Top things to do in Dar-es-salaam
Top things to do in Dar-es-salaam : The bustle of Tanzania’s largest city is combined with an agreeably laid-back pace of life in Dar es Salaam. This city does not have a large number of travelers, in contrast to other East African cities like Nairobi, Kampala and Kigali. This makes it a fantastic chance to see urban African life as it is lived by locals. Explore its museums, delve into its street food and market scenes, and take in its outdoor attractions.
Dar es Salaam is not a well-known tourist destination due to its lengthy and turbulent history, but it does have a lot of tourist attractions, and its friendly atmosphere makes it enjoyable to explore. The majority of the sights to see in and around Dar es Salaam are in fact natural, such as Bongoyo Island, which is only accessible by boat, the Pugu Hills Forest Reserve, and the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. Visitors can also take in the lush sanctuary of the Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens or take a trip to the zoological gardens, both of which are located in the heart of the city.
For those who enjoy the beach, Kigamboni (South Beach) is located just outside of downtown Dar es Salaam. Kigamboni, a wealthy neighborhood almost entirely made up of beach resorts, is home to some of Dar es Salaam’s best beaches. The National Museum and the Makumbusho Village Museum are the two most popular museums in Dar es Salaam for those looking to get a taste of the local history and culture. Here are the top things to do in Dar es Salaam:
Shop the Markets
Kariakoo Market is the only place to go if you want to truly take in the sights and smells of an authentic Tanzanian market. It is dispersed over several crowded city blocks and is stuffed with everything from furniture and household goods to clothes and food. Mwenge Carvers’ Market has a great mix of items made for tourists alongside real traditional items, despite being touristy and having more crafts.
Find the Best Street Food
In Dar es Salaam, you’ll eat well, but the locals love a good street barbecue more than anything. At the savory Barbecue House, close to Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road, lines form every evening. Locals here order chicken, beef, or fish with naan bread and their choice of tamarind sauce, coconut chutney, or chilies. Similar terms apply at Mamboz Corner, where Libya Street and Morogoro Road converge, with Zanzibari marinades being a specialty. The Nyama Choma Festival, Swahili for “grilled meats,” takes over Tunisia Road four times a year and features barbecue competitions and live entertainment.
Visit the Fish Market.
Particularly in the morning, when fishermen sell their fish and other seafood to nearby restaurants and home cooks, Kivukoni Fish Market is a true Dar experience. It’s an amazing experience, full of local flavor, salespeople shouting to be heard, and some rather overpowering odors. You’ll enjoy the experience even if you don’t want to cook anything for dinner. It is one of the least commercial activities in Dar es Salaam.
Go to the beach.
A day at the beach is a favorite pastime for locals in Dar es Salaam, and with mild temperatures all year round, it’s a great option whenever you’re in town. Although there are many options, Coco Beach, located on the Msasani Peninsula north of the city, is a particular favorite. It provides an opportunity to interact with locals who are enjoying the food stalls, live music, and traveling minstrels who are selling beer and coconuts. On Bongoyo Island, the beaches are quieter but still worthwhile.
Get Out on the water.
A lesser-known location for diving, snorkeling, and simply getting away from the city to sail around stunning nearby islands like Bongoyo, Pangavini, and Mbudya is the Indian Ocean off Dar. The Dar es Salaam Yacht Club offers sailing and fishing excursions. Upon returning to land, you are welcome to use the club’s amenities, which include a swimming pool and a playground, if you can obtain a temporary membership.
Discover the City’s museums.
The city of Dar es Salaam, which serves as the de facto capital of Tanzania, has some top-notch museums that rank among the city’s top attractions. The National Museum, which takes you on a fascinating journey through Tanzanian history, is the biggest and best. The exhibit starts with well-known archaeological discoveries from the Olduvai Gorge, moves on to the slave trade and colonial era, and even has the Rolls-Royce of former president Julius Nyerere. The Village Museum has recreated village scenes from all over the nation, bringing them to life with live cultural performances and craftspeople at work.
Admire the Art
One of East Africa’s top galleries for modern art is Nafasi Art Space. In these studios, which were carved out of a former industrial warehouse, you can observe artists at work. Most evenings feature exhibitions, workshops, and live performances.
Take a City Center tour.
There is no better way to learn about Dar than by taking one of Afri Roots’ tours. The tours, which are primarily taken on bicycles, are a good combination of getting to know the city’s most important historical sites and running into locals. Even a tour specifically focused on nightlife exists. It’s a great way to get into Dar’s exciting after-dark scene.
Stroll the Botanical Gardens
Since the last decades of the 19th century, this isolated patch of tranquil greenery has served as a getaway from the city’s bustle and noise. Additionally, it serves as a haven for native and foreign plants, such as cycads, palm trees, and vivid scarlet flame trees.
Observe the Goat Races.
The best goats in the country compete in the city’s annual goat races every September on the Green along Kenyatta Drive. Enthusiastic locals and expatriates place bets and cheer on their charges in what is all good, clean fun (unless you’re a local employee who has to clean up afterward). If your billy goat loses, your losses go to a nearby charity.
