5 things to do in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam is home to a wide population of people with different cultures, located along the coast of the Indian Ocean. Dar es Salaam is known to have many beaches, diverse seafood and music that shall keep travelers after experiencing different cuisines and music. Dar es Salaam translates to “haven of peace” in Arabic, which has grown from a quiet fishing village to become of the largest cities in East Africa and also one of the busiest ports.
Dar es Salaam was the capital city of Tanzania up until 1974 when it was shifted to Dodoma. Despite the city status being changed to Dodoma, Dar es Salaam still hosts some of the most influential and key administrative offices of Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is rich in history and location, with architectural beauty and style of German, British and Asian influence.
There are a variety of activities to do in Dar es Salaam by anyone looking to escape the confines of their residences. Below are the top 5 things to do in Dar es Salaam;
Visit Mbudya Island
Persons looking to escape the bustling city of Dr Es Salaam even for a day would best visit Mbudya Island. Mbudya Island is a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing and peaceful time, with beaches, clear waters and a variety of foods especially sea food. While at Mbudya Island you can embark on a boat ride, enjoy various activities like snorkelling.
Visit the National Museum and House of Culture
One of the 5 things to do in Dar es Salaam include a visit to the National Museum and the House of Culture, which takes you through the different phases of the history of the country, including insights into the life of the early Islamic traders. While at the National Museum you shall see fossils of the earliest humans on display, which were dug up from the Olduvai Gorge in northern Tanzania in Ngorongoro Conservation Area, by archaeologists Louise Leakey and Mary Leakey.
From the National Museum you can also learn about the slave history of Tanzania, the different tribes in Tanzania and the colonialism era. The National Museum is open from 9am to 6pm, do plan your visit accordingly.
Kite Surfing
Dar es Salaam offers some of the best kite surfing experiences in Tanzania and East Africa. Kite surfing in Dar es Salaam is especially good during the winter season in Europe and United Sates, with the warm breeze from the Indian Ocean being a great relief from cold winters in the west.
Swim with Whales Sharks
In the months of October through March, large numbers of whale sharks can be found at the cost of Mafia, to feed on the plankton rich waters here. Swimming in the waters around this time gives you an opportunity to swim with whale sharks, a memorable experience for you.
Nightlife in Dar es Salaam
One of the 5 things to do in Dar es Salaam is to enjoy the nightlife there. The night clubs and bars in Dar es Salaam, just like any other city, are amazing and shall keep the party goers up on their feet for the most part of the night. Within the city centre and the suburbs of Dar es Salaam various night clubs and bars can be seen, including among others Havoc Nightspot.
Other things to do in Dar es Salaam include exploring the Botanical Gardens, Visit the Coco Beach, visit the town of Bagamoyo, visit the Village Museum, Explore Zanzibar Island and all the activities there are there, visit the Tingatinga Art Centre and Nafasi Art Space, mountain climbing of Udzungwa Mountains, go on safari, mong so many others.
Dar es Salaam is a great base for Tanzania safaris in the southern safari circuit of Tanzania visiting especially Mikumi National Park, Ruaha National Park and Selous Game Reserve now known as the Nyerere National Park. While on Tanzania safaris in the southern circuit of Tanzania, you are rewarded with amazing safari experiences, including among others a bit of exclusivity where you literally have the vast expanse of the park to yourself, given that not many travelers do visit these Tanzania safari parks in the southern safari circuit of Tanzania.
Dar es Salaam is also quite near to Zanzibar Island, so for travelers looking to combine both a safari experience with a beach holiday would also choose to base in Dar es Salaam and embark on game drives and game safaris in Selous Game Reserve and other southern sector Tanzania safari parks, before taking a quick ferry transfer to Zanzibar Island for your perfect beach holiday.
Reach out to your trusted tour operator to help you create an amazing trip to Tanzania, and get to enjoy the various things to do in Dar es Salaam including among others embarking on a safari experience and Zanzibar beach holiday.
