Travel Guide To Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania: Everything To Know : Planning a trip to Tanzania? This Dar es Salaam travel guide will give you a general idea of what to expect in this Tanzania’s financial capital. Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and logistics center, which is tucked away on the coast of the Indian Ocean. Dar es Salaam was once a small fishing village but has since developed into a bustling modern city, an important port, and an important commercial and cultural hub for East Africa. In this multicultural city, you’ll find a variety of cultural influences, including Tanzanian native culture and Islamic and South Asian elements.
Many different Sultans, the Germans, and the British have all had an impact on the development of Dar es Salaam. The city, which now ranks among East Africa’s top tourist destinations and boasts some of the country’s most significant ports and trading hubs, began as a small fishing community in the middle of the 19th century. Dar es Salaam, which in Arabic means “abode of peace,” is the primary destination for the majority of tourists. It is the perfect location from which to view and explore both Tanzania’s and Zanzibar’s beaches’ wilderness areas.
Dar es Salaam is the ideal location in Tanzania for tourists because of its Swahili, colonial, and Asian architectural influences. Dar es Salaam may not be to everyone’s taste due to its busy streets and chaotic traffic, but it is certain to provide visitors with authentic African culture and a way of life. Dar es Salaam in Tanzania has now developed into a major tourist destination thanks to the implementation of modern amenities and style. There is a lot to discover in Dar es Salaam, from taking in the harbor’s sights to markets, great street food, and fine dining.
WEATHER & CLIMATE
The city has a very tropical climate with hot, humid weather all year round because of its proximity to the Equator and the warm Indian Ocean. The city experiences two wet seasons and one dry season.
June through October is considered the dry season. It occurs when there is little to no rain and plenty of clear, sunny days.
There are two wet seasons in the city. The short one begins in November and ends in December, whereas the long one runs from April to May.
The city experiences heavy morning showers and afternoon openings with gray clouds during the prolonged rainy season. Dar es Salaam is best visited all year. Visitors are welcome all year because the dry and wet seasons provide a chance for wildlife enthusiasts to see the Great Migration in the Serengeti.
WHY VISIT DAR ES SALAAM? TOP 5 REASONS
Life on the Water: Take advantage of the city’s picturesque waterfront by relaxing at the beach, learning about scuba diving, or going deep-sea fishing.
Traditional Culture: Visit places like the Makumbusho Village Museum to take in the city’s diverse culture, which includes dance and other performances.
Shopping: Visit the Wonder Workshop, where disabled artists make art from recycled materials, to find one-of-a-kind souvenirs, or browse the bustling markets.
Go on Safari: Take a safari to the nearby Mikumi National Park or a longer side trip to the Selous Game Reserve to experience the area’s amazing wildlife.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry: The city has a thriving dining and nightlife scene, with dance clubs and live music venues being favorites of both locals and tourists.
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN DAR ES SALAAM
National Museum and House of Culture
The national museum and house of culture, which were established in 1940 as a tribute to King George V, take you on a journey through Tanzania’s past. A small collection of vintage vehicles, including the Rolls Royce driven by the late president Julius Nyerere, is housed in the museum, along with ethnographic exhibits on local crafts, traditions, ornaments, and musical instruments.
Village Museum
The village museum in Dar es Salaam, which is 10 kilometers north of the city center, features traditional homes from some of Tanzania’s 120 ethnic groups. The museum offers a variety of entertainment activities, including tribal dance and other cultural events, making it a prime location in Tanzania.
Askari Monument
The Askari monument is made of bronze and features a statue of an Askari soldier dressed in a World War I uniform, his rifle’s bayonet pointing in the direction of the nearby harbor. This monument honors the African soldiers who fought in World War I as members of the Carrier Corps.
Old Boma
Old Boma, constructed by Majid Bin Said between 1866 and 1867, is the city of Dar es Salaam’s oldest standing structure. The Sultan’s residence was right next door, so this Dar building was built to house his guests. The building’s distinctive features are what draw tourists and turn it into a well-known tourist destination in Tanzania.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral
This Gothic-style Roman Catholic Church, constructed by German missionaries between 1897 and 1902, serves as the administrative center for the Dar es Salaam archdiocese. Stained-glass windows, a shingled spire, and a vaulted interior of the cathedral draw visitors from all walks of life. Many of the original German inscriptions and works of art are still visible in the cathedral, including the carved relief over the main altar.
Botanical Gardens
The Horticultural Society is based out of Dar es Salaam’s botanical garden, which opened its doors in 1983. Various exotic and native plants, such as purple bougainvillea, blue jacaranda, scarlet flame trees, and red hibiscus, are on display.
