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The Slipway
The Slipway
The Slipway
The Slipway
The Slipway
The Slipway
The Slipway
The Slipway
The Slipway

About The Slipway

For a simple, good-value Dar es Salaam Hotel, with an ocean front location and close to several restaurants ...

... and a good crafts market, The Slipway is well worth considering.

This is a good-value option in a vibrant area of Dar es Salaam. The rooms are simply furnished, and not particularly luxurious, but we really like the waterside location and the range of shops and restaurants to explore. For a short overnight stay, especially if arriving on an afternoon flight, this is a good choice.

Our view

This is a good-value option in a vibrant area of Dar es Salaam. The rooms are simply furnished, and not particularly luxurious, but we really like the waterside location and the range of shops and restaurants to explore. For a short overnight stay, especially if arriving on an afternoon flight, this is a good choice.

Jessica Plumb

Jessica Plumb

Tanzania expert

Accommodation

72 rooms

Children

Fine for children of all ages

Open

All year

Activities

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Traveller reviews of The Slipway

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


82%
31 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
10
Good
16
Average
3
Poor
2
Terrible
0
The JS FamilyfromSweden

Arrived 8 Aug 2024, 1 nights

"The Slipway review"

"We had a comfortable stay. …" Read The JS Family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

LJ and DJfromGJ

Arrived 16 Feb 2024, 1 nights

"The Slipway review"

"There is a good Thai restaurant very close by. …" Read LJ and DJ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms G.fromBrussels

Arrived 24 Jul 2023, 1 nights

"The Slipway review"

"Perfectly adequate for a one night stay before an early flight. …" Read Ms G.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

FRfromAustralia

Arrived 10 Jun 2023, 1 nights

"The Slipway review"

"I loved the location of this hotel although it was a bit far from the airport …" Read FR’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr WfromEssex

Arrived 26 Feb 2023, 1 nights

"The Slipway review"

"The room was clean and comfortable with a decent bathroom. …" Read Mr W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mrs K & 5fromMaryland

Arrived 6 Aug 2022, 1 nights

"The Slipway review"

"The Slipway was a lovely introduction to Dar Es Salaam and Tanzania. …" Read Mrs K & 5’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs K & 5fromMaryland

Arrived 15 Aug 2022, 1 nights

"The Slipway review"

"Our one night back at the Slipway was fine. They had stored a bag for us for …" Read Mrs K & 5’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs JfromLeeds

Arrived 22 Jun 2022, 1 nights

"The Slipway review"

"Large room and a huge balcony - a bit quirky - but very clean …" Read Mr & Mrs J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms WfromAustria

Arrived 7 Jan 2021, 3 nights

"Perfect start for our honeymoon"

"the Slipway was a perfect start for our honeymoon... We felt so lucky... …" Read Ms W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs L.fromLondon

Arrived 1 Nov 2020, 1 nights

"The Slipway review"

"Fine for our short overnight stay. Also gave us a packed breakfast to take …" Read Mrs L.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all The Slipway reviews

The Slipway: Our full report

For a simple, good-value Dar es Salaam Hotel, with an ocean front location and close to several restaurants ...

... and a good crafts market, The Slipway is well worth considering.

This is a fairly new complex of restaurants, shops and galleries beside the ocean. It has a very friendly, mixed feel and is perhaps unique in attracting not only visitors to Dar, but also local Tanzanians and expatriates. It's a fun, cosmopolitan place with lots of life and a great atmosphere.

The Slipway consists of 72 rooms and suites which are split between two separate accommodation wings, with the newer wing closer to the ocean and a little more contemporary in style while the older wing is set further back. All the rooms have been similarly styled and furnished, with clean white walls accented with bright splashes of colour. They are simple in design, but perfectly clean and comfortable, and fine for an overnight stay. Each room comes with an en-suite bathroom, although these vary in size and luxury depending on the room type.

The rooms are split into the following categories:

  • Standard rooms these are are located in the older wing which is set back from the ocean. The rooms are simple in style and are fine for those travelling on a budget. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities and basic amenities such as a ceiling fan and electronic safe.
  • Executive rooms (20 sea-facing and 14 non-sea-facing), are a good size, with a small lounge area with a couple of plush armchairs, a floor to ceiling window and a small balcony.
  • Suites (5 sea-facing and 4 non-sea-facing), these have large en-suite bedrooms and separate, adjoining lounges and kitchenettes. Each suite also has a lovely balcony with bench seating.
  • The Slipway is usually booked on a Bed and Breakfast basis, and many guests choose to explore the promenade and visit one of the restaurants in this area, which include a good Italian and a tapas bar. However, there is a range of dining options to at the hotel itself. The Terrace Restaurant is the hotel’s “fine dining” option, open from 6pm, and serving a selection of international dishes. Breakfast is served in a spacious dining area close to reception.

    The Slipway has a smart swimming pool located in front of the Terrace restaurant, although please be aware that there are no pool depth markings.

    On the ground floor of the hotel there’s also a good crafts market, where local traders set up to sell their wares each day, a small spa, a handy ATM and a small convenience store.

    Geographics

    Location
    Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
    Ideal length of stay
    One night.
    Directions
    The Slipway is roughly a 45-minute drive from Dar es Salaam Airport, depending on traffic.
    Accessible by
    Fly-and-Transfer

    Food & drink

    Usual board basis
    Bed & Breakfast
    Food quality
    The Slipway is normally booked on a Bed & Breakfast basis and most guests go outside the hotel to sample the local restaurants in the area.
    Dining style
    Individual Tables
    Dining locations
    Indoor and Outdoor Dining
    Further dining info, including room service
    There are phones in the rooms and room service can be arranged on request.
    Drinks included
    Bottled drinking water is provided in the rooms but all other drinks are at extra cost.

    Children

    Attitude towards children
    Property’s age restrictions
    The Slipway accepts children of all ages.
    Equipment
    Cots and highchairs can be provided.
    Generally recommended for children
    The Slipway is a large international hotel and is generally fine for children.
    Notes
    Supervision is required, particularly around the swimming pool and on balconies.

    Communications

    Power supply notes
    24 hour electricity.
    Communications
    WiFi is available throughout the hotel. There is a good phone signal.
    TV & radio
    All rooms have a satellite TV.
    Water supply
    Mains
    Water supply notes
    Fully plumbed.

    Health & safety

    Malarial protection recommended
    Yes
    Medical care
    Staff are first-aid-trained and there is a well stocked first aid kit onsite. The Slipway is around a 10 minutes’ drive from a large western hospital.
    Dangerous animals
    Low Risk
    Security measures
    The hotel has 24-hour security in place.
    Fire safety
    There are fire extinguishers in all the rooms and dotted around the communal areas.

    Activities

    • Cultural excursion

      Cultural excursion

    Extras

    Disabled access
    Not Possible
    Laundry facilities
    A laundry service is available at extra cost, this is usually between $1 and $3 per item.
    Money
    There are electronic safes in the rooms.
    Accepted payment on location
    All major currencies are accepted, including US dollars and Tanzanian shillings. Visa card, MasterCard and American Express are accepted without surcharges.

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    The Slipway's location

    Look closer at the environment and surroundings of The Slipway.


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    When to go to Dar es Salaam

    Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit The Slipway 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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