Things to do in Dar Es Salaam

BONGOYO ISLAND

One of the most entertaining things to do in Dar Es Salaam is swim in the beautiful warm tropical Indian Ocean. Bongoyo Island is a small island off the coast of Dar that makes a fantastic day trip of lazying on the beach, snorkeling and dining on fresh fried fish and chips. Since becoming a marine reserve a few years ago, fees have severely increased, but it’s still worth it. Get to the island by taking a boat from The Slipway shopping center.

TINGATINGAARTCENTER

Tanzanian’s have long been famous around Africa for their artwork.The modern movement ofTingatinga painting is one favorite styles of Tanzanian art.An artistic movement that began with Edward Said Tingatinga, the style is characterized by extremely bright oil colors and cartoon imaginative figures.The Tingatinga center is a rainbow of color and artistic inspiration.You can browse around and buy anything you see!

BONGOYO ISLAND

One of the most entertaining things to COCO BEACH ON THE WEEKENDS do in Dar Es Salaam is swim in the Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay, beautiful warm tropical Indian Ocean. is a stretch of beach located on the Bongoyo Island is a small island off the Msasani Peninsula of Dar Es Salaam. coast of Dar that makes a fantastic day If you are looking for fun things to trip of lazying on the beach, snorkeling do in Dar Es Salaam, head over to and dining on fresh fried fish and chips. Coco Beach on the weekend when it’s Since becoming a marine reserve packed full of local Tanzanians.There a few years ago, fees have severely are plenty of street food snacks and increased, but it’s still worth it. Get to sometimes live music.The open area the island by taking a boat from The is also a place where frequent concerts Slipway shopping center. and parties take place – check the city events guide. Swimming is not really

TINGATINGA ART CENTER recommended at Coco Beach, though Tanzanian’s have long been famous some choose to wade in the water. around Africa for their artwork. The modern movement of Tingatinga ASKARI MONUMENT painting is one favorite styles of One of the most well known historical Tanzanian art. An artistic movement that statues of significance in Dar Es Salaam began with Edward Said Tingatinga, the is Askari Monument. Depicting a style is characterized by extremely soldier with his bayonet pointing to the bright oil colors and cartoon harbor, the monument is a reminder of imaginative figures. The Tingatinga the soldiers that fought as the Carrier center is a rainbow of color and artistic Corps in World War I.The cast bronze inspiration. You can browse around and Askari Monument is supposedly buy anything you see!. located in the precise center of Dar,

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COCO BEACH ON THE WEEKENDS

Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay, is a stretch of beach located on the Msasani Peninsula of Dar Es Salaam. If you are looking for fun things to do in Dar Es Salaam, head over to Coco Beach on the weekend when it’s packed full of local Tanzanians. There are plenty of street food snacks and sometimes live music. The open area is also a place where frequent concerts and parties take place – check the city events guide. Swimming is not really recommended at Coco Beach, though some choose to wade in the water.

ASKARI MONUMENT

One of the most well known historical is Askari Monument. Depicting a soldier with his bayonet pointing to the harbor, the monument is a reminder of the soldiers that fought as the Carrier Corps in World War I. The cast bronze Askari Monument is supposedly located in the precise center of Dar,

in the middle of the roundabout that bisects Samora Avenue with Maktaba Street.

TANZANIAN BEVERAGES

Everywhere you travel you’ll encounter a new and unique set of local beverages. When you are in Tanzania you may want to sample the selection of locally brewed beer, have a few cups of Dar street coffee and especially guzzle a pungent Stoney Tangawizi.

NATIONAL MUSEUM

If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Tanzania or see some of the fossils that have been uncovered in the country, you’ll be interested in visiting the National Museum.

MWENGE CARVERS’ VILLAGE

Located on the outskirts of town, Mwenge Carvers’ Village is a great attraction in Dar Es Salaam if you are in the market for Tanzanian souvenirs. Though there is a lot of the same-same type of things, if you take the time to browse around you’ll come away with some unique and quality Tanzanian handicrafts.

ZANZIBARI MIX

There is one dish in Dar Es Salaam that is rare, but is a gem of an example of an expertly prepared dish that sums up the realm of cultures and traditions of the city: Zanzibari Mix. The makeshift Mama Mumtaz restaurant is not easy to find – in fact, you’ll probably have to walk to Kariakoo market and ask someone to direct you to it. Zanzibari mix is incredible – a comforting combination of deep fried fritters in a coconut milk curry and garnished with fresh chutneys and chili sauce.

NORTH BEACH – JANGWANI AND MBUJA ISLAND

North of Dar Es Salaam there are a few lovely beaches and islands to enjoy as well. From White Sands hotel in Jangwani, you can take a boat to Mbuja Island, a great place to unwind and eat freshly caught Indian Ocean seafood.

INDIAN FOOD

With a sizable population of Indians, there’s a decent selection of delicious Indian food available in Dar Es Salaam. The Upanga area, in central Dar Es Salaam, is one of the best areas of town to locate good Indian food.

