Dar es Salaam by Kwame Mchauru

Tanzania:
Dar es Salaam

The largest city in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is a bustling sea port with a lively atmosphere. The city revolves around the huge harbour, where you can sit in one of the many cafés or restaurants and enjoy a drink at the waters edge while watching the dhows arriving and departing.

During German occupation in the early 20th century, Dar es Salaam was the centre of colonial administration and the main contact point between the agricultural mainland and the world of trade and commerce in the Indian Ocean and the Swahili Coast. Remnants of colonial presence, both German and British, can still be seen in the landmarks and architecture around the city. The National Museum, the Village Museum, and many colourful markets are well worth a visit. Numerous historical landmarks, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the White Father’s Mission House, the Botanical Gardens, and the old State House make for an interesting walking tour around the waterfront and city centre.

In and around Dar es Salaam
There are a number of sights in and around Dar es Salaam - a bustling fish market, the spice markets at Ghandi Street, the botanical gardens, National Museum and the House of Art. Some of the best restaurants in East Africa are located in Dar es Salaam.

Seven kilometres north of the city, Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve offers good snorkelling and diving sites for those who want to explore the water. The reserve boasts beautiful beaches, secluded islands, and many varieties of marine species. Although the variety and population of coral and fish species are not as numerous as other sites on Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia Island, the Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve is well worth a visit and is a great way to spend a day out on the coast.

 

Accommodation in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Kilimanjaro Kempinski Hotel

Kilimanjaro Kempinski

Known fondly as ‘The Kili’, this hotel is a popular landmark in Dar Es Salaam, the commercial centre of Tanzania.

Other regions in Tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro

Arusha

Arusha National Park is located just outside the city, and encompasses the stunning Mt.Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.

Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam

The largest city in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam is a bustling sea port with a great deal to offer to travellers

Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe Stream National Park

Gombe is the smallest of Tanzania's national parks, but thanks to the world renowned zoologist Dr Jane Goodall, it is one of the best known.

Hippo - Katavi National Park

Katavi National Park

Located far off the beaten track, Katavi is Africa at its most wild - unadulterated bush settings, spectacular views, and rich wildlife.

Kilimanjaro Certificate

Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro climbs: dates, prices and information about treks and wilderness routes, Shira, Lemosho, Rongai, Kibo Uhuru and Mweka, from rain forest to the Arctic summit. Gane and Marshall is a dedicated tour operator and a centre of excellence for Kilimanjaro Climbs. Jeremy Gane was the project manager and leader of the Comic Relief 2009 celebrity Kilimanjaro climb.

Lake Manyara's Tree Climbing Lions

Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara National Park occupies a 50km stretch along the base of the 600-metre high Rift Valley escarpment

Beach near Mafia Island Lodge

Mafia Island

Mafia Island is a popular beach destination for those looking to relax after a safari.

Mahale National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park

Mahale Mountains National Park is located in one of the most remote and secluded areas of Tanzania

Hippo - Katavi National Park

Mikumi National Park

Mikumi National Park is situated along the northern border of the Selous

Masai Village

Ngorongoro Crater

Ngorongoro Conservation Area in northern Tanzania boasts a blend of landscapes, wildlife, people and archaeology

Diving near Pemba Island

Pemba Island

Traditionally part of the Zanzibar Archipelago, Pemba is fast becoming a unique destination in its own right.

Wild Dog in Ruaha National Park

Ruaha National Park

Ruaha is a remote bastion of spectacular wilderness, undisturbed wildlife, and breathtaking scenery.

Selous Game Reserve

Selous Game Reserve

Selous is the largest game reserve in Africa and contains some of the greatest concentrations of big game left on earth.

Game Drive in Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is one of the largest and best game reserves in Africa.

Saadani National Park

Tanzania Mainland Coast

Here ancient Swahili history, culture and hospitality combine with hundreds of miles of endless beaches and the warm Indian Ocean.

Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park

Named after the river that flows through the park, Tarangire National Park is one of the lesser known Tanzanian National Parks, giving it a real air of undiscovered Africa.

Diver near Nungwi

Zanzibar Coastline

Zanzibar’s coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, but sand and surf vary depending on what side of the island you’re on.

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Accommodation in Dar es Salaam (1)
Other regions in Tanzania (17)
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