Things to do in Dar es salaam Tanzania.

Do you have questions regarding what to do in Dar es Salaam? After providing some history, we will respond to that. From a sleepy fishing village, Dar es Salaam—which means “haven of peace” in Arabic—grew to become the largest city in Tanzania and one of the busiest ports in East Africa. Before Dodoma took over as Tanzania’s capital in 1974, Dar es Salaam held that title. It still has greater sway over the majority of the nation’s important administrative offices. The city is a commercial and industrial center due to its approximately 6 million inhabitants. The city’s history and waterfront location on the Indian Ocean are its primary attractions. The city’s architecture is heavily influenced by British, Asian, and German design.

There is traffic jams and congestion, like in most major cities in developing nations. During the hectic evenings in the city center, the Tuk-tuk or motorcycle may be your only hope. Many visitors disregard Dar es Salaam as a significant tourism destination, seeing it primarily as a hub for visits to the main rural national parks and the islands of Pemba and Zanzibar. In addition to its immaculate beaches, Dar es Salaam boasts a plethora of other attractions, including monuments, artisan centers, shopping malls, restaurants, nightclubs, museums, and botanical gardens.

Things to do in Dar es Salaam.

Night clubs and bars:

After a long day at work or on the weekend, you may party at one of the many upscale bars and nightclubs in the city center and the suburbs. For the greatest wines and music, check out High Spirit or Havoc Nightspot. Look no further than Slow Leopard to watch the newest soccer events on enormous displays. While you wait for the game to start, you can enjoy a selection of imported beers from them.
Check out Jollies Club or O’Donovan’s Reggae Bar if you’re searching for the best music bar. Dar es Salaam’s nighttime walking is quite dangerous. Make sure you travel in a car or with someone you can trust.

Go Shopping:
In Dar es Salaam, The Slipway—which is situated along Yacht Club Road—offers some of the greatest retail opportunities. This enclave is home to a number of stores and boutiques that offer fashionable apparel made both domestically and abroad. The building also houses a hotel, a bookstore, and a sizable grocery. Expatriates and people searching for uncommon components that are hard to get by in the metropolis love to hang out at The Slipway.
You may enjoy international food and stunning views of Msasani Bay at The Waterfront, an outdoor restaurant and bar, after shopping. There are a number of boats and departure locations around The Slipway if you’d want to go fishing or explore the islands outside of the city.

Ride on a Tuk-Tuk Ride:

A visit to Dar es Salaam would not be complete without riding one of these interesting bikes, just like in Mombasa, Kenya. They have resemblance to those utilized in numerous Asian nations. When it comes to navigating through congested streets and getting to places where cars would have trouble, tuk-tuks are ideal. They are readily available and reasonably priced. Depending on where you are going, be ready to haggle for a decent deal. For amusement or as part of a city tour, you can also rent it.

Support the Hawksbill turtle breeding program:

Although hawksbill turtles are extremely endangered, there are groups working to preserve and protect the few ones that survive. One such group is Sea Sense. They have taken the initiative to plan trips that will safeguard reptiles from their nesting grounds. They make sure the eggs of the turtles hatch properly and that the majority of the young return to the ocean. After some time on a boat, tourists are guided by a guide to the hatching ground at Masaki. The conservation program for Hawksbills receives the majority of the earnings.

Get the best views of Dar Es Salaam:
Visit the Sawasdee restaurant at the New Africa Hotel for the greatest views of the port and the city of Dar es Salaam. Not only is the Thai food at this restaurant exceptional, but it also rotates, providing you with breathtaking views of the city while doing so.

Visit the colonial architectural buildings:

Under the Sultan of Zanzibar’s authority, Dar es Salaam flourished as a prominent metropolis in the 1800s. It developed as Tanzania’s principal administrative and commercial hub after the Germans and subsequently the British took authority. With architectural gems like the St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the Azania Front Lutheran Church, multiple mosques, and other impressive structures, the Arabs, British, and Germans all made their architectural imprints on the city. African, European, and Arabian architectural elements were combined during the British rebuilding of the State House in 1922. Eventually, we’ll talk about a few of these architectural marvels as stand-alone attractions.
Askari Monument:
One African nation that provided the British with soldiers during World War One was Tanzania. As part of the Carrier Corps, the Tanzanian soldiers battled. It was for their memory that the Askari monument was erected. With his bayonet pointing toward the harbor, the bronze statue shows a soldier dressed like an army in World War I. Known British poet and author Rudyard Kiling has penned an inscription honoring the valiant soldiers. A roundabout dividing Maktaba Street and Samora Avenue is where you can find the Askari Monument.