PUGU HILLS NATURE RESERVE

Pugu Hills is a designated nature reserve located around 25 kilometers from the center of Dar Es Salaam. Along with an opportunity to hike the trails, you can also choose to bird watch or visit the cave which is famous for its colony of bats. You can either get to Pugu Hills on your own or take a day tour.

KARIAKOO MARKET

One of the busiest and most thrilling markets in Dar Es Salaam is the local Kariakoo market. This is the place to go if you are hunting for the best bargains in town or wish to see the authentic side of local style Tanzanian shopping. Make sure you haggle to get the best deals.

TEMPLE ROAD

If you are walking around downtown Dar Es Salaam, take a stroll down Temple Road where you’ll find a selection of religious temples. You can visit a few of the temples and have a look around.

KANGA SHOPPING – UHURU ST.

A popular thing to buy in Dar Es Salaam are the colorful pieces of wrap around cloth known as kangas. These brightly dyed rectangles of fabric are available in infinite colors, with infinite patterns and often include a message written in Kiswahili. Head over to Uhuru Street in downtown Dar Es Salaam for a huge distribution selection of kangas.

AZANIA LUTHERAN CHURCH

Originally built by German missionaries in Tanzania, the Azania Lutheran Church is an iconic structure located at Dar Es Salaam’s harbor front. From the cathedral you’ll have easy access to other tourist attractions around town.

NYAMA CHOMA

Nyama choma (roasted meat – often goat) is wildly popular – and incredibly delicious. Go to a local restaurant, order your choice of meat and wait for it to slowly roast. In Tanzania, nyama choma is served with a few chillies and sometimes a tomato and red onion garnish. Many Tanzanians choose to wash down their nyama choma with a few beers.

TANZANIAN STREET FOOD

Whether it’s roasted maize or mama cooked Tanzanian chapatis also try Mishkaki which is the Tanzanian version of meat on a stick – street style shish kebabs.

SOUTH COST BEACHES

Seclusion, peace and quietness is how I in the middle of the roundabout that bisects Samora Avenue with Maktaba Street. would describe the South Coast Beaches of Dar Es Salaam. There are a number of hotels that you can visit, or you can rent your own personal banda.

TANZANIAN BEVERAGES

Everywhere you travel you’ll encounter a new and unique set of local beverages.When you are in Tanzania you may want to sample the selection of locally brewed beer, have a few cups of Dar street coffee and especially guzzle a pungent Stoney Tangawizi.

NATIONAL MUSEUM

If you want to learn more about the history and culture ofTanzania or see some of the fossils that have been uncovered in the country, you’ll be interested in visiting the National Museum.

MWENGE CARVERS’ VILLAGE

Located on the outskirts of town, Mwenge Carvers’ Village is a great attraction in Dar Es Salaam if you are in the market for Tanzanian souvenirs. Though there is a lot of the same-same type of things, if you take the time to browse around you’ll come away with some unique and quality Tanzanian handicrafts.

ZANZIBARI MIX

There is one dish in Dar Es Salaam that is rare, but is a gem of an example of an expertly prepared dish that sums up the realm of cultures and traditions of the city: Zanzibari Mix.The makeshift Mama Mumtaz restaurant is not easy to find – in fact, you’ll probably have to walk to Kariakoo market and ask someone to direct you to it. Zanzibari mix is incredible – a comforting combination of deep fried fritters in a coconut milk curry and garnished with fresh chutneys and chili sauce.

NORTH BEACH – JANGWANI AND MBUJA ISLAND

North of Dar Es Salaam there are a few lovely beaches and islands to enjoy as well. From White Sands hotel in Jangwani, you can take a boat to Mbuja Island, a great place to unwind and eat freshly caught Indian Ocean seafood.

INDIAN FOOD

With a sizable population of Indians, there’s a decent selection of delicious Indian food available in Dar Es Salaam. The Upanga area, in central Dar Es Salaam, is one of the best areas of town to locate good Indian food.

PUGU HILLS NATURE RESERVE

Pugu Hills is a designated nature reserve located around 25 kilometers from the center of Dar Es Salaam. Along with an opportunity to hike the trails, you can also choose to bird watch or visit the cave which is famous for its colony of bats.You can either get to Pugu Hills on your own or take a day tour.

KARIAKOO MARKET

One of the busiest and most thrilling markets in Dar Es Salaam is the local Kariakoo market.This is the place to go if you are hunting for the best bargains in town or wish to see the authentic side of local style Tanzanian shopping. Make sure you haggle to get the best deals.

TEMPLE ROAD

If you are walking around downtown Dar Es Salaam, take a stroll down Temple Road where you’ll find a selection of religious temples.You can visit a few of the temples and have a look around.

KANGA SHOPPING – UHURU ST.

A popular thing to buy in Dar Es Salaam are the colorful pieces of wrap around cloth known as kangas.These brightly dyed rectangles of fabric are available in infinite colors, with infinite patterns and often include a message written in Kiswahili. Head over to Uhuru Street in downtown Dar Es Salaam for a huge distribution selection of kangas.

AZANIA LUTHERAN CHURCH

Originally built by German missionaries in Tanzania, the Azania Lutheran Church is an iconic structure located at Dar Es Salaam’s harbor front. From the cathedral you’ll have easy access to other tourist attractions around town.

