Are you planning a visit to Dar es Salaam and you are wondering what fun things are there to do? Here are at least 19 Tempting attractions to enjoy in Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam which means ‘harbor of peace’ is the commercial capital of the united republic of Tanzania, located in east Africa.
Tanzania is bordered by Kenya, Burundi, Rwanda, Zambia, Malawi, Uganda, and Mozambique. As the commercial capital city of Tanzania Dar es Salaam is one of the main gateways to mainland Tanzania and the Spice Island of Zanzibar.
How to get to Dar es Salaam.
Dar e salaam can be reached both locally and internationally by flights into Julius Nyerere International airport. International flights that fly to Dar e salaam include among others, Emirates, Qatar Airways, KLM royal Dutch airlines, Fly Dubai, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian airways, Turkish Airlines, AirLink from South Africa, Air Tanzania, and Uganda airlines.
Where to stay in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam is filled with world class hotels and beach resorts to cater for every budget. Are you looking for a sea side or beach front hotel? You will be delighted to choose from several options including the following;
Whitesands Hotel
Ramada Resort
Ledger Plaza Bahari beach
Kunduchi Beach Hotel
Jangwani sea Breeze
Coral Beach Hotel
Other hotels within the city and in Oysterbay area include but not limited to;
Hyatt Regency
Dar Es Salaam Serena
Johari Rotana
Four Points Sheraton, formerly new Africa
Crowne Plaza
CBD Hotel
Holiday Inn
Onomo Hotel
Element by Westin
Slipway Hotel
Urban by CityBlue
Mediterraneo Hotel
If you prefer smaller hotels or serviced apartments and Air BnB’s you are by no means left out! Several of these options can be booked online mostly in Mbezi beach, Goba, Masaki, Upanga, Kinondoni and Kigamboni areas.
How to get around in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam like other major cities experiences heavy traffic especially around rush hours in the mornings and evenings. However, getting around is relatively easy with abundance of vehicle hire companies, registered taxis.
You’ll identify taxis by their white license plate, with a taxi number usually painted on the side of the car) public transportation and rapid bus transit system. Most tourists and visitors, find it more convenient and time saving to use Taxis and car rentals which are easily available.
19 Tempting attractions to enjoy in Dar es Salaam.
1. Dar es Salaam city tour.
Take a guided tour of this once small fishing village, now called Dar es Salaam and enjoy sights of the harbor and iconic places such as the Askari monument in the heart of the city, freedom torch at the Mnazi Moja grounds, Tinga Tinga art center and Nafasi art space, the fish market in Kivukoni, the national Museum.
Drive past the State house and over the beautiful Tanzanite bridge as you head to the village Museum (Kijiji cha Makumbusho) for a cultural treat.
2. Visit Mbudya and Bongoyo Islands.
Bongoyo and Mbudya Island Island are protected, uninhabited islands under the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. Bongoyo Island is situated 2.5 km north of Dar es Salaam city while the Mbudya Island is to the opposite direction.
What fun things can you do in Bongoyo and Mbudya? Take a day trip from Slipway Hotel or Jangwani Sea Breeze and enjoy swimming on the sandy white beaches, snorkeling and family eat al fresco. Treat yourself to freshly barbequed fish straight from the ocean to the fire and to your plate!
3. Visit the tempting Coco Beach.
Do not leave Dar es Salaam without visiting the most popular beach in Dar es Salaam city. Coco beach is located in Oysterbay, an affluent neighborhood along the Indian Ocean.
Fun things to do at Coco beach include swimming, local cuisines like fried cassava, barbequed fish and chicken. Enjoy all the above as you dance away to beautiful sounds of Tanzanian music.
4. Hiking Pugu Hills.
Also known as ‘’Mapafu ya jiji la Dar es Salaam’’ in native Kiswahili, meaning the ‘’lungs of the city of Dar es Salaam’’. The Pugu Hills Forest Reserve, officially known as Pugu/Kazimzumbwi Nature Forest Reserve is a protected area located in Kisarawe District.
Fun things to do in Pugu hills include guided hiking of course, birding, learning about the natural flora and trees, kayaking, picnicking and overnight camping. Take a spectacular view of the whole city of Dar es Salaam the Msolo peak. The hiking is quite easy except for a bit of steepness closer to the peak and takes 3-4 hours to reach the peak depending on your fitness level.
5. Visit Kigamboni.
Kigamboni is accessible by road via the Kigamboni bridge and 5-minute ferry from Dar es Salaam. Kigamboni is perfect place for those looking to escape from the chaos in the city. Fun things to do in Kigamboni include, swimming, camping and overnight hotel stays just to relax and de-stress.
6. Dar es Salaam night life.
If you are a night owl, you love Dar es Salaam city night life! Casinos, night clubs and bars abound. Step into the groove at Samaki Samaki Masaki and Mlimani city.
Experience Wavuvi Kempu, one of the most happening night joints in Dar es Salaam. Akemi revolving restaurant, Water front Slipway Hotel, Slipway all await you with merriment. Booze, music, karaoke, live band music are just a few of the things you will definitely enjoy.
