Thing to Do in Dar es Salaam Tanzania

After a brief historical overview, we shall respond. Originally, a sleepy fishing village, Dar es Salaam (Arabic for “haven of peace”) has expanded to become Tanzania’s largest metropolis and one of the busiest ports in East Africa. Tanzania’s capital, Dar es Salaam, held the title until 1974, when Dodoma surpassed it. With the majority of the nation’s important administrative offices, it still has greater sway.

 

With over 6 million inhabitants, the city serves as a major industrial and economic center. The city’s history and waterfront location on the Indian Ocean are its primary attractions. The city’s architecture is primarily German, British, and Asian in design impact. Enjoyable activities in Dar es Salaam It has traffic jams and congestion, just like the majority of major capitals in underdeveloped nations.

 

The motorbike or Tuk-tuk may be your only hope during the hectic nights in the city center. Many visitors just use Dar es Salaam as a jumping off point to the big national parks in the interior or to the islands of Pemba and Zanzibar, ignoring it as a significant tourist destination.

 

Unspoiled beaches, monuments, artisan hubs, retail malls, dining establishments, nightclubs, museums, and botanical gardens are just a few of Dar es Salaam’s attractions. You can also participate in a variety of activities, which we will talk about shortly.

 

Additionally, you may wish to read about the Mombasa tourism attractions, Kampala activities, and Arusha top attractions. We have even written an essay about what to do in Zanzibar.If you are looking for a comprehensive safari experience, be sure to check out our incredible 3-day Serengeti Safari

Activities in Dar es Salaam

Nightclubs and bars:

 After a long day at work or on the weekends, you may party at one of the many upscale pubs and nightclubs in the city center and the suburbs. For the greatest wines and music, check out high Spirit or Havoc Nightspot.

To watch the most recent soccer, look no further than Slow Leopard if you are looking for matches on huge displays. While you wait for the game to start, you can enjoy a selection of imported beers from them. The Jollies Club or O’Donovan’s Reggae Bar are two excellent options if you are searching for the best music bar. In Dar es Salaam, walking at night is quite dangerous. Make sure you travel in a car or with a reliable companion.

Go shopping:

 One of Dar es Salaam’s greatest shopping experiences can be found at The Slipway, which is situated along Yacht Club Road. This enclave is home to a number of stores and boutiques that offer designer clothes from both domestic and foreign manufacturers.

 

 A sizable grocery and a hotel are also there and a bookstore housed inside the building. Expatriates and people searching for uncommon components that are hard to get by in the metropolis love to hang out at The Slipway.

 

You may enjoy international food and stunning views of Msasani Bay at The Waterfront, an outdoor restaurant and bar, after shopping. There are a number of boats and departure locations around The Slipway if you would want to go fishing or explore the islands outside of the city.

 

Take a Ride on a Tuk-Tuk:

Just like in Mombasa, Kenya, visiting Dar es Salaam would not be complete without riding one of these unique bikes. They have resemblance to those utilized in numerous Asian nations.

Tuk-Tuks are excellent for moving through congested areas streets and extending to places where traffic would be problematic. They are readily available and reasonably priced. Depending on where you are going, be ready to haggle for a decent deal. For amusement or as part of a city tour, you can also rent it.

Kariakoo Market:

 One must visit the major marketplaces in a new location in order to gain an understanding of the customs and way of life of the locals. One of Dar es Salaam’s most fascinating markets is Kariakoo Market. Travelling to Dar es Salaam the market is distinguished by rows of little stores, roadside sellers, and hawkers.

 

If you want to buy household goods (fish, fruits, meat, veggies, hardware, and clothing), this is the place to go.In Kariakoo, haggling is essential to obtaining the best prices. Do not take your valuables with you because pickpocketing has occurred on multiple occasions. Additionally, keep in mind to dress appropriately to deflect unwanted attention, like whistles and glances.

 

 You would have had a taste of what an average city dweller goes through by the time you left the market.Fresh fish from the ocean is purchased at the Kivukoni Fish Market. It is situated in the Kivukoni suburb. The ideal time to visit is at seven in the morning, when the fishermen have just returned from a night of fishing to auction in Dar es Salaam.

 

Additionally, this is the best time to catch the majority of the action as fishermen haggle with stores and customers and acquire the freshest fish. The three primary species are crabs, snappers, and squid. The amazing assortment of fish species from the Indian Ocean is one of the best things about visiting this fish market.

 

Climbing one of the flight staircases that leads to the market’s headquarters will give you a bird’s-eye view of the area. If for some reason you are unable to bring fish home, you can order it from one of the restaurants to be fried. Encourage the practice of breeding Hawksbill turtles: Although hawksbill turtles face severe extinction, the good news is that a number of groups, including Sea Sense, are working to save and protect the remaining people.

 

They have taken the initiative to plan trips that will safeguard reptiles from their nesting grounds. They make sure the eggs of the turtles hatch properly and that the majority of the young return to the ocean. After some time on a boat, tourists are guided by a guide to the hatching ground at Masaki. The conservation program for Hawksbills receives the majority of the earnings.