Azania Lutheran Church:

German missionaries erected this famous building by the port in 1898. At the waterfront, its red-tile roof is a noticeable sight. The cathedral is situated adjacent to a number of the city’s top tourist destinations. You will always find a guide waiting to show you around the chapel once you arrive. The bell tower is another site worth seeing on the church grounds in addition to the interior architecture. You can take a nap in the lovely church gardens or join the locals for prayer. It’s possible that the church will ask you to donate something.

St. Joseph Cathedral:
The German Catholic missionaries also constructed this impressive cathedral between 1897 and 1902. In addition, it is a notable structure in the port and serves as the principal cathedral for the Dar es Salaam archdiocese. The Cathedral’s construction features a vaulted interior, stained-glass windows, and a shingled spire, among other intriguing architectural features. The majority of the artwork and inscriptions, including the structure above the altar, are in German.

Visit Temple Road:

The majority of Hindu temples are located along this particular avenue. This is the place to go if you’re a Hindu and just want to meditate, or if you want to see their distinctive architecture.

Go kite surfing:

Tanzania offers some of the best kite surfing experiences in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. More and more visitors to the nation are interested in kite surfing, particularly during the winter months in the US and Europe. The Indian Ocean’s warm air can provide welcome comfort from the harsh winters. On the island of Zanzibar, Paje village is the greatest place to do kite surfing, while there are a few other locations where the sport is offered. In addition to providing equipment rentals, Kunduchi Kite School instructs novice kite surfers. Only when the wind and tides are right are the lessons conducted.

Learn how to sail at the Dar es Salaam Yacht Club:

It would be beneficial for you to join this Club if you are an avid participant in water sports or if you are interested in sailing but lack expertise. In addition to starting instruction, sport fishing, diving, and kayaking are organized by the club. There are areas of the ocean that are exclusive to a select few, so you can enjoy yourself and your family there. While in the club, you will also get the opportunity to network with numerous powerful people.

Pugu Hills Nature Reserve:

This reserve is situated roughly 25 kilometers outside of the city. The reserve is a great area to explore caves, go on nature walks, go birdwatching, and unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city. It also has an amazing biodiversity. On weekends, a lot of people visit it. You should visit during the weekdays if you’d want a more exclusive tour.

Take the kids to Kunduchi Water Park:

Try Kunduchi Water Park if you’re looking for a fun weekend destination for the kids. It’s thought to be the biggest theme park/water park in East Africa. Located in the city’s northern region, the park is a great place for families to take swimming lessons. Either walk up an elevated platform and leap right into one of the pools, or float down the river. In addition to swimming areas, the park has multiple play areas and a go-kart track to keep kids occupied all day. There are many pubs and restaurants within the property where you may get food and drinks.

Explore the Botanical Gardens:

The Dar es Salaam Horticultural Society is based in the Botanical Gardens. The gardens were created in 1893 by the first Director of Agriculture and served as a test area for novel crop and tree varieties. In addition to the place’s tranquility, nature lovers now visit it to find unusual plants including scarlet flame trees, purple bougainvillea, blue jacaranda, and crimson hibiscus. The unique coco-de-mer palm tree can only be found in these gardens—apart from the Seychelles islands—despite their overall shrinkage as a result of encroachments.
Visit the town of Bagamoyo:

The German colony in East Africa, which comprised Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania, had this historic town as its capital. The stunning scenery of Lamu and Mombasa, Kenya, is also present in Bagamoyo. The native population and the first Arabs to arrive on the island got married, which led to the flourishing of the Swahili culture here. You may explore the historic churches, mosques, and immaculate beaches in Bagamoyo. Additionally, Chuo Cha Sanaa, the town’s sole art-focused university, is located there. Should you happen to travel at the appropriate period, you may be able to participate in the Bagamoyo Festival of Arts and Culture. Because it is held every year, this festival draws sizable numbers and livens up a rather sleepy town.

