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Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay

About Oyster Bay

Owned by the team who run the top-end Beho Beho Camp, in Nyerere National Park, The Oyster Bay Hotel is in ...

... the 'Oyster Bay' district of Dar es Salaam. The hotel overlooks the Indian Ocean and is about a 15-minute drive from the city center and about an hour from the airport.

If you need to stop in Dar, or you're staying here for a few days, then we doubt that you'll find anywhere that's more stylish, flexible or welcoming than the Oyster Bay Hotel. It's a very good small, boutique hotel with its accent placed firmly on pampering and relaxation. The Oyster Bay is also the costliest place in town – but then for its very high standards and delightfully relaxed ambience, we also regard it as very good value.

Our view

If you need to stop in Dar, or you're staying here for a few days, then we doubt that you'll find anywhere that's more stylish, flexible or welcoming than the Oyster Bay Hotel. It's a very good small, boutique hotel with its accent placed firmly on pampering and relaxation. The Oyster Bay is also the costliest place in town – but then for its very high standards and delightfully relaxed ambience, we also regard it as very good value.

Jessica Plumb

Jessica Plumb

Tanzania expert

Accommodation

8 suites

Children

No age restrictions.

Open

All year

Activities

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Traveller reviews of Oyster Bay

54 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


98%
54 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
49
Good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mrs CfromLeyburn

Arrived 25 Oct 2022, 3 nights

"Oyster Bay review"

"This is our second time at Oyster Bay and it is a special place. We were the …" Read Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs FfromSussex

Arrived 8 Oct 2022, 1 nights

"Oyster Bay review"

"Excellent way to start our trip, friendly staff and comfortable rooms. …" Read Mr & Mrs F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Pete & NancyfromStockton

Arrived 25 Feb 2022, 3 nights

"Oyster Bay review"

"Staff are very friendly and efficient. The food was absolutely outstanding. …" Read Pete & Nancy’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs JPfromLondon

Arrived 28 Oct 2019, 1 nights

"Immaculate stay at Oyster Bay"

"A wonderful oasis in which to relax and re-charge. …" Read Mr & Mrs JP’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs BfromChobham

Arrived 7 Sep 2015, 1 nights

"Oyster Bay review"

"Really personalised attention especially after the flights. Lovely atmosphere …" Read Mr & Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs CfromLeyburn

Arrived 1 Feb 2015, 1 nights

"Oyster Bay review"

"beautiful accommodation and so welcoming. All the staff worked hard to make …" Read Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs CfromLeyburn

Arrived 7 Feb 2015, 1 nights

"Oyster Bay review"

"see earlier comments [Ed: see below] …" Read Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs AfromVienna

Arrived 31 Oct 2014, 2 nights

"Oyster Bay review"

"Very hospitable and friendly, maybe a bit too friendly (manager joined us for …" Read Mrs A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Ms LfromNorth Adams

Arrived 3 Oct 2014, 2 nights

"Oyster Bay hotel"

"What a delightful place! Everyone was very helpful, welcoming, and friendly …" Read Mr & Ms L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Ms LfromNorth Adams

Arrived 13 Oct 2014, 1 nights

"Oyster Bay return trip"

"We stayed at Oyster Bay for a short night on our trip home. Our plane was …" Read Mr & Ms L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Oyster Bay reviews

Oyster Bay: Our full report

Owned by the team who run the top-end Beho Beho Camp, in Nyerere National Park, The Oyster Bay Hotel is in ...

... the 'Oyster Bay' district of Dar es Salaam. The hotel overlooks the Indian Ocean and is about a 15-minute drive from the city center and about an hour from the airport.

Unfortunately, Oyster Bay closed permanently in 2023 and we understand there is no plan for it to re-open.

Travellers don't usually come to Dar es Salaam to visit the city, they come to stop over en route to Tanzania's game parks or islands. Hence the owners have tried hard to make sure that the hotel immediately relaxes its guests – most of whom will stay for 24 hours or less.

