Africa's stunning mega-city with beautiful beaches that's 7 times bigger than Birmingham
Set along the Indian Ocean, the city has miles of sandy coastlines, palm trees, and turquoise waters.
When someone thinks of a mega-city, unspoiled and tropical beaches rarely come to mind. But there is one massive city in Africa that is not only seven times bigger than Birmingham but also has miles and miles of stunning sandy coastline.
While definitions of a “mega-city” vary, urban areas with more than five million people are often considered to qualify. According to Macrotrends, Dar es Salaam in Tanzania has a population of more than 8.5 million people as of 2025, making it over seven times the size of Birmingham, which has around 1.14 million residents, according to Total Population.
Dar es Salaam is the largest city in East Africa and among the fastest-growing in the world.
Once a quiet fishing village, the city has transformed into a huge metropolis and it’s also home to some of the most breathtaking beaches on the continent.
Set along the Indian Ocean, Dar es Salaam has miles of sandy coastlines, palm trees, and turquoise waters.
According to Dar Life Magazine, beaches like Coco Beach, South Beach, Kunduchi, and Mbezi Beach are local favourites.
They are great for everything, including relaxation, trying local food, and water sports.
Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay, is a lively spot with food stalls, music and beach bars.
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South Beach, sometimes called Kingamboni, is described as picture-perfect with soft sand and clear waters, while Kunduchi Beach has been called “postcard-perfect” by visitors.
For those wanting something quieter, Mbudya Island and Bongoyo Island have more secluded beaches and are just a short boat ride from the city.
According to travel experts at Lonely Planet, Dar es Salaam has managed to grow rapidly while keeping a down-to-earth feel.
It remains Tanzania’s main port and commercial hub but still holds on to its charm, with a mix of Swahili, German, Indian, and British architecture.
KLM describes the city as “Tanzania’s lively, cultural heart,” with museums, busy markets and a lively nightlife that includes everything from traditional Taarab music to Afrobeat and jazz clubs.
The nearby national parks and the facts that it’s close to Zanzibar also make it a popular base for longer adventures.
As far as getting there is concerned, there are currently no direct flights to Dar es Salaam from the UK, according to Sky Scanner.
The closest direct flight available is with KLM and takes off from Amsterdam.
