Explore Dar Es Salaam : Activities and tourist attractions in Dar es Salaam: Dar es Salaam is the capital and largest city of Tanzania. Known as “Dar,” the place is devoid of typical tourist safari attractions, but that doesn’t stop travelers from falling in love with it because of its beachside position, wonderfully relaxed environment, and diverse influences resulting from the confluence of Arabic, Indian, and African cultures.
The name, which translates as “heaven of peace” in Arabic, was more appropriate for Dar’s former existence as a tranquil fishing village than it was for the busy city it is now. Tanzania’s main port is in the harbour of Dar es Salaam, which is close to some of the busiest shipping lanes on the planet. On the northern side of the harbour lies the bustling Kivukoni Front fish market, where dhows arrive every morning around dawn to dump their catch of the previous night.
German colonists planned Dar es Salaam on a grid layout with streets extending from the harbour. Notable structures on the riverfront include St. Joseph Cathedral and the Lutheran Church, and the city has a good museum. The architecture of the city combines elements of German, Asian, British, and Swahili architecture. There are many things to do in Dar es Salaam once you get at the airport. You can do any of the following safari activities there if you like to spend your vacation:
1. Explore The National Museum and House of Culture.
National Museum and House of Culture offer an exploration of Tanzania’s colorful past. Established in 1940 as a monument to King George V, the museum now houses important fossils of some of the earliest human precursors unearthed during the Leakey digs in Olduvai Gorge in the Ngorongoro conservation area. You can also learn more about the impact of the slave trade, colonial eras, and Tanzania’s tribal history.
Among the other notable aspects of this museum are its ethnographic exhibits on local crafts, customs, decorations, and musical instruments. A modest collection of vintage cars is also housed there, among them a Rolls-Royce driven by Tanzania’s first president, Julius Nyerere.
2. Tour of the Village Museum.
Ten kilometres north of the city centre, the Village Museum showcases traditional houses belonging to some of Tanzania’s 120 ethnic groups. You can explore 15 acres of reproductions of tribal homesteads while learning about customs and crafts from the past.
Since each hut contains interpretive signage describing its construction and materials, most visitors opt for a self-guided tour. However, hiring a guide is another option if you’d like additional details. The museum hosts cultural activities such as tribal dance performances. Little ones especially like looking about the numerous huts and antiques.
3. Discover Mbudya Island.
This is one of the most popular day trips from the city. Nestled in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, the picturesque Mbudya Island seems a world apart from the bustle of the city centre. Here, sun worshippers come to relax on the stunning white sand beaches of the island and take advantage of the clear waters for swimming and snorkeling. Thatched huts are available for rent on the beach, where residents provide freshly grilled seafood and cold refreshments.
4. A visit to Bongoyo Island.
Off the Msasani Peninsula, Bongoyo Island makes for a delightful day safari or half-day excursion from the city. Relaxing on the white sand beach under thatched umbrellas and cooling down in the crystal-clear waters are among the activities and things to do here. It is a popular snorkeling location as well.
Clownfish, sea urchins, angelfish, and starfish are a few of the aquatic creatures that can be seen among the coral. From the region behind the beach, there are natural pathways that pass by baobab trees and lead to the island’s other coast. The outside snack bar serves freshly cooked fish and cold beverages. About four miles north of the city is Bongoyo, where you can take a boat there from the Slipway pier. It takes about thirty minutes to get there from the city.
5. Do some shopping.
In Dar es Salaam, there are many of shops where you can get presents for loved ones. The Slipway Shopping Centre, a waterfront shopping centre with palm trees and Swahili influences, is a great place to start. You may find anything here, including colorful clothing, local artwork, sculptures, masks, and handcrafted bags. One of the best things to buy in Dar es Salaam is tanzanite, which is available at a store. This unusual gift of a stone with violet or blue undertones can only be found in Tanzania.
