Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam, which translates as Haven of Peace, is a city of about 3.5 million people on the coast of Tanzania, and is a great place to begin and end your Tanzania safari. From Dar es Salaam it is easy to get to the romantic island of Zanzibar by ferry or plane. Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport has flights direct to most major international destinations and many internal connections. Dar is the heart of Tanzania in mnay ways, even though Dodoma is the official capital. The home of Swahili culture, an exotic mix of Bantu and Arab influence, Dar es Salaam has a busy cosmopolitan atmosphere in places, especially in the ever-growing down town business centre.

Dar es Salaam is quite a new city and as a result the architecture is not noteworthy and there are few, if any, ruins or such like withint the city. It is possible to do a day walking tour around the city centre which provide the visitor with the opportunity of experiencing the exciting sights, sounds and smells of a busy African city. There are a few museums worth a visit, including the National Museum which includes a range of exhibits and is recommended to help visitors learn about aspects of Tanzania. The Museum and House of Culture in the centre of Dar es Salaam has exhibits on archaeology, culture, history, natural history and ecology, and there is often an art exhibition. The Village Museum is aunique chance to find out about tribal customs across Tanzania; here you see the diverse types of thatched homes of tribal Tanzania, built in a pleasant shady outdoor area. The Village Museum gives you a rare, well-organised insight into tribal life and one which it is unlikely you will find elsewhere.

Dar es Salaam has a busy, lively night life, with a selection of places to eat, drink and dance. There is a particularly impressive range of restaurants, so once you know what you feel like let us help you find it. Chinese dumplings? Chicken korma? Pad Thai noodles? Hawaiian pizza? Pepper Steak and mash? Burger and chips? Beef in Guiness stew? Take your pick!

There are several day trip options from Dar es Salaam, including visits to some truly amazing Bat Caves, boat trips to isolated desert islands with soft white sandy beaches, horse riding along the beach or through wooded hillsides, and hiking. We can also arrange sailing or diving day trips in and around the marine parks surrounding Dar es Salaam, and there is excellent and easily accessible snorkelling around Bongoyo Island. A couple of days spent in Dar es Salaam discovering all the Swahili Coast ahs to offer is a great relaxing way to finish your trip, after your Kilimanjaro climb or Tanzania safari.

For more information on visiting Dar es Salaam contact us.