NYAMA CHOMA

Nyama choma (roasted meat – often goat) is wildly popular – and incredibly delicious. Go to a local restaurant, order your choice of meat and wait for it to slowly roast. In Tanzania, nyama choma is served with a few chillies and sometimes a tomato and red onion garnish. Many Tanzanians choose to wash down their nyama choma with a few beers.

TANZANIAN STREET FOOD

Whether it’s roasted maize or mama cooked Tanzanian chapatis also try Mishkaki which is the Tanzanian version of meat on a stick – street style shish kebabs!

SOUTH COST BEACHES

Seclusion, peace and quietness is how I would describe the South Coast Beaches of Dar Es Salaam.There are a number of hotels that you can visit, or you can rent your own personal banda

that covered hut for the day. The lanky palm trees rustling in the breeze and the rythmic wash of waves makes spending a day on the South Coast Beaches one of the most relaxing things to do in Dar Es salaam. One of the best things to do on the South Coast is to go horse riding on one of the best beaches you will ever encounter. The Dar Es Salaam Horse Club is located nearby to the worldfamous Ras Kutani Resort. Get there by personal vehicle or by local dala dala minivan. You’ll need to cross to the Kigamboni side of Dar Es Salaam by taking the ferry across the port.

SWAHILI DELICACIES

In the evenings, Ali Kuku, Mamboz, Ten To Ten and Natasha are famous for its barbeque chicken and chips, located in the city centre. Other places to try matoke (green banana) are Chef’s Pride (Chagga Street in city centre) or Zahir Restaurants (Mosque St in city centre).

NIGHT LIFE

Dar Es salaam has alot to offer when it comes to entertainment and relaxation especially at night. here is a collection of top venues to kick start your experience in this amazing city! Akira is one the favourite rooftop bars in Dar es Salaam. With a chilled-out vibe and great music, it offers 360 degree sea views. Dar Live has a Zanzibari feel to it, being on the beach, and is open and very casual. The bar is on the beach, nestled among Dhow furniture in a most rustic fashion, open throughout the week. The George and Dragon has a very strong expat following with various activities every night to keep anyone entertained. Trinity is another place with a true Tanzanian feel with live bands and good vibe, located near Oyster Bay. Every Saturday and sunday get entertained at Mediterraneo with live band, beach party and bikini party. There are more then five casinos in Dar such as, Sea Cliff Casino, Princess Casino, New Africa in the city where you can have fun, gambling experience and be entertained. Latest on the block and with the best views of Dar by night is High Spirit Bar, Lounge & Nightclub located on the roof top of IT Plaza, Ohio Street and Havoc Nighspot is the freshest addition to Dar’s nightclub scene with spectacular views of the ocean and Dar’s skyline and offering a wide range of drinks and cocktails, dance the night away to the rythmic and eclectic beats by our DJs and special performers.

VILLAGE MUSEUM

The Village Museum offers a chance to observe a number of typical style Tanzanian traditional huts and learn more about the tribes of the country. Dance and drum performances are held in the evenings on weekends.

DAR ES SALAAM FISH MARKET

One of the favorite things to do in Dar Es Salaam is wake up early in the morning and wander around the Dar fish market. People gather from around the city to purchase the fresh catch of the day. Arrive at around 6:30 am to catch the most energized fish auctions taking place.

THE SLIPWAY

The Slipway is Dar Es Salaam’s premier shopping and leisure centre. Here, you can shop, drink, dine or watch the sun set over the Indian Ocean. Parents can set their children loose in our waterfront playground, and travelers can relax in our lovely hotel rooms.

BAGAMOYO TOWN

Bagamoyo town located north of Dar Es Salaam, is an ancient East African trade port. The town has been influenced by Arabs and Indians to create a uniquely Swahili culture. On a day trip to Bagamoyo, you can visit ancient ruins, old churches and mosques and tour one of Tanzania’s only colleges of arts known as Chuo Cha Sanaa. If you don’t have your own transportation, you can get to Bagamoyo by local bus or by taking a day tour.

FISHING

Latham Island (Fungu Kisimkasi) is a small, uninhabited oceanic island. The island and its associated reefs stick out the Indian Ocean in the middle of nowhere, an insignificant pinhead in the Indian Ocean. This structure promotes currents, and provides haven for baitfish and their predators and is thus a great big game fishing destination. The Island lies 45 nautical miles East of Dar es Salaam so may be fished on a day trip or more advisably on an overnighter, during which the adventurous angler can try for the mighty Broadbill Swordfish. There are several charter operators out of Dar, and they generally fish at Latham itself or for shorter and cheaper outings, work the Zanzibar Channel. Both fisheries can provide exciting sport - offering chances at Black and Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Wahoo, Yellowfin and Dogtooth Tuna, King Mackerel, Dorado, Giant Trevally, bottom fish such as grouper and Red Snapper, and many more. It is an angler’s paradise. If you have a day off in the dark and love to hear a big reel scream, don’t hesitate to take off into the blue water, it’s right at your feet.

Have fun in Dar Es Salaam!