The Slipway Shopping Center- Travel Tips
What to See, How to Plan & Tours- Modern Urban
- 5 Reviews
The Ultimate Guide to The Slipway, Dar es Salaam
Perched on the edge of the Msasani Peninsula, The Slipway Shopping Center is more than just a mall—it is the beating heart of Dar es Salaam’s expatriate and tourist social scene. Offering a unique blend of upscale retail, authentic Tanzanian crafts, and unbeatable Indian Ocean views, The Slipway provides a relaxed escape from the city’s frenetic energy. Whether you are hunting for the perfect souvenir, planning a boat trip to a pristine sandbank, or simply chasing the perfect sunset cocktail, this guide covers everything you need to know.
A Premier Waterfront Shopping & Leisure Destination
The complex is architecturally designed to maximize the ocean breeze, with open-air corridors and whitewashed buildings that give it a distinct coastal resort feel. Unlike the enclosed air-conditioned malls of the city center, The Slipway encourages you to stroll, explore, and linger.
Shopping at The Slipway: From High-End to Handcrafted
For shoppers, The Slipway offers a dual experience: modern boutique luxury and traditional market vibrancy.
The Souk Market: Located at the heart of the complex, the Souk is a treasure trove for culture seekers. Here, you can browse stalls overflowing with Makonde wood carvings, colorful Kanga and Kitenge fabrics, and intricate beaded jewelry. It is one of the best places in Dar es Salaam to buy Tinga Tinga paintings, a vibrant local art style. Insider Tip: While prices here are fixed in some boutiques, bargaining is expected in the open market stalls. Start at 60% of the quoted price and meet in the middle.
Boutique Highlights: For high-quality fashion and gifts, visit shops like Kipepeo (known for adorable, locally-made children’s clothing), OneWay for trendy Afro-centric casual wear, and Fahim Ayaz for luxury retail.
Daily Essentials: The center is fully self-sufficient, housing a well-stocked supermarket for international groceries, a pharmacy, and a beloved bookshop that stocks excellent travel guides and maps of Tanzania.
Dining with a View: Restaurants & Cafés
Dining at The Slipway is defined by one thing: the view. The culinary landscape here is diverse, catering to global palates.
The Waterfront: Undisputedly the most popular spot, this restaurant sits directly on the jetty. It is famous for its fresh seafood platters, wood-fired pizzas, and cold local beers. It is the prime seat in the house for watching dhows sail past as the sun dips below the horizon.
International Flavors: If you crave variety, Azuma offers authentic Japanese sushi and teppanyaki, while other outlets serve Thai cuisine and Mediterranean classics. The Terrace provides a more casual setting, perfect for a quick lunch or evening drink.
Café Culture: For digital nomads or families needing a break, Café Classico and The Juice Box offer excellent coffee, fresh tropical smoothies, and reliable Wi-Fi in a breezy outdoor setting.
Beyond Shopping: Activities & Marine Adventures
The Slipway is the primary maritime gateway for leisure in Dar es Salaam.
Gateway to the Islands: The Slipway jetty is the departure point for ferries and private boats to Bongoyo Island and Mbudya Island. These marine reserves offer pristine white sands and snorkeling just 30 minutes away. Boats typically depart between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM, with returns in the late afternoon.
Water Sports: Adventure seekers can visit the on-site PADI dive center to arrange scuba diving trips or fishing charters. Sunset cruises on traditional dhows are also a magical way to end the day.
Family Fun: The complex is incredibly family-friendly, featuring a dedicated waterfront playground where kids can run safely while parents enjoy a drink nearby. On weekends, the center often hosts pop-up craft markets and live music events, adding a festive community vibe.
Practical Visitor Information
Location & Accessibility
Located on Yacht Club Road on the Msasani Peninsula, The Slipway is easily accessible but traffic in Dar es Salaam can be unpredictable.
Getting There: Uber and Bolt are the most reliable ways to reach The Slipway. A ride from the CBD (Posta) typically costs TZS 10,000–15,000 ($4–$6), while a taxi from Julius Nyerere International Airport will cost between TZS 40,000–60,000 ($15–$23) and take about 45–60 minutes depending on traffic.
Best Time to Visit: Arrive around 4:30 PM. This gives you an hour to shop and browse the Souk before securing a waterfront table for the sunset at 6:30 PM.
Stay & Comfort
For those who want to wake up to the sound of the ocean, Hotel Slipway is integrated directly into the complex. This 4-star hotel offers clean, modern rooms (many with sea views), a swimming pool exclusive to guests, and conference facilities.
Attractions in Dar es Salaam
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Reviews of The Slipway
Florence Mageni - 5
Its a nice place because it consists different priduct shops from the locals, various restaurants, beach view.
Mr Bill Bowling - 4
Located right on the bay. As a good section of shops in restaurants. Nice place to walk and people watch berries
Bernard Ngie - 5
Discovering a Hidden Gem in Dar Es Salaam for Leisure and Shopping If your travels take you to Dar Es Salaam and you find yourself searching for something to do, I've found a delightful spot that combines leisure, shopping, and dining into one enjoyable experience. While it's true that Dar Es Salaam might not be overflowing with tourist attractions, this place proves to be an exceptional find in the bustling city. Imagine a place where you can enjoy a leisurely walk, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere unique to Tanzania's largest city. This location offers just that, with the added benefit of a shopping experience that allows you to dive deep into the rich culture of Africa. The market is a treasure trove for anyone looking to bring home traditional African artifacts, providing a tangible piece of Tanzanian heritage. But the experience doesn't stop with walking and shopping. The food here is nothing short of amazing, offering an array of dishes that reflect the diverse flavors of the region. Whether you're in the mood for local cuisine or something more familiar, you're likely to find something that satisfies your taste buds. This spot is a sanctuary for those looking to escape the mundane and dive into a day filled with casual exploration, shopping, and dining. It's a unique blend of culture, leisure, and gastronomy that you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the city. For anyone visiting Dar Es Salaam, this place is a must-visit. It's an ideal way to spend a day immersing yourself in the local culture, picking up a few souvenirs, and enjoying some of the best food the city has to offer. Don't let the lack of traditional tourist attractions deter you; this spot is a hidden gem that provides a genuine experience of what Dar Es Salaam has to offer. Cheers, BN
Kanwaldeep Sethi - 5
Awesome place for a night out with live music bands and a lot of cafes/bars, tourists from across the world, a great view and souvenir shopping as well. For shopping you can buy clothes, fridge magnets, wood work, paintings, hats, necklace, t-shirts, showpieces etc This place is behind the slipway hotel and crowded at night, so better grab your seats otherwise it's a long long wait or maybe you wont even get a place to sit. And yes do order your food in time as these cafes run out of food in no time but u will still get your beer. Cheers
Anuradha Prasanna - 5
Good place to hangout in an evening. Best to be there after 6.30. There are couple of restaurants but they are at the highest charges. Went a the Water Front restaurant around 5.30 and it was so sunny with sunset, so better to go at night. There are multiple shops to but food, ice cream, cloths and antiques, also there is a supermarket called Shrijee. This is around 30mins away from City Center (posta).