 

Get the greatest views of Dar es Salaam:

 The Sawasdee restaurant at the New Africa Hotel offers the best views of Dar es Salaam’s harbor and city. This restaurant is unique not just because of its Thai cuisine but also because it rotates, giving you breathtaking views of the city while it does so.

 

See the structures with colonial architecture:

Under the Sultan of Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam flourished as a prominent metropolis in the 1800s.It became Tanzania’s principal administrative and commercial hub after the Germans and then the British took possession.

 

Arabs, British, and Germans all contributed architectural elements, monuments, and structures to the city, including the magnificent St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Azania Front Lutheran Church, a number of mosques, and other structures. In 1922, the British restored the State House using a combination of Architecture from Arabia, Europe, and Africa. Eventually, we will talk about a few of these architectural marvels as stand-alone attractions.

 

Askari Monument:

 During World War I, Tanzania was one of the African nations that provided the British with soldiers. The Tanzanian combatants served in the Carrier Corps.The Askari memorial honor these valiant combatants.

 

The bronze statue shows a soldier pointing toward the waterfront while wearing an army uniform from World War 1. The renowned British poet and author Rudyard Killing has left an inscription honoring the valiant soldiers. The Askari Monument is situated in the center of the roundabout that divides Samora Avenue from Maktaba Street.

 

Top activities in Dar es Salaam

St. Joseph Cathedral:

The German Catholic missionaries also constructed this impressive cathedral between 1897 and 1902. In addition, it is a notable structure in the port and serves as the principal cathedral for the Dar es Salaam archdiocese. The Cathedral’s construction features a vaulted interior, stained-glass windows, and a shingled spire, among other intriguing architectural features.

 

The majority of the artwork and inscriptions, including the structure above the altar, are in German.One of Tanzania’s most important cultural destinations is the National Museum and House of Culture. In 1940, it was constructed as a memorial to King George V. The Museum makes an effort to explain and provide examples of everything that exists. Top destinations in Dar es Salaam that explore Tanzania via art, biology, ethnography and archaeology. The Museum guides you through the various eras of the nation’s history, offering insights into the early Islamic traders’ lives. Fossils of the oldest people, unearthed from Olduvai Gorge by renowned archaeologists Louis and Mary Leakey, are on exhibit.

One of the main draws is the 1959 discovery of the Nutcracker man’s skull. Additionally, you can study about the various tribes, the history of slavery in the nation, and the colonial era. Julius Nyerere’s vintage autos, traditional crafts, musical instruments, and ornaments are among the other interesting objects. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and admission is 6500 Tanzanian shillings.

Visit Temple Road:

This is the street that majority of Hindu temples are located along this particular avenue.

 This is the place to go if you are a Hindu and just want to meditate, or if you want to see their distinctive architecture.

Go kite surfing:

 Tanzania’s best kite surfing experiences can be found in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

More and more visitors to the nation are interested in kite surfing, particularly during the winter months in the US and Europe. The Indian Ocean’s warm air can provide welcome comfort from the harsh winters. On the island of Zanzibar, Paje village is the greatest place to do kite surfing, while there are a few other locations where the sport is offered.

Learn to sail at the Dar es Salaam Yacht Club:

If you are a seasoned water-sport enthusiast or have an interest in sailing but are inexperienced, you should join our club. In addition to starting training, the club conducts sport fishing, diving, and kayaking trips.

 

You can take the entire family and have a terrific time in areas of the ocean that are only accessible to a few. At the club, you will also get the opportunity to meet and network with many notable people. Pugu Hills Nature Reserve is located outside the city, approximately 25 kilometers from the city center. The reserve boasts extraordinary biodiversity and is a wonderful area for cave exploration, nature hikes, bird watching.

 

Take the kids to Kunduchi Water Park:

If you are looking for a place to take the kids for the weekend, consider Kunduchi Water Park. The theme and water park is thought to be the largest in East Africa. The park, located in the northern section of the city, is ideal for families who enjoy swimming.

 

You can float along the river or climb an elevated platform and leap directly into one of the pools. Aside from the swimming facilities, the park also includes a go-kart track and other play areas to keep youngsters entertained throughout the day. Drinks and snacks are plentiful and can be purchased from any of the facility’s bars and eateries.

 

Attend the city’s festivals and shows: 

Like largest cities, Dar es Salaam hosts several cultural and religious shows that are held during certain days/months of the year. The Charity Goat Race is organized Things to see in Dar es Salaamevery September on specially built tracks to raise money for local charities and schools. Expect to find many tourists showing up to witness the race.

 

The Mzalendo Halisi Music Festival is all about music and culture. The festival brings together over 100 traditional artists at Posta Grounds. If you are interested in fashion, then do not miss the fashion week in November. The Swahili fashion week attracts regional designers to the National Museum to show the latest designs.

