Dar es Salaam

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The economic center, largest city, and former capital of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is rich in culture, heritage, history, and sightseeing. It is a starting point for many visitors making their way to other large attractions in Tanzania, such as the coastal islands or inland safaris, but there is also a lot to see and do in this town. Dar es Salaam is a tropical port city that lies along some of the most important and oldest sea routes in history, and its long status as a major East African economic center has given rise to an interesting and distinctive culture.

The Top 5: What to Do in Dar es Salaam

1. Coastal Cruises: This is a great way to see the East African coast while sailing around the Indian Ocean. Choose a boat that will stop off on an island for a picnic of authentic local foods before heading back to port. This is an especially romantic excursion if you’re traveling with someone special.

2. Dar Es Salaam Fish Market: At this bustling market, fisherman bring in their daily catches while their housewives fry up the freshest fish straight from the ocean. The best time to go is early in the morning.

3. Mandazi Road: This road is lined on both sides with bars and cafes and is a great place to mix and mingle with the locals. The Msasani-Ubungo bus passes about every 15 minutes but you might also consider taking a taxi there as well.

4. National Museum and House of Culture: Exhibits at these two sites include the Hall of Man, which traces the human history from evolution to present day, the History Gallery, which focuses on the history of Tanzanians from early society to present day, and the Ethnography Gallery, which allows us to see the rich cultural heritage of the people of Tanzania through the use of ornaments, traditional healings, musical instruments, and much more.

5. Beaches: This area of the Indian Ocean is known for its picture-perfect tropical coastline. Dar es Salaam boasts long sandy white beaches and the water is usually warm. If you are a beach person, don’t pass this paradise by!

When to Go

We recommend visiting Tanzania between January and March. Tanzania has two rainy seasons: from mid-March to the end of May, the masika rains begin after dark and last well into the next afternoon. The second season is known as the vuli season; it occurs intermittently throughout November and parts of December and January. During the vuli season, showers arrive in the morning and are sometimes interrupted with clear weather.