Dar es Salaam is a city under transformation. What was once a crowded city known for its traffic and pollution, Dar es Salaam is transforming into a metropolis worth exploring by day and night. One of the best ways to see this transformation is to enjoy the spectacular views (and a cocktail or two!) from one of the many rooftop bars in Dar es Salaam. Whether you want sea views, city views or both, I’ve got you covered with this roundup of the best rooftop bars in Dar es Salaam. Before you go check out the best Tanzanian songs right now and get ready to dance the night away.
Best for City Views:
Ramada Encore, Posta
Ramada’s rooftop offers views of the sea on one side, and of the city on the other, so choose wisely! The bar serves a wide range of cocktails and has a nightly happy hour on local beers. As the evening progresses, the DJ plays a range of old school R&B, hip hop, and of course, Tanzania’s own Bonga Flava!
High Spirit, Posta
High Spirit is a unique location in Dar es Salaam. Every Friday and Saturday its rooftop bar transforms into a club, complete with light up dancefloor. With views over the city centre, it’s easy to feel like you’re in New York City once the sun goes down. They usually play a mixture of European and Indian music and the party goes on until around 3am.
Photo courtesy of Sarah Mc Evoy
Holiday Inn, Posta
Holiday Inn feels like a rooftop garden. There are plants dotted around the perimeter creating a little oasis in the city centre. While it doesn’t fully utilise the potential views that come with being on a rooftop, it is a nice place to escape the concrete jungle of Posta.
Best for Sea Views:
Level 8 @ Hyatt Regency, Posta
Level 8 is the gold standard for rootop bars in Dar es Salaam. It offers 360 degree views of the city and harbour. This is a place to dress up, order a cocktail and, on Wednesday and Thursday, enjoy the music of some of Dar es Salaam’s best DJs.
Best outside the city:
Shooters Grill, Masaki
Shooters in situated on Haile Selassie Road and so the views are somewhat limited. However, it’s one of the few rooftop bars in Masaki. It is a good place for a post-work meal and some drinks before hitting one of Haile Selassie’s busier establishments.
Akira Lounge, Masaki
Akira is a hidden gem on the peninsula. This is one of my favourite rooftop bars in Dar es Salaam. With a chilled out vibe and great music, it offers 360 degree sea views. It is my new go-to sundowner spot. The view of the sun setting towards the city is one of a kind. It’s also one of the best event venues in Dar es Salaam in my opinion.
Visiting Dar es Salaam? Check out the best beaches in Dar es Salaam for the perfect way to unwind the next day!
The pace of transformation is too fast now, the city might lose it’s identify if all old buildings are going to be replaced by new ones.
Thanks Cliodhna I don’t see a #s**thole anywhere
That’s a good point. One of my favourite things about Dar es Salaam is the character of the old buildings. And I agree, not a shithole in sight!
I so want to visit – maybe I’ll get here in 2018!
I would have loved to see more of Dar Es Salaam at the end of our trip to Tanzania!! Unfortunately, my dad wasn’t really up for is and to be honest, at the of a three week trip together, I think he was right. Now I’ll just have to come back!!
I can vouch for Clio’s knowledge on best bars 😀 She always knows the best spots – so I trust her with this selection and will make sure to check all of them out next time I’m in Dar!