exploring the organic skincare products made from local ingredients, which make for great souvenirs or personal treats.
These markets in Dar es Salaam offer a glimpse into the city’s rich culture and provide a unique shopping experience for expats and digital nomads. Whether you’re looking for fresh produce, traditional crafts, or a leisurely shopping day, these markets are sure to have something for everyone.