 

The fashion week offers good networking opportunities if you are a designer or looking pursue a career in fashion. The Hindu celebration of Diwali comes last but not least. This event is held around the world to commemorate the triumph of good over evil. Residents of Dar es Salaam join the vast Hindu population to celebrate and commemorate the occasion.

 

Explore the Botanical Garden:

The Botanical Gardens are home to the Dar es Salaam Horticultural Society. Established in 1893 by the first Director of Agriculture, the gardens served as a test ground for new tree/crop varieties. Nature lovers now visit the area for its peace and quiet, as well as to see unusual species such as blue jacaranda, purple bougainvillea, crimson hibiscus, and scarlet flame trees.

 

Visit the Coco Beach:

 The Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay, is the most popular beach in Dar es Salaam and a popular hangout for expatriates, middle classes, and affluent locals.Despite shrinking due to encroachments; it remains the only location where the rare coco-de-mer palm tree can be seen outside of the Seychelles islands.

 

Visit the town of Bagamoyo:

 Bagamoyo, a historical town that was once the capital of the German East Africa colony that included Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, has the same beautiful setting as Lamu and Mombasa in Kenya.The Swahili culture thrives here as a result of intermarriages between the first Arabs to the island and the local population.While in Bagamoyo, you can visit the pristine beaches, ancient mosques, and old churches.

 

Bongoyo Island:

This is a small marine reserve and uninhabited island located near the city of Dar Es Salaam.

 It is the closest area to go if you want to discover the Indian Ocean, marine life, and take Interesting things to do in Dar es Salaam include participating in all of the exciting water activities that the East African coast is known for.

 

The waters are clean and ideal for swimming and other water activities. You may spend the entire day snorkeling, relaxing on the sandy beaches, or eating fries and fish. Do not forget to check the coral reefs for angelfish, clownfish, starfish, sea urchins, and other aquatic life. Alternatively, you can go for a nature walk alone on the trails behind the beach. To get to the island, you will need to take a boat, which costs around $20 for a 30-minute ride. The island offers a limited number of self-contained roofed huts available for rent, so previous planning may be required.

Jangwani and Mbudya Islands:

 After visiting Bongoyo Island, you can spend a few days on the beaches of Janwani and Mbudya. These islands are deserted and designated marine reserves. The scenery, like all other beaches in the Indian Ocean, is breathtaking (blue waves, palm trees, and vast expanses of white sand), making it an ideal escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. They are also better kept than many others in the vicinity and one.

 

Kigamboni beach:

This beach is located in the southern region of Dar es Salaam.To get there, use the main ferry.

The ferry transports big goods such as vehicles and motorcycles.Kigamboni beach stands out because it is tranquil and quiet in comparison to the bustling city core. Several hotels and resorts have been built near the beach to provide as a base for exploring the area, enjoying the cool breeze/waves of the Indian Ocean, swimming, or dining.

Visit Zanzibar.

After exploring all of Dar es Salaam’s top beaches and islands, you may still have a few days to spare. We highly recommend visiting Zanzibar. Visiting this magnificent island is one of the highlights of any highlights for any traveler visiting Tanzania.

 

This is one of the best African islands to visit, thanks to its crystal clear blue waters, white sand beaches, multicultural environment, and gorgeous scenery. You will be able to participate in exciting water sports, swim, relax, explore the ancient town, monuments, and spice farms. We are preparing an article about Zanzibar’s tourist attractions.

 

The Village Museum:

 Is also known as Makumbusho (meaning “reminders” in English). The Village Museum is constructed ten kilometers from the city core. This Museum allows visitors to explore the culture and way of life of Tanzania’s various tribes

 

Mwenge Wood Carvers’ Village:

If you are looking for the best local souvenirs in Dar es Salaam, look no further than here. The settlement (also known as Makonde locally) is located outside of town and attracts some of the top artists in the country. These artists specialize in carving African sculptures out of timber.

 

 There is a lot to view in the exhibition rooms, but if you take your time, you will discover something unique to purchase among the locally made bags, masks, kitchenware, shoes, and clothing. Wonder Workshop’s artists create world-class jewelry, stationary, candles, vehicle components, metal, glass, and sculptures from recycled materials.

 

Tingatinga Art Center and Nafasi Art Space:

 After visiting the Mwenge Wood Carver’s Village, you should also check out this famous Art Center. Tingatinga painting is unique to this part of Africa and is worth possessing if you are interested in unique art.

 

Tingatinga art became popular in the 1960s and is characterized by colorful imaginative figures (animals, plants, and people) drawn in bright colorsWithin the country.

The Centre draws the greatest in the country, as well as regional and worldwide artists.

Try both continental and local cuisines.

As a culturally varied city, there are numerous restaurants that serve both local and international cuisines to its citizens. Nyama Choma (roasted goat meat) and Mishkaki (skewered or grilled meat) are popular among locals. Mishkaki is delicious, especially when served with chips, tomatoes, or chili sauce.