Mbudya Island
Mbudya Island in Dar es Salaam is a well-liked tourist destination in Tanzania that is frequented by people from all walks of life who are looking to get away from the hectic city life. In Dar es Salaam, Mbudya Island is the ideal destination for a relaxing getaway with gorgeous beaches, crystal-clear waters, and delectable seafood.
THINGS TO DO IN DAR ES SALAAM
Visit Kariakoo Market.
The unique experience of strolling through Kariakoo Market should not be missed. The atmosphere is very lively thanks to the commotion, variety of goods, and abundance of small businesses. Make sure to haggle if you intend to shop in this market to get the best prices.
Take the ferry service.
The ferry ride is one of the best activities in Dar es Salaam because it gives visitors a fantastic view of the city from the water, and as you travel with the locals, you learn more about their culture.
Enjoy your day at the fish market.
The fish market, which is conveniently close to the ferry terminal, is the most popular tourist attraction in Dar es Salaam. To buy the day’s fresh catch, people come from all over the city. This location offers a distinctive experience, from the buying and selling of fish to the fish-eating section.
Camping At Mikadi Beach
The locals of Dar es Salaam congregate to party on the weekends at Mikadi Beach, which is situated on the south bank of the river. It is the busiest and most popular tourist destination in Tanzania, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Shop at Uhuru Street
If you need any souvenirs, Dar es Salaam is a great place to buy some African fabrics. The best location in Dar es Salaam for shopping is Uhuru Street, which is located in the city center. All kinds of high-quality fabric are available at the renowned Kanga Shop on Uhuru Street for a fair price.
Ride in a Tuk-tuks.
Without taking at least one Tuk-tuks ride while visiting Dar es Salaam, your trip would be incomplete. One of the best things to do in Dar es Salaam is to take a tour of the city in one of these Tuk-tuks, which are inexpensive, plentiful, and a lot of fun.
Enjoy Local cuisine.
Dar es Salaam is a cosmopolitan city with a mouthwatering array of African cuisine. So while you’re in the city, you absolutely must try some of the local treats. Dar es Salaam has everything, from tamarind treats to sugar cane juice.
Go to the State House.
Another city landmark that attracts visitors from all over the world is the impressive State House. The State House, which was constructed in the late 1890s, served as the German Governor’s original home. State House is a prominent landmark in Dar es Salaam, even though it isn’t open to the public.
Take a stroll on Temple Road.
Take a stroll down Temple Road in Dar es Salaam’s central business district to see a variety of religious temples. Temple Road is a well-known religious destination in Dar es Salaam, and your only option there is to visit the temples that are located there.
Investigate Bagamoyo Town.
One of Tanzania’s best-known tourist destinations is Bagamoyo Town, a former East African trading port that is situated north of Dar es Salaam. You can take a day trip to Bagamoyo to see the historic churches, mosques, and ruins, as well as Chuo Cha Sanaa, the only art college in Tanzania.
HOW TO REACH DAR ES SALAAM
By Air: Julius Nyerere International Airport, located in the city of Dar Es Salaam, is the closest international airport to Dar es Salaam. It is served by well-known foreign airlines. To get to your desired location from there, you can hire a taxi or cab.
By Road: There are numerous buses that travel daily between Dar es Salaam and other Major cities like Nairobi-Kenya and Kampala-Uganda. Since most buses depart from Ubungo Terminal, it serves as Dar es Salaam’s main bus terminal.
By Train: Tanzania’s main rail transportation hub, Dar es Salaam, is easily reachable by rail. Central Tanzania is traversed by a train run by Tanzania Railway Limited. For safety purposes, tourists should try to travel in groups or purchase a first-class cabin.
HOW TO GET AROUND DAR ES SALAAM
Public Transportation: Dar es Salaam commuter rail and a rapid bus system both provide service to the city. Prices begin at 800 TSH.
Taxi: Taxis can be identified by their white license plate, which also usually has a painted taxi number on the side. For any evening trips, be sure to find a taxi and get a phone number to call during the day. The average fare in the town is around Tsh7, 000.
Car: Even at night, the streets are not always well-lit or in good condition. You might conclude that owning a car isn’t worthwhile when combined with heavy traffic. Rentals begin at Sh51, 000, and companies include Europcar and Solidarity Car Rentals.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT DAR ES SALAAM
The city of Dar es Salaam is a year-round tourist destination that is frequented by visitors. It is thought that June to October and mid-December to early March, which is the dry season, are the best times to visit Dar es Salaam, even though the equatorial climate is almost constant throughout the year. The best time to visit Dar es Salaam if you love wildlife is when the weather is still cool and pleasant and you can see wild animals ambling through the lush, green grassland. Rainfall is uncommon during the dry season, which lasts from June to October, so you can rely on clear, cloudless skies, plenty of sunshine, and sapphire-blue waters in the Indian Ocean.
