Hotel
Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam, The Kilimanjaro
A 180-room harbourfront hotel on Kivukoni Front with an infinity pool, the Level 8 rooftop bar, an Anantara spa and views over the port and the…
Mikadi Beach Camp and Backpackers
A relaxed beach camp in Kigamboni, a few minutes from the ferry, with beach bandas, camping, a bar and restaurant, a pool, kayaks and island boat trips.
At a glance
- Type
- Beach camp and backpackers
- Area
- Kigamboni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Price
- $ · Budget
- Official site
- mikadibeach.com
Good to know
- Beach bandas
- Camping
- Pool
- Bar and restaurant
- Kayaks and paddleboards
Why we recommend it
Mikadi Beach Camp and Backpackers is a simple beachfront camp in Kigamboni, the district across the harbour channel from the city centre. It is a budget base for backpackers and anyone who would rather wake up on a beach than in a city hotel, and it lies just a few minutes from the Kigamboni ferry landing.
Accommodation is in bandas on the beach, with a choice of en-suite and non-en-suite units, and there is space for camping. The bandas are basic but face the sea, and hammocks and a lounge area facing the water make it easy to do very little for a day or two. The bar and restaurant serves food and drinks and doubles as a social hub where travellers and local residents meet.
There is plenty to keep you busy if you want it. Paddleboards and kayaks are available, boat trips can be arranged to nearby islands, and a swimming pool is open to day visitors as well as guests. Day visitors can also use the beach and restaurant, with an entrance fee charged; check the current rate with the camp before you go. The camp takes bookings online, by phone or WhatsApp, and through its social media pages.
Mikadi suits budget travellers and young groups, as well as residents of Dar es Salaam looking for a weekend escape. It is not the place for anyone wanting hotel-style service or air-conditioned comfort, and some bandas share bathrooms, so check what you are booking. Bring a torch, insect repellent and a mosquito net if you are camping, and keep valuables locked away. Bring cash as a back-up for the bar and activities.
Getting there is part of the experience. From the city centre, the ferry crosses the harbour channel from Kivukoni to Kigamboni, and the camp is a short taxi or bajaj ride from the landing. Alternatively, you can drive round via the Kigamboni Bridge, although the final approach is along a rough local road. Allow extra time when heading back for flights, as ferry queues and traffic can both cause delays. From Kigamboni, the historic centre and the Kivukoni fish market are just across the water.
Mikadi Beach Camp and Backpackers FAQs
Where is Mikadi Beach Camp?
In Kigamboni, across the harbour channel from the city centre, a few minutes from the ferry.
What type of accommodation is there?
Beach bandas, with or without en-suite bathrooms, and camping.
Is there a restaurant?
Yes. There is a bar and restaurant serving food and drinks.
Is there a pool?
Yes, and day visitors can use it as well as guests.
What activities are available?
Paddleboarding, kayaking and boat trips to nearby islands.
Can I visit for the day?
Yes. Day visitors can use the beach, pool and restaurant for an entrance fee.
How do I get there from the city centre?
Take the ferry from Kivukoni to Kigamboni and a short taxi or bajaj ride, or drive via the Kigamboni Bridge.
How do I book?
Online, by phone or WhatsApp on +255 717 800 359, or by email.