7. Arts and Events.
Be a part of the Artisan Market a bi-annual market, and the annual Syrian exhibition, Swahili fashion week among others evens. The Nafasi Art space public musical shows and programs will leave you amazed at the talents that you will be a first hand witness to.
8.Tanzanian cuisine.
Food is always a major highlight of every good moment and Dar es Salaam is not short on options. Tanzanian cuisine frequently includes coconut milk, which is utilized in a variety of dishes.
Eat Pilau, and Chapati, the regional flatbread, along with kidney beans, beef or chicken skewers (mshikaki) barbequed goat meat and pork among others. The list is endless, explore all your options and delight your taste buds.
9.Visit Dar es salaam Zoo in Kigamboni.
Aside from, swimming, camping and overnight hotel stays in Kigamboni, you can also visit the zoo and feast your eyes on wildlife such as lions, leopard, monkeys, hyena, giraffes, porcupines and birds. Learn about how they live, eat and play. Did you know what the most dangerous animal is? Find out at Dar es Salaam zoo.
10. Kunduchi Wet ‘n’ Wild Water park.
Definitely one of the top fun places to visit in Dar es Salaam. This is one of the biggest water theme parks in East and central Africa. Come enjoy the rainbow slides and pools, the el nino rain dance and the delicious food.
11. Mwenge wood carvers market.
This crafts market located in Mwenge, near to Mlimani city mall is home to over 200 carvers, who specialize in Makonde carvings. These are carving made from wood. They sell a collection of the similar items. Why not take a wildlife souvenir from Tanzania for yourself and your loved ones.
12. Mlimani city Mall.
Shop till you drop at Mlimani city mall, the largest mall in the country, with an area of 30,000 m². Aside from shopping, there are several international restaurant chains like KFC, Marrybrown and Pizza Hut where you can enjoy western food options. For the movie lovers, treat yourself to movie nights at Century Cinemax.
13. Experience a Tuk Tuk ride.
Experience a rickshaw ride (tuk tuk or bajaj). Best way to safely beat the traffic jams in the city is to take a tuk tuk ride. Tuk Tuks are readily available but remember to bargain on price as these are not set.
14. Visit Kariakoo Market.
Built in 1974 by the architect B.J. Amuli, Kariakoo gets its name from the corrupted British “Carrier Corps”, that used to be based in this area. Kariakoo is undoubtedly the busiest and most populated market in Dar es Salaam city.
You can find virtually anything you need from Kariakoo be it food stuffs, clothes, shoes, electronic you name it and you will find it in Kariakoo. Due to the large crowds of shoppers, when you do
15. Yacht Club Masaki.
If you are a fan of sport fishing, diving and kayaking the Yacht Club a must visit for you. Here you will also meet a lot of people with influence with whom you can make connections.
16. Explore the botanical gardens.
Nature heals the body, mind and soul
Anthony William
Visit Dar es Salaam Botanical gardens and heal your soul, body and mind with the lush greenery and the cool ocean breeze with ears tuned to the musical tunes of a variety of bird species. Take in the tall trees and learn about some of the medicinal trees that abound in this garden. Best of all you will not help but laugh as you see our friends, the vervet monkeys jumping from one tree to another.
17. Day trip to the historical town of Bagamoyo.
Bagamoyo located 75kms from Dar es Salaam, is an extension of the Kaole settlement. The word Bagamoyo comes from a corrupted Swahili word ‘Bwaga Moyo’ meaning ‘Surrender or resign your heart’ as arrival at this settlement marked the end of hope of rescue for the slaves during slave trade.
Bagamoyo was also the seat of administration for the German colonial government and therefore Tanzania’s first capital city. Now a UNESCO world heritage site, visit Bagamoyo and learn about history from the Kaole Ruins, Bagamoyo Museum and the old Boma. When you are done with the history lessons, head to the beach and ‘bwaga moyo’ to the delight of the Indian Ocean.
18. Take a fast ferry to Zanzibar.
Take an early morning ferry to Zanzibar the spice Island for a day tour of Stone Town. A guided tour of stone town will leave you unforgettable insights into this UNESCO world heritage site, that we delight in calling Zanzibar
19. Take day trip to Saadani national park.
Do you wish to combine a wildlife safari and beach in one place? Saadani national park is the perfect fit. This park located along the Indian Ocean is the only National Park that harbors both marine and terrestrial habitats. It is not surprising to encounter wild animals on the beach in this coastal Park.
Safety in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam is generally a safe city but don’t throw your common sense to the wind. Take care of your belongings, make use of hotel safety deposit boxes where available. Don’t carry large amounts of cash on you or large cameras on you especially at night. Don’t walk at night – be safe in a registered taxi.
Conclusion.
Did you know there were at least 19 Tempting attractions to enjoy in Dar es Salaam? Here you have it, a full list of the most exciting things you can do in Dar e Salaam. Next time you are in Tanzania, do not forget to spare a few days to experience Dar es salaam in it’s splendor to the full. You may also like to see 26 best things to do in Tanzania
