by Sofeeyah Lloyd & Mark Karamira-Karegysa
Dar es Salaam’s best event venues harmoniously blend contemporary styles and modern amenities with Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage and the city’s coastal location.
Hosting an international conference here offers plenty of opportunities to create a unique and memorable event. But picking the wrong venue could spell disaster for even the most meticulously planned event.
So, in this quick guide, we’ll introduce you to the eight best venues across Dar Es Salaam.
When you’re done reading and ready to start planning, give us a call! Our team has many years experience orchestrating incredible events in Dar es Salaam. We can help you navigate the city’s unique cultural and corporate landscapes to ensure everything goes off without a hitch.
1. Hyatt Regency, Dar es Salaam
The Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam lives up to the prestigious 5-star brand’s reputation.
Located on a quiet stretch of coast road and looking out across the Indian Ocean, the hotel defines sophistication in its events spaces and accommodations.
The hotel features 17 event spaces, including the Kibo Ballroom (400pax), Kili Marquee (500pax), and numerous meeting and boardrooms. The Kili Marquee is the standout. This air-conditioned space features intricate Arabian accents, an outdoor entrance with cascading fountains, and a private garden.
Every event space in the Hyatt is equipped with the latest AV, presentation, and networking equipment. Catering is available, and the dedicated events staff will assist you in every need.
The hotel offers 180 guest rooms, providing a comfortable and luxurious stay for visiting participants. They can also avail at the rooftop infinity pool, fitness center, spa, tour desk, and a host of other world-class amenities.
2. Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel
Located on the edge of Dar es Salaam’s Central Business District, the Serena Hotel is close to the action. But it feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle.
The hotel offers extensive event and conference facilities across 10 meeting rooms and 4,000+ sq. ft. The Kivukoni Ballroom is the largest indoor space, accommodating up to 440pax in a theater setup. You can also divide it into four smaller spaces.
The Frangipani garden marquee can host 600pax in a stunning outdoor setting.
The Serena’s stylish spaces are popular amongst the business and social elites of Dar Es Salaam, offering an upscale setting for any event, big or small. For larger gatherings, you can expect dedicated registration and support staff. Corporate events can utilize a complete business center and exclusive executive lounges away from the crowds.
The hotel’s 230 accommodations range from standard rooms to luxuriant presidential suites – 165 suites that can be customized to your tastes and include everything a VIP or traveling dignitary needs for a comfortable stay.
3. Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam
The Ramada Resort by Wyndham Dar es Salaam exemplifies coastal elegance and comfort on the scenic shores of Jangwani Beach.
The resort is a 45-minute drive north of downtown Dar, giving any event here a feeling of escape. It’s a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle, providing a tranquil environment with spectacular ocean views and lush gardens.
The resort boasts 8,500 square feet of event space, including seven meeting rooms that accommodate up to 175 guests in a banquet setup or 375 guests for a cocktail reception. The elegant and versatile event spaces, coupled with the latest AV equipment, make it ideal for conferences, meetings, and special events.
For smaller get-togethers, dining at the Ramada Resort is an experience in itself. Choose from ‘The Market’ for international cuisine, ‘The Living Room’ lobby lounge for pastries and coffee, and ‘Ocean’s 171’ for premium beverages and tapas.
Visiting participants who need a room can choose from various room types, including ocean view rooms, suites, and family rooms. Every room and suite has a private balcony, air conditioning, soundproofing, and everything else you need for a relaxing stay.
4. Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam New Africa
The Four Points is a fantastic mid-range hotel with a prime view of the Dar es Salaam Harbour and easy access to the CBD, Oyster Bay, and other important districts.
The hotel is well-equipped for event and conference needs, with 12 meeting rooms, accommodating up to 8-300pax. The hotel’s rooftop terrace offers a stunning view of Dar es Salaam’s busy port and stunning sunsets. Dining options are plentiful, with five restaurants and bars serving a variety of international cuisines, including fresh seafood, Thai, and Indian. Catering is also available for events of every size.
The hotel has 174 stylish and modern rooms and suites, all featuring unmatched city and harbor views. Participants can enjoy leisure facilities like the outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour fitness center.
5. Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC)
The Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre (JNICC) epitomizes a world-class event venue, skillfully combining elegant architecture with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled customer service.
Featuring 12 versatile conference rooms with flexible setups, including theatre, classroom, and half-moon styles, JNICC caters to a wide range of events. Its largest hall can accommodate up to 1,003pax in theatre style, making it suitable for local and international gatherings.
Located in the heart of Dar es Salaam, near the city’s main embassies and best hotels, and only 40 minutes from Julius K. Nyerere International Airport, JNICC is ideal for prestigious events hosting local and visiting diplomats.
6. Hotel White Sands Resort & Conference Centre
Situated on the picturesque Mbezi Beach north of Dar es Salaam, the Hotel White Sands Resort & Conference Centre is situated on a private beach, offering event organizers a serene and relaxing atmosphere to network, collaborate, and relax after a long day of meetings.
The Resort & Conference Centre boasts 16 versatile venues, each equipped with modern conferencing technology and air conditioning. The Gilmans Hall, for instance, can accommodate up to 300pax in various seating arrangements, making it ideal for diverse events, from meetings to banquets.
Participants can indulge in African-inspired intercontinental cuisine at the Mchanga Restaurant & Bar, enjoy lighter meals at the Kisiwa Bar, or combine dinner with stunning sunsets at the Pweza Jetty.
The resort also offers a range of activities, including water sports, a water amusement park, a PADI diving center, and a luxurious spa.
7. Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee Hall and Exhibition Centre
The Aga Khan Diamond Jubilee Hall and Exhibition Centre offers a variety of spaces for different events. The main hall alone can accommodate up to 6,000pax – ideal for exhibitions, expos, trade fairs, concerts, weddings, conferences, and more. Outdoor areas are available, too.
The hall boasts numerous facilities, including a stage, a backstage area, a board room, and modern audio-visual and lighting equipment. There’s air conditioning, free parking, catering and drink options, dedicated security services, a standby generator, and wheelchair accessibility.
So, basically, everything you need for a successful conference.
8. Golden Tulip Dar es Salaam
The Golden Tulip Dar es Salaam, a 4-star luxury hotel, is situated on a beautiful oceanfront in Dar’s upscale Masaki neighborhood.
The hotel offers a range of conference facilities, perfect for various events. Among its notable spaces are the outdoor Oysterbay Marquee, an expansive tent and garden accommodating up to 1,000pax, and the Ngorongoro Hall, a 4,700 sq ft space hosting up to 300pax in a theatre setting.
The Golden Tulip also features the Indian Ocean Marquee and Saadani Hall, accommodating 40 and 80pax, respectively, ideal for smaller, more intimate gatherings. These halls, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities also offer scenic views, ensuring a memorable experience for all involved.
For accommodation, guests can relax in spacious, understated rooms bathed in natural light and stunning ocean views. Leisure facilities include an outdoor infinity pool, spa, and numerous lounges.
Finding The Right Event Venue in Dar Es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam’s conference venues might not get the same attention as big hitters in nearby Kigali and Nairobi.
But as you can see from this quick guide, the city has plenty of fantastic venues for events big and small.
Need help deciding which venue fits your event?
Our local team in Dar is ready to assist. Contact us to start your event journey, and we’ll provide step-by-step guidance tailored to your specific needs, guaranteeing a successful and memorable event.