After driving through Dar's hectic traffic and noise, the Oyster Bay had quite an impact: cool, calm, neat and stylish. That said, meeting Sebastian, the manager, it started to feel a bit like going home for the weekend (although it's much larger, and more stylish, than most houses!). It feels like nothing would be too much trouble – for example, meal-times and menus are totally flexible, which is just what you need between flights.

The Oyster Bay's eight suites all have ocean views – although there is a fairly busy road in between the hotel and the ocean. Fortunately there's quite a high white wall around the property, and so it's easy to forget the road completely whilst you are there; it's certainly not a disturbance.

The suites have been designed in a minimalist style – with white walls, muted colours and a plasma TV. That said, lots of wood and the occasional piece of African art keep it from feeling cold or impersonal – and they've done a great job of integrating clever lighting with natural materials in a number of different fittings, some of which show off the Oyster Bay's scattered pieces of quirky wooden art to great effect.

Each suite has a huge king-size bed, covered in layers of pristine white linen. French-doors open onto a small balcony (all the rooms face the ocean), and have a large en suite bathroom with a free-standing bath and a stylish, walk-through shower. Everything feels contemporary, modern and quite luxurious.

The Oyster Bay has a natural and elegant feel to it, which is reflected in the furnishings and spaces throughout. The spacious central areas are fresh, contemporary and elegant. Heavy wooden doors shut out the heat from the streets of Dar and lead into the sizeable dining and sitting rooms and a small study. All of the rooms are crisp and chic and have been decorated with natural fabrics and furnishings.

The sitting room has large sofas, funky wooden stools and wicker chairs on which to relax. These surround large wooden coffee tables which sit on woven rugs covering the cool floors. There are many quirky ornaments, such as a large wooden dog, tall, twisted wooden poles and a couple of wooden giraffes, dotted around the rooms. Lighting has been cleverly used in these central areas: shades and bases are different heights, colours, styles and fabrics and they all add intimacy to the rooms, especially in the evenings.

To one side of the sitting room is the dining room. This is dominated by an oblong, wooden dining table, which is surrounded by modern white and black chairs. There are wooden ornaments and black and white prints hanging on the walls.

Glass doors lead out from both the sitting and dining rooms. The same design features inside have been applied to the outdoor areas, retaining continuity and familiarity. As well as a large, sheltered dining table used for al-fresco lunches there is a cool and relaxing gazebo area, which overlooks the lawn and pool, and a 15m lap-pool (it's long and thin) set into the landscaped garden with comfy, wooden loungers (plenty of cushions!) on the deck. As you'd expect, stay for more than a few minutes and someone will appear to offer you a drink or a snack!

The lawn is large for a city hotel and home to some beautiful, overhanging trees – watch out for the bats visiting at night! There are also three impressive, metal sculptures here, which were designed and made by polio sufferers and add to the artistic feel of the hotel.

Because of the situation and design of the Oyster Bay, it's very easy to forget that you are in a major African city. There is very little noise from the streets and although the rooms and everything in them is large, it manages to retain the warmth and charm you would find from being in a friend's home.

Geographics

Location
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Ideal length of stay
It is great for an over-night stay if you need to stop in Dar es Salaam.
Directions
It's about an hours drive from the airport - although times can vary hugely depending on the traffic. Oyster Bay has its own car and driver.
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board
Food quality
Each time we have visited Oyster Bay we have found the food to be really excellent. We also love the fact that they are completely flexible with their meal times, and they will fit around whatever times work best for their guests. So even if your flight is delayed there will be a nice dinner waiting for you when you arrive.

Breakfast – You can choose to have breakfast either in the dining room, or your own room – very handy if you have an early morning transfer to the airport, There is choice of a light breakfast (muffins, toast, fruit, yoghurt, cereal) or a cooked breakfast – and it's very nicely done.

Lunch – The last time we visited we had a delicious lunch sitting outside. We enjoyed chicken skewers with a satay sauce, this came with fresh rolls and a selection of salads (feta and tomato, beetroot, potato, and a green salad), all washed down with pimms and white wine! The food was fresh, tasty and beautifully presented.

