Activities

We have a few suggestions of things to do in the area that can enhance your experience in Dar es Salaam.

• As a guest at the Friendly Gecko, you have the special opportunity to visit the help2kids aid projects with our volunteers who work Monday through Friday. After approval by our on-site manager you have the chance to shadow volunteers and see the work they do at the children's home, nursery, or primary schools.
• We partner with a great safari company called African Greenland who gives our guests good offers for beautiful safaris in a variety of the National Parks and at varying dates. Please contact info@africangreenland.com to find out more about pricing and trips.

• Visit some of the markets such as Mwenge, Slipway, or Kariakoo. Mwenge is both a local second-hand market and craft market, Slipway is in a nicer part of town with crafts and hand-made goods and restaurants, and Kariakoo is the biggest and more chaotic local market near downtown.
• There is a bus stop close-by that you can take an hour bus ride for very cheap to Bagamoyo, a historical beach town with some interesting monuments and nice beaches. Great for a day trip.
• Go diving directly at the beach close to our guest house (5/10 Minutes) with our PADI diving friends at Sea Breeze Marine Ltd.
• The Gecko is very close to the beach and we suggest going to White Sands Resort where you can use their lounge charis, pool, or take a small boat to Mbudya Island where you can swim in the pristine waters and eat fresh lobster and chips on the shore!

• You can also head to Bongoyo Island and Kipepeo Beach. Both can be reached within one hour. These offer beautiful beaches and perfect spots to snorkel and dive.
• The ferry to Zanzibar is located in the city center of Dar es Salaam.
• There is a bus station, Ubungo, which is a hub for buses to take you from Dar to all different parts of the gorgeous country (Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorogoro Crater, etc.).