Dar es Salam provides the connecting point between some of the most important sea routes in the world. It is East Africa’s second-busiest port and the heart of Tanzania’s commercial and cultural activity. The city’s architecture is an eclectic mix of African, Arab, Indian and German, although the high rises now somewhat dwarf these traditional features. You can watch the night’s catch come in at the northern end of the harbour and browse the excellent craft markets by day. Indulge yourself in the city’s excellent restaurants and kick back on its nearby sandy beaches and islands.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Dar es Salaam
Makumbusho Village Museum - All of the houses within this village have been carefully reconstructed to represent the types of houses built by various ethnic groups throughout Tanzania. Your visit will be enlivened by Ngoma dance shows on certain days.
Kigamboni – Also known as South Beach this is one of Dar es Salaam’s best beaches, although you will have to access it through the various hotels along the coast who will charge an ‘entrance’ fee. It’s well worth the price of admission!
Mikumi National Park - Guaranteed year-round wildlife sightings make this an ideal safari destination. Sitting between the Uluguru Mountains, the Rubeho Mountains and the Lumango Mountains it is host to buffaloes, wildebeests, giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras, leopards, crocodiles and much more wildlife.
Bongoyo Island – A popular daytrip from Dar es Salaam, this uninhabited island offers lovely beaches for snorkelling and sunbathing. The entire island is covered in dense forest and there are walking trails should you wish to explore its tidal lagoon and mangroves.
Bagamoyo – The nearby city of Bagamoyo once held an important role as a trading port on the East African coast. It has been eclipsed by Dar es Salaam but provides a fascinating insight into East African history. You can see the ruins of Coral Mosque at Kaole, the ancient 13th century graves and the Old Ferry on the Wami River and its slave trading past.
Things to See in Dar es Salaam
The nearby Mikumi National Park serves up guaranteed year-round wildlife sightings of buffaloes, wildebeests, giraffes, elephants, lions, zebras and the nearby beaches and islands offer you the perfect chance to just relax with wonderful coastal views. Check out the eclectic historic architecture of Dar es Salaam, spanning African, Arab, Indian and German before you embark on a sightseeing tour of Bagomayo to see hoe East African ports once looked.
Things to Do in Dar es Salaam
There are quite a number of night clubs in Dar es Salaam and many excellent restaurants: you’ll have plenty of chances to eat, drink and be merry. For the best local crafts head to the Mwenge Carvers' Market where you can watch many of the artists make the crafts that are sold throughout the country. Another great place for souvenirs is the Kariakoo market where everything from textiles to tinga tinga paintings can be found.
