Ferries to Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam ferry port is in Tanzania and is the gateway to Zanzibar: the fast ferries link the country's largest city with Zanzibar City on the island opposite. The timetable lists up to 8 departures a day and the crossing takes around 1.25 hours. The port is served by Zan Fast Ferries, and Azam Marine runs on the same route as well.

Getting there and the terminal

The passenger terminal lies in the middle of Dar es Salaam on the Sokoine Drive, right by the water. Azam Marine gives its address as "opposite St Joseph's Cathedral, Sokoine Drive". The cathedral on the waterfront road is the most reliable landmark if you come by taxi; the operator's booking office is there too.

Check-in

Allow time. In its conditions of carriage, Azam Marine requires you to be at the terminal at least an hour before departure, and refunds nothing if you miss boarding. At the desk and on board you have to show your ticket and a valid travel document: passport, identity card or an equivalent paper. As a foreign traveller you are best off taking your passport, even though the crossing stays within Tanzania.