Dar-es-Salaam Sightseeing Guide

Dar-es-Salaam means the 'Haven of Peace' in Swahili and it must have provided safe harbour for merchant ships sailing the waters of the Indian Ocean from faraway lands. Dar es Salaam’s cityscape reflects the cultural heritage of the powers that ruled over it, whether Asian or European, Arab or African.  

But it remains an African or more specifically, a Swahili city, an impression reinforced by its friendly, cheerful people.

 Beaches: Along the mainland’s east coast from the capital Dar es Salaam lie picturesque beaches of Kunduchi, Mjimwena and Mbwa Maji including the historical 17th village of Msasani. Towards the south are the ruins of the trade posts of Portuguese and Arab merchants.

North of the city along Bagamoyo Road, beautiful white beaches, spotted with waving palms draw visitors and locals alike for a respite from the heat. Oyster Bay is nearest to the city.

The Botanical Gardens are close to the city centre and is a place of cool serenity amidst the hustle-bustle of the city. Across the street from the garden is the National Museum that has some fine cultural and archeological displays including the partial skull of the "Nutcracker Man", the oldest hominid fossils discovered at Olduvai Gorge by Mary Leakey.

The Village Museum is situated down the Bagamoyo Road. Its particular area of expertise is the traditional homes of the different ethnic groups in Tanzania. Villagers demonstrate their traditional tribal crafts including woodcarving and weaving. The Village Museum also has finished crafts for sale. The Mwenge Handicraft Centre on Mpakani Road in the city is another place where Makonde carvers demonstrate their skill at crafting wonderful items out of ebony.

The Asian District is a fascinating glimpse of a totally different culture tucked in a corner of an African city. The Asian district houses Indian temples, shops run by Indians and Chinese immigrants that sell gold and silver jewellery and textiles, Indian tea and snacks. The Kariokoo Market, on the other hand is a truly African marketplace full of stalls and shops selling everything from fresh produce, fish and shellfish, tropical fruits, traditional medicines, black magic charms and even livestock.

Other places worth making time for are the St. Alban’s Church on the corner of Upanga Road and Maktaba Street, the Greek Orthodox Church, St. Peter’s Catholic Church and the Uhuru Monument, a monument to freedom.