Dinner – This was served at the dining table. We started with a very tasty butternut soup which was followed by beautifully spiced vegetable curry with papadums and jasmine rice, and then a decedent banana and amarula tart served with vanilla ice cream.

Oyster Bay is very happy to cater for all tastes and ages as long as they have prior notice.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Yes
Drinks included
Drinks are included.

Special interests

Solo safaris
The Oyster Bay Hotel is a great choice for solo travellers in Tanzania. It’s a very stylish, but equally informal, home-from-home, with communal dining hosted by an attentive team. You can expect a particularly warm welcome at Dar’s best hotel.
See ideas for Solo safaris in Tanzania
Luxury
Providing a luxurious space in a contemporary African design, with an emphasis on exceptional comfort, Oyster Bay is perfect for an opulent stay in Dar es Salaam. The rooms have four-poster beds, sumptuous linen and balconies overlooking the Indian Ocean.
See ideas for Luxury in Tanzania

Children

Attitude towards children
Children are welcome at The Oyster Bay Hotel as long as they are under parental supervision, especially around the pool area.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no age restrictions.
Special activities & services
There are no special services for children at The Oyster Bay Hotel, although child friendly meals can be arranged on request.
Equipment
None.
Generally recommended for children
As The Oyster Bay is a luxurious, boutique style hotel, we recommend only older children stay here. It's not the place to take noisy or uncontrolled children.

Communications

Power supply notes
There is 24 hour electricity in all of the rooms.
Communications
There is good mobile reception throughout the hotel.
TV & radio
There is WiFi throughout the property and TV’s in the rooms.
Water supply
Mains
Water supply notes
Bottled water is supplied.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The nearest clinic is a 15 minute drive away from The Oyster Bay Hotel. Some of the staff are trained in basic first aid.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
The Oyster Bay Hotel sits behind gates which are only opened when guests are entering or leaving. There are two Maasai guards on duty at night.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers and smoke alarms at The Oyster Bay Hotel. Some of the staff are trained to use the extinguishers.

Activities

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
Laundry is included here - but you will need to allow 24 hours for the housekeeping to get it back to you. Those using Oyster Bay for an overnight stop will probably not have time to do laundry here.
Money
There are electronic safes in the rooms.
Accepted payment on location
As almost everything is included, they aren't anticipating anyone needing to spend money there. If someone does, they will cross that bridge when it happens!

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Oyster Bay's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Oyster Bay.


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When to go to Dar es Salaam

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Oyster Bay in Dar es Salaam


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Tanzania in January

January usually marks the start of the short dry season, although the exact timings of this are a little unpredictable. You can expect clear blue skies and sunshine, if the short rains have stopped, and the temperatures will be building. The short dry season is a little less pronounced in Southern Tanzania, and so it can still be wet in these areas. It is an interesting time for avians as resident birds go into breeding plumage and migrant species can be present.

Once the New Year busy period has quietened down, January can offer great value and quieter parks, although the weather can be variable, and in the Selous and Ruaha the wildlife is more dispersed.

  • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
  • Occasional thunderstorms may occur.
  • A good time of year for birding as and many migrant species are around
  • The wildebeest migration is gathering in the southern Serengeti.
  • Busy in early January, quietening down through the month.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in January

Tanzania in February

February is during the short dry season and is one of the hottest months in Tanzania, with temperatures reaching around 33°Celsius. This can be a good time to visit, as some areas of the Northern Circuit are comparatively quieter than during the European summer months, and lodge rates are also a little lower.

The wildebeest will typically be on the southern plains of the Serengeti for their calving season, which tends to occur in a 2-3 week window in early-mid February – although this does vary year on year. This is also a particularly rewarding time for birdlife, as northern hemisphere migrants join the resident species.

