Tourist Attractions In Dar-es-Salaam
Dar-es-Salaam (Meaning “haven of peace” in Arabic) has grown from a quiet fishing village to become Tanzania’s largest city and one of East Africa’s busiest ports. Dar-es-Salaam was the capital of Tanzania up to 1974 when it lost the status to Dodoma. It remains more influential with most of the key administrative offices in the country. The city has a population of about 6 million residents and because of that, is a commercial and industrial hub. The main charm of the city is its history and location along the Indian ocean. The architectural style in the city has heavy German, British and Asian influence.
Like most large capitals in developing countries, there is congestion and traffic jam. The Tuk-tuk or motorcycle can be the only savior during the chaotic evenings within the city center. Many tourists overlook Dar es Salaam as an important tourist destination and only use it as a gateway to the major national parks in the countryside or to the islands of Pemba and Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam is a city with its own attractions with pristine beaches, monuments, artisan centers, shopping centers, restaurants, night clubs, museums and botanical gardens to mention but a few.
Things To Do In Dar-es-Salaam
Visit the colonial architectural buildings;
In the 19th century, Dar-es-Salaam was a major city under the rule of the Sultan of Zanzibar. When the Germans and later the British took over control, it became the main commercial and administrative center of Tanzania. The Arabs, British and Germans all left a mark in the city with pieces of architecture, monuments and buildings like the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Azania Front Lutheran Church, several mosques and other great buildings. The State house was rebuilt by the British in 1922 with a blend of African, European and Arabian architectural style. We shall discuss some of these architectural wonders as separate attractions on their own sooner or later. Tourist Attractions In Dar-es-Salaam
Visit the National Museum and house of culture;
This facility is one of the top cultural sites in Tanzania. It was built in 1940 and in memory of King George V. The Museum attempts to describe and illustrate all that there is to know about Tanzania through art, biology, archaeology and ethnography. The Museum takes you through the different phases of the country’s past including insights into the lives of the early Islamic traders.
On display are fossils of the earliest humans that where dug up from Olduvai Gorge by the famous archaeologists Louis Leakey and Mary Leakey. The skull of the Nutcracker man which was unearthed in 1959 is a key attraction. You can also learn about the country’s slave history, the different tribes and the era of colonialism. Other items of interest are the musical instruments, ornaments, traditional crafts and vintage cars used by the former president Julius Nyerere. Entering the museum costs 6500 Tanzanian shillings and it is opened from 9am to 6pm.
Tourist Attractions In Dar-es-Salaam
Tingatinga Art Center and Nafasi Art Space;
After visiting the Mwenge Wood Carver’s Village, you should also check out this famous Art Centre. Tingatinga painting is unique to this part of Africa and is a 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) which are drawn in bright colors. It is gaining popularity in many African countries. Tingatinga Arts Cooperative Society is found close to Oyster Bay and is home to over one hundred local artists. If Tingatinga art isn’t your thing, you can checkout Nafasi Art Space. They strive to be the best contemporary Centre of arts in the country. The Centre attracts the best in the country as well as regional and international artisans.
Try out Continental and local cuisines;
As a city of diverse culture, there are countless restaurants offering both local and international cuisines to residents of the city. Nyama Choma (roasted goat’s meat) and Mishkaki (skewered or grilled meat) are very popular with the locals. Mishkaki is very tasty especially when ordered with chips, tomatoes or chili sauce. Where can you find the best local and international dishes?
Grace Shop specializes in local dishes like mchicha and ugali while Mamboz Corner BBQ is known for the best grilled chicken (African style). The best Swahili dishes are made at Chef’s Pride but you can also order for masala chips, chapatti, roasted/fried chicken, mishkaki and nyama choma. Other restaurants specializing in local food include Barbecue House, Gembros Eatery and Ali’s.
Other Cuisines
There are also Chinese, Italian, French, and Indian restaurants in different parts of the city. Addis in Dar is thought to serve the best Ethiopian dishes. If you are wondering where to get the best Indian food, then you should go to the Upanga area (center of the city). You will find several Indian restaurants including Bawarchi, Chapan Bhog, Delhi Dar Bar and Patel Grounds.
Community Experience
If you want to mingle with the expat community in Tanzania, then you should visit Zuane Trattoria (Pizzas) or the bakery Epi d’Or. If you want an even more classy place to eat out, you can go to Serena Hotel and check out their popular buffets. Street food is also very popular among the ordinary peasant and the working class. The food sold on the streets are chapattis, roasted maize, roasted chicken, groundnuts and snacks. Street food is usually sold in busy sections of the city.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park offers one of the best mountain climbing experiences in Tanzania. It takes only one hour of driving to reach the park from Dar-es-Salaam. Hiking Safaris to the top of the mountain involves walking through thick forests and waterfalls. You will encounter unique species of birds, butterflies and primates along the trial. Climbing to the top of the mountain takes about half a day. It is important to pack snacks and water to avoid getting hungry and dehydrated.
