To most travelers, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania is just a convenient port of call on the way to other exotic destinations like Zanzibar or the East African game parks like Serengeti; maybe to climb Kilimanjaro or hike the crater of Ngorongoro. But Dar es Salaam, which means “House of Peace” in Arabic, is a hustling, bustling seaport on the Indian Ocean that straddles some of the most important sea routes on earth.
While Dodoma is the actual capital of Tanzania, Dar, as this vibrant African city is affectionately known, is the real capital. The city itself is an eclectic mix of Swahili, German, Asian and British architecture, reflecting its both olonial past and more recent history.
Situated close to the equator and the warm Indian Ocean, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s most important city for both business and government. And it also boasts some of the finest schools in Tanzania as well as the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, one of the smallest in the world.
Due to the increasing importance of tourism to East Africa, the number of international restaurants in Dar has risen very rapidly over recent years. This African city now offers a surprisingly rich and internationalized diversity of cuisine as well as modern five star accommodation like the Mövenpick Royal Palm Hotel Dar es Salaam and the Kunduchi Beach Hotel and Resort.
What to do and where to visit in Dar es Salaam:
Visit Kivukoni Front’s fish market on the northern arm of the harbour
In the Asian business district walk along India Street and the intersecting Indira Gandhi Street. Here you’ll find some of the best restaurants in East Africa, notably on Jamhuri, Mkunguni, Zanaki and Kisutu Streets.
For wonderful crafts, clothing and arts, go to Upanga Road near the Gymkhana Club and look out for the distinctive Makuti-palm roofed building that houses Nyumba ya Saana, the House of Art co-operative.
Visit the very colourful Kariakoo Market with exotic fresh produce, local textiles and the Clock tower
Mwenge Art Market – from Makumbusho Village to Tinga Tinga Art Galley – local arts and crafts (take a small bus “dalla-dalla” from the Main Post Office).
Tanzania National Museum- see the fossil discoveries from Olduvai Gorge
Botanical Gardens
An hour’s drive north is Bagamoyo with plenty to see, which is home to the Kaole Ruins
Remember, like all seaports, Dar es Salaam is not always safe. Tourists are strongly advised not to wander around the city at night, particularly around the port and on the beaches north of the city around Kunduchi. And never exchange money on the streets
Best Beaches in Dar
There are beaches on the Kigamboni Peninsula east of Dar es Salaam and on Kigamboni Island to the north where residents and tourists alike frequently visit. The best beach close to the capital is Oyster Bay where Coco Beach is a sought after spot. Other beaches, with better security, can be found further north along the coast.
Islands off the East African near Dar es Salaam
Trips to the nearby islands of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve are a popular day trip from the city and a favorite spot for snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing.