  • Hot and dry weather.
  • Wildebeest migration calving on Serengeti’s southern plains.
  • Ngorongoro Crater and southern Serengeti busy for the migration.
  • Selous and Ruaha are typically quiet at this time.
  • The parks are likely to be lush and green, leading to pretty landscape

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in February

Tanzania in March

The heavier ‘long rains’ start in earnest in March although exactly when varies year on year. With no need to stay close to permanent water sources, migratory wildlife disperses, and so game viewing starts to become more challenging. This is most prominently seen in Tarangire National Park. The wildebeest migration may still be calving, or have moved on into the central regions of the Serengeti.

Many of the camps in the southern parks close mid March and mobile tented camps in the Serengeti will wind down towards the end of the month in order to move location or carry out refurbishments, ready for the new tourist season.

  • Hot with building humidity, before the rains begin at some point.
  • Wildlife viewing is variable depending on the start of the rains.
  • Parks are quiet and rates are low.
  • Not great for southern or western Tanzania.
  • March can be a good time for birding, with many migrant species.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Tanzania in April

April is in the middle of the long rainy season and is the wettest month, with on average 250mm of rain. Temperatures are fairly high and humid in comparison to the rest of the year. Expect the bush to be lush and flowering, and alive with insects, birds and smaller animals. It is however also dense, allowing wildlife to hide, which in turn makes game viewing harder. This is a very quiet time in terms of visitor numbers.

Many of the tented camps are closed in April, however the larger lodges remain open. The rates are significantly cheaper, and so if you are willing to work harder to spot the bigger game, some accommodation bargains can be had.

  • Heavy rain expected, with impressive thunderstorms and lightning.
  • Many camps closed and roads impassable due to ground conditions.
  • Rates are at their lowest all year round, with very few other tourists
  • Places that are open are green and vibrant, wildlife more dispersed.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in April

Tanzania in May

As Tanzania is close to the equator there is no dramatic difference in climate throughout the year, but temperatures do start to drop a little in May. The rains are likely to still be present, although potentially clearing towards the end of the month. Visitor numbers and lodge rates are still low. The wildebeest migration is making its way through the western regions of the Serengeti, crossing the Grumeti River.

Virtually all camps in southern Tanzania remain closed, and many of the roads and tracks in the Selous become impassable.

  • Heavy rains and storms are likely, this can create some dramatic skies
  • Blissfully quiet in northern Tanzania, and a good time to avoid crowds
  • The parks are likely to look lush and green, with long grass.
  • Wildlife is likely to be more dispersed, with fewer sightings.
  • The low prices make safaris much more affordable at this time.

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in May

Tanzania in June

The rains come to an end at some point during the month and migratory wildlife begins to be drawn back to perennial water sources as the land starts to dry up. It’s likely that the parks will still be quite green and the grass high though, so walking and fly-camping may be unlikely. This marks the start of the season with camps reopening, but prices are still more affordable than the subsequent months.

The migration may still be in the Western Corridor, or on the move northwards towards the Mara River. Western Tanzania presents more challenging conditions for chimpanzee trekking in Mahale National Park, as the chimps are higher in the mountains.

  • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
  • A transitory time for the migration – moving from west to north.
  • The parks may still be quite green, and grasses high.
  • Wildlife may be dispersed still.
  • Relatively low visitor numbers and good value, shoulder season prices.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in June

Tanzania in July

July is considered to be the start of the peak season, with no rainfall expected and pleasant daytime temperatures. As the parks dry, the wildlife congregates in fewer areas, grass is eaten and trampled by the migration, and game viewing gets better and better. The wildebeest are typically arriving in the northern Serengeti, ready to begin their period of crossings of the Mara River.

In the Selous and Ruaha wildlife sightings can be fantastic, with animals gathering around the lakes and rivers. Great conditions and school holidays mean the parks are at their busiest, with Ngorongoro and the Serengeti particularly crowded.

  • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly and windy in the mornings and evenings.
  • Great wildlife viewing, as water sources diminish.
  • The most popular time of year with very high visitor numbers.
  • Prices are at their highest due to the great conditions on the ground.
  • To avoid the crowds consider Tanzania’s southern parks.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in July

Tanzania in August

August is the middle of the long dry season, with clear skies and sunny weather. You can expect some cooler weather at night and first thing in the morning. Remember to pack layered clothing, so you can wrap up warm on your early morning game drives, but remain comfortable as it heats up throughout the day.

August is a very popular time to visit, so accommodation prices are at their highest and advanced booking is necessary. It can get noticeably busier in some of the northern parks – in particular the Ngorongoro Crater and northern Serengeti, as visitors flock to the area in hope of witnessing an exciting migration river crossing.

  • Dry and warm daytimes, chilly in the early mornings and evenings.
  • General wildlife viewing should be excellent.
  • An exciting time of year for the wildebeest migration.
  • Certain areas will be very busy and camps fill up fast.
  • Great wildlife sightings in the Selous and Ruaha, and fewer people.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Tanzania in September

September can be an excellent time of year to visit Tanzania. As the parks continue to dry up the wildlife becomes increasingly reliant on the remaining water sources, leading to high densities of animals. Whilst early September can be busy, with fewer families traveling at this time the parks typically become quieter as the month goes on.

You are still likely to see the wildebeest migration in the northern Serengeti, with river crossings occurring on a regular basis. Tanzania’s southern parks are also fantastic at this time of year, generally receiving far fewer visitors than the north, and wildlife sightings can be great. Prices remain high and the weather generally remains good.

  • Wildlife viewing in September can be fantastic.
  • Whilst still fairly busy, often the parks are typically a little quiet
  • The parks will start to become very dry, with little new vegetation
  • Cooler mornings and evenings, warming up during the day.
  • Prices remain high.

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Tanzania in October

At the tail end of the dry season, the wildlife should be the easiest to spot, although photographers should be aware that it can be a bit dusty at this time of year, as there has been no rain for several months. Great general wildlife viewing throughout as animals are attracted to remaining sources of water. Elephant numbers are particularly high at this time in Tarangire, and Mahale and Katavi are especially rewarding with frequent wildlife sightings close to camp.

There is a chance of rainfall towards the end of the month, if the short rains commence. While prices remain high, visitors numbers are significantly lower than in July-August.

  • Mostly dry and temperatures comfortably warm, with the chance of storm
  • Great game viewing although the landscape can be a bit barren.
  • Much lower visitor numbers than the earlier months.

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Tanzania in November

In November you can expect the start of the short rains, although the start date varies every year. The rains are highly localised, and are much lighter and more unpredictable than the long rains that occur earlier in the year. These should not really interfere with your safari – as the game viewing at this time is still good - but you should pack a waterproof jacket and be prepared for some short rain showers!

The majority of tented camps remain open, but some of the mobile camps in Northern Tanzania will close for the latter half on the month. Given the seasonality, camps are charging shoulder season rates so there are often some bargains to be had. Early November can offer great value for money and the weather conditions are likely to be comparable to late October.

  • Variable weather: clear & dry or cloudy with some rain.
  • Parks are comparatively quiet and prices at the lower end.
  • Some camps will close towards the end of the month for maintenance.
  • Good wildlife sightings, but animals will disperse when rain starts
  • The wildebeest migration is on the move and the location unpredictable

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Tanzania in December

December is also during the short rainy period, but this does not stop Tanzania being a popular destination to spend the festive period. Be aware that many of the lodges book up early, and charge peak rates over this time. Advanced booking is essential over this period, especially if travelling in larger family groups.

Travelling in December outside of the festive period allows travellers to make use of excellent shoulder season rates. Temperatures are pleasant with the averages of 27Celsius, although there is the chance of intermittent thunderstorms.

  • Variable weather:clear & dry or cloudy with some rain and thunderstorm
  • Good general game viewing in parks with low seasonality - Serengeti.
  • Very quiet early in the month, becoming exceptionally busy.
  • Prices reflect this – great value rising to the highest they are.
  • The wildlife in southern Tanzania is more dispersed.

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in December

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