Tourist Attractions In Dar-es-Salaam
Go on a Wildlife safari;
Although Tanzania is well known for the amazing wildlife experience in the Serengeti, Tangire and Ngorongoro Crater, there are other lesser known national parks and reserves that are located close to the Dar-es-Salaam. They include Ruaha, Selous and Mikumi National Park. Ruaha and Selous are special because they are one of the few last remaining habitats for wild dogs. Mikumi is one of the leading tourist attractions in Tanzania. You can spot many of Africa’s famous creatures like wildebeest, lions, zebra, giraffe, elephants, impala and several species of birds. The fewer number of visitors ensures that you have the wilderness and facilities all to yourself making up for a truly memorable private safari.
Do some Kanga Shopping at Uhuru Street;
Kangas are brightly colored fabric that are used to wrap around the body. They are rectangular in shape with complex patterns and messages in the local language. Kangas are very popular among the locals with almost every woman owning one in Dar-es-Salaam. They wear them, use them for carrying babies or using them to carry items on their heads. The best quality fabrics and design are bought from Uhuru street.
Mwenge Wood Carvers’ Village;
If you are wondering where to get the best local souvenir while in Dar-es-Salaam, look no further than this place. The village (Also known as Makonde locally) is located outside town and brings together some of the best artists in the country. These artisans specialize in African sculptures that are carved out from timber. There is a lot to see at the exhibition rooms but if you take your time, you will find something special to buy among the locally made bags, masks, kitchenware, shoes and clothes. If you are interested in supporting disabled artists, you can visit Wonder Workshop. African Safari Tours, the artists at Wonder Workshop produce world class jewelry, stationary, candles, car parts, metal, glass and sculptures from recycled materials.
Jangwani and Mbudya Islands;
If you are done with visiting Bongoyo Island, you can also spend a few days at the beaches of Janwani and Mbudya. These islands are uninhabited and considered marine reserves. Like all the other beaches in the Indian ocean, the scenery is amazing (blue waters, palm trees and long stretches of white sand) hence offering a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. They are also better preserved compared to many others in the area and one can swim or go snorkeling knowing that the waters are clean. While on the Island, you can order for freshly caught fish, barbecue, cold drinks and other sea foods. To get to these two islands, you need to hire a boat. Accommodation is in form of self-contained thatched huts.
Bongoyo Island;
This is a small marine reserve and uninhabited island close to Dar-es-Salaam. It is the nearest place to go if you want to discover the Indian ocean, the marine life and take part in all the amazing water activities that the East African coast is famous for. The waters are clean and suitable for swimming and other water sports. You can spend the whole day snorkeling, lazing in the sand beaches or eating fries and fish. Do not forget to search the coral reefs for angelfish, clownfish, starfish, sea urchins and other sea creatures.
Alternatively, you can go for a nature walk alone the trails behind the beach and the baobab trees. To get to the island, you would need to take a boat which costs about $20 for a 30-minute trip. The island has a limited number of self-contained roofed huts for rent hence planning in advance may be necessary.
Visit Zanzibar;
After visiting all of the best beaches and islands in Dar-es-Salaam during your African Safari Tour, you might have a few more days to spare. We highly recommend visiting the island of Zanzibar. Visiting this amazing island is one of the highlights for any tourist in Tanzania. A combination of crystal clear blue waters, white sand beaches, a multicultural environment and beautiful scenery makes this one of the best islands to visit in Africa. You will get a chance to take part in amazing water sports, swim, relax, visit the old town, monuments and spice plantations. We are coming up with an article about the tourist attractions in Zanzibar.
Kigamboni beach;
This beach is located in the Southern part of Dar-es-Salaam. To get to the place, you need to use the main ferry. The ferry carries heavy loads including cars and motorcycles. Kigamboni beach is remarkable because its peaceful and generally quiet compared to the noisy city center. Several hotels and lodges were established close to the beach. This can be used as a base to explore the area, enjoy the cool breeze/waves from the Indian ocean, swim or dine.
Tourist Attractions In Dar-es-Salaam
The Village Museum;
Also known as Makumbusho (‘reminders’ in English) Village Museum. This Museum offers tourists an opportunity to experience the culture and way of living of the many tribes in Tanzania. It offers something different from the National Museum and attempts to recreate the way traditional homes are organized in the rural villages of Tanzania.
The facility is large and covers about 15 acres. As you move to the different sections, you will learn about the costumes and tools used by the different tribes of Tanzania. You will also learn how the huts are constructed, attend the traditional dances and admire the work of local craftsmen (pottery, weaving and carving). Entrance to the facility is about 6500 Tanzanian shillings.
These are just few of the activities that one can engage in while in Dar-es-Salaam. Vibrant Holiday Safaris is licenced to offer these amazing packages to ensure you get a unique and unforgettable experience. Therefore, visit us at www.vibrantholidaysafaris.com for more information.
Tourist Attractions In Dar-es-Salaam