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(which means ‘House of Peace’). It served as the capital of Tanzania from 1887 until 1973, when it was replaced by Dodoma, but it remains the country’s largest and wealthiest city. In tourist terms, this lively Indian Ocean port city is often dismissed as little more than a gateway to Zanzibar and the , but it’s worth exploring in its own right.-
Population
- ± 6 million people
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Time Zone
- Eastern Africa Time (UTC+3)
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Languages
- and English
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Currency
- Tanzanian shilling
First Time in Dar es Salaam?
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an attractive harborfront setting. It is home to a scattering of historic 19th-century buildings, a lively fish market and the rewarding National Museum of Tanzania. It also incorporates an atmospheric old Hindu and Arab quarter whose maze of roads is lined with colorful temples, domed mosques and unpretentious family-run restaurants.Slightly farther afield, you’ll find popular recreational beaches at Oyster Bay, Msasani, Mbezi and Kunduchi. These seaside suburbs also host lively culinary scenes and a good choice of resort-like hotels. For a more pristine beach experience, hop over to the small islands of Bongoyo and Mbudya, which are protected within a marine reserve and connected to Msasani by regular boats.Best Things To Do in Dar es Salaam
Explore the city’s historic center
Central Dar es Salaam is studded with 19th-century architectural gems, notably the Old Boma built for Sultan Majid in 1867 and a handsome Bavarian-style Lutheran church from 1898.
Revisit times past in the National Museum
Informative displays at this worthwhile museum deal with early evolution, medieval culture at Kilwa Kisiwani, and more recent aspects of the country’s history.
Admire boldly surreal Tingatinga paintings
The Tingatinga Arts Cooperative, founded in 1990, displays a colorful selection of works in this contemporary Tanzanian painting style, which was pioneered by Dar-based Edward Tingatinga in the 1970s.
Enjoy seaside sundowners and dining in Msasani
The prestigious suburb of Msasani sprawls across a leafy peninsula lined with upmarket hotels and restaurants. Popular west-facing spots include the Cape Town Fish Market and The Slipway.
Go on safari to see iconic African wildlife
Safaris out of Dar es Salaam usually focus on southern destinations such as Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha and Mikumi National Parks, and range from brief one-day tasters to full 10-day itineraries.
Best Beaches in Dar es Salaam
Coco Beach
This untouristy suburban beach in Oyster Bay is lined with no-frills bars and restaurants catering mostly to a local crowd; it can get lively on weekends.
Kunduchi Beach
The main cluster of beach resorts and hotels near Dar es Salaam is found at Kunduchi and neighboring Mbezi, around 15km/9mi north of the city center.
Bongoyo Island
Set within a marine conservation area, idyllic Bongoyo Island is connected to the Msasani Peninsula by regular scheduled boat crossings. Nearby Mbudya Island has fewer amenities than Bongoyo but is quieter.
Kipepeo Beach
This laid-back beach resort on the south coast, 7km/4mi from the city center, is popular with local day visitors as well as budget travelers.
Bagamoyo
Bagamoyo town, an hour’s drive north from the city, has a wonderful beach. Historical sites here include the medieval ruins at Kaole and a 19th-century mission with an informative museum.
Staying Safe
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Avoid flaunting expensive jewelry or other valuables, and brush off any vendors or money changers who try to latch onto you.Walking elsewhere in the city, or after dark, is not advised unless you know your way around. If you want to head out to a restaurant or bar, ask your hotel to connect you with a reliable taxi driver.Getting There & Around