Live music is available at many waterfront venues at The Slipway, another popular nightlife spot in Dar es Salaam. After blowing a fortune on gifts, it’s a terrific spot to view the sunset.
For colour and mayhem, visit the expansive Kariakoo Market in Dar es Salaam. Both during the day and at night, this vibrant indoor and outdoor market takes up several city blocks. The locals buy here, so it’s a great place to observe the vibe and get some colorful photos.
6. Visit Kivukoni Fish Market.
Visiting this busy waterfront is one of the most well-liked activities in Dar es Salaam, particularly if you’re a seafood lover. Fishing boats arrive early in the morning to discharge their catch, which is subsequently auctioned off to surrounding restaurants and the public.
If you’re looking to buy fish, make a strong offer. There are many of selections, and you may eat lunch on seafood while you’re here. The best time to visit the market is early in the morning.
7. Visit St. Joseph’s Cathedral.
Built between 1897 and 1902 by German missionaries, this Gothic-style Roman Catholic Church looks out of place among the steel and glass buildings that line the port front. However, it’s a pleasant and quiet place to unwind and reflect on a hot day.
St. Joseph Cathedral, the seat of the Dar es Salaam archdiocese, is remarkable for several exceptional features that make a visit there worthwhile. Its most notable features are its beautiful stained-glass windows, shingled tower, and domed interior. The church is filled with authentic German artwork and inscriptions, one of which is a carved sculpture over the main altar. To get the full effect of the atmosphere, try to attend a packed Sunday morning service when the church is filled with worshippers and the subdued sounds of the local choir.
8. Go to Oyster Bay.
Oyster Bay is home to chic stores and art galleries. The vibrant Tinga-Tinga painting style originated here, and the Tinga-Tinga Arts Cooperative Society is the place to purchase these exquisite pieces of artwork.
Oyster Bay, a posh neighborhood in Dar es Salaam, is one of the best safari destinations to hang out, especially on weekends. Both locals and visitors congregate here to take in live music, indulge in street cuisine, and enjoy a leisurely stroll along Coco Beach. Shoppers also congregate at the Oyster Bay retail centre, which is home to art galleries, boutiques, and farmers’ markets.
9. Explore the Azania Front Lutheran Church.
Rising above the surrounding rooftops, the Azania Front Lutheran Church is a prominent landmark in Dar es Salaam, distinguished by its bell tower with red tiles. It was built by German missionaries in 1898.
The gardens provide comfort to weary travelers, and the tiled canopies above the windows provide shade. Originally the centre of the first German mission founded in the 1800s, Azania now functions as the cathedral for the diocese.
10. Explore Dar Es Salaam : Visit the Askari Monument.
If you’re on a sightseeing tour of the downtown area, you may be interested in learning more about this amazing statue located at one of the city’s main intersections. The bronze statue known as the Askari Monument shows an Askari (soldier) in a World War I uniform with his rifle’s bayonet pointed towards the nearby harbour.
It pays tribute to the African soldiers who served in the Carrier Corps during World War I. If you can get close enough to have a look, look for the inscription written by the well-known British author and poet Rudyard Kipling in both Swahili and English.
11. Explore Dar Es Salaam : Explore the Botanical Gardens.
Professor Stuhlmann was the first Director of Agriculture and built the Botanical Gardens in 1893. Today, the Botanical Gardens are home to the Dar es Salaam Horticultural Society. A range of plantation crops and tree types were tested there. Presently on display are an abundance of both domestic and exotic flora, such as blue jacaranda, purple bougainvillaea, scarlet hibiscus, and crimson flame trees.
12. Explore Dar Es Salaam : Visit the State House.
The German Governor’s initial residence was the State House, built in the late 1890s. The State House was rebuilt by the British in 1922, with scalloped upper-story arches and a crenellated parapet, after they had almost destroyed it during World War I. At the moment, the State House is home of the president. The building is a prominent feature on the port front, even though it is not open to the public.
