Hotel Slipway

Hotel Slipway is part of the Slipway, a waterfront complex of shops, restaurants and bars on the western side of the Msasani Peninsula, about seven kilometres from the city centre. The hotel overlooks Msasani Bay and describes itself as offering some of the best-value accommodation in this upmarket part of Dar es Salaam, which is a fair claim given the prices of the larger international hotels.

The biggest advantage is everything on the doorstep. The Waterfront restaurant and beach bar, with its thatched umbrellas and sunset views, is a short walk from your room; the complex has shops selling crafts and souvenirs, massage and hairdressing services and a playground for children; and the Slipway's own 200-metre jetty is the departure point for boats to Bongoyo and Mbudya islands in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. The Slipway has published morning departures to both islands, with returns around midday from Bongoyo and in the early afternoon from Mbudya.

That combination makes the hotel a practical base for families and for travellers who want to spend time on the water, swim, snorkel or simply watch the boats in the bay. Water-based activities from the jetty include scuba diving, sailing, fishing and boat cruises, and the Thalassa Dive Center operates from the Slipway. The surrounding Msasani Peninsula, including Oyster Bay, Masaki and Sea Cliff, has many of the city's restaurants, bars and shops within a short taxi ride.

The trade-off is distance from the historic centre. The drive to the National Museum, the cathedrals and the Kivukoni waterfront can take a long time in weekday traffic, so plan sightseeing days around the rush hour or book a guided tour with pick-up. Julius Nyerere International Airport is further still, so allow plenty of time before flights.

Room and facility details are best confirmed directly with the hotel, which can be contacted by landline, mobile or email. Ask for a sea-facing room, check boat times with reception the day before an island trip, and book ahead for weekends, when the complex is at its busiest. Insect repellent is useful in the evenings by the water.