Jangwani and Mbudya Islands:

After exploring Bongoyo Island, you can also spend a few days relaxing on the beaches in Janwani and Mbudya. These islands are classified as marine reserves and are not inhabited. Like all the other beaches in the Indian Ocean, this one offers the ideal getaway from the bustle of the city thanks to its breathtaking scenery, which includes turquoise waters, palm trees, and extensive expanses of white sand. In addition, they have been conserved better than many others in the vicinity, and because the waters are pure, swimming and snorkeling are permitted.
You can get freshly caught fish, grilled, cold drinks, and other sea dishes while you’re on the island. You will need to rent a boat in order to reach these two islands. Thatched cottages that are self-contained provide lodging.

Swim with whale sharks:

Whale sharks congregate around the Mafia Coast between October and March, when they feed on the abundant plankton in the waters. Swimming with these incredible animals would make for an incredible vacation experience if you are fortunate enough to be in Dar es Salaam and you have a daring spirit. All of the Mafia resorts arrange for quick trips.

Kigamboni beach:

This beach is situated in Dar es Salaam’s southern region. You must take the main ferry to reach the location. Cars and motorcycles are among the large goods that the ferry can transport. Compared to the bustling city core, Kigamboni Beach is exceptional because it is serene and quiet most of the time. You can utilize the beachfront hotels and lodges as a base to explore the area, take in the cool Indian Ocean breeze and waves, go swimming, or have dinner.

Visit Zanzibar:

You may have a few extra days after seeing all of Dar es Salaam’s top beaches and islands. We heartily urge you to travel to the island of Zanzibar. One of the top attractions for any traveler visiting Tanzania is a visit to this magnificent island. This is one of the best islands in Africa to visit because of its stunning beauty, white sand beaches, crystal clear blue oceans, and diverse nature. You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy fantastic water sports, go swimming, unwind, and see the ancient town, monuments, and spice farms. We are writing a piece regarding Zanzibar’s tourist attractions.

Do some Kanga Shopping at Uhuru Street:

Brightly colored cloth called kangas is wrapped around the torso. Their shape is rectangular, and they have intricate designs and messages in the regional tongue. Nearly all Dar es Salaam women own a kanga. They are incredibly popular among the people there. They wear them, carry babies in them, or use them to hold objects aloft. Uhuru Street is where the highest caliber materials and designs are purchased.

Try out Continental and local cuisines:
Numerous eateries serving both local and foreign cuisines to city dwellers may be found in this culturally varied metropolis. Mishkaki, or grilled or skewered meat, and Nyama Choma, or roasted goat’s meat, are two regional favorites. Particularly when served with chips, tomatoes, or chili sauce, mishkaki tastes great. Where are the greatest places to get both foreign and local food?

African-style grilled chicken is the specialty of Mamboz Corner BBQ, while Grace Shop specializes in regional cuisine like ugali and mchicha. Chef’s Pride makes the greatest Swahili food, but you can also get nyama choma, masala chips, roasted or fried chicken, chapatti, and mishkaki there. Other eateries that focus on regional cuisine are Ali’s, Barbecue House, and Gembros Eatery.
Additionally, there are restaurants serving Chinese, Italian, French, and Indian cuisine spread across the city. Dar’s Addis is regarded as serving up the best Ethiopian food. The Upanga neighborhood (city center) is the greatest place to eat Indian food, if you’re wondering where to find it. Numerous Indian eateries may be found, such as Patel Grounds, Delhi Dar Bar, Bawarchi, and Chapan Bhog. To socialize with Tanzania’s expat population, you should go to the bakery Epi d’Or or Zuane Trattoria (Pizzas). Check out the popular buffets at Serena Hotel if you’re looking for an even more elegant location to eat.
Additionally, the working class and common peasant both love street cuisine. Chapatis, roasted corn, roasted chicken, groundnuts, and snacks are among the foods sold on the streets. Typically, street food stands are located in crowded areas of the city.

Mountain Climbing:
Tanzania’s top mountain climbing experiences may be found in Udzungwa Mountains National Park. Driving from Dar es Salaam to the park barely takes an hour. Walking through dense forests and past waterfalls is a part of the mountaintop hiking experience. Along the trial, you will come across unusual species of butterflies, birds, and primates. Approximately three quarters of a day are needed to climb the peak. It’s critical to bring water and snacks in order to prevent starvation and dehydration.