The bustling Tanzanian coastal city of Dar es Salaam is a center of culture, history and natural beauty. It is a busy metropolis that serves as an economic hub and located along Indian ocean; it is a point that opens the iconic wildlife safaris and the beautiful islands of this country. Dar es Salaem has many types of activities to offer whether you are a history enthusiast, a nature enthusiast or just need to relax at the beach. In this guide, we will take a closer look at the top 10 best things to do in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, so you can make the most of your visit to this dynamic city.
1. Go to the museum and house of culture.
The National Museum and House of Culture is a place that should be visited by people who want to fill their knowledge about the history and culture of Tanzania. The museum represents an overview of the past of Tanzania in the pre-historic times up to the recent occurrences. There are those exhibits that contain ancient fossils, traditional items and also there are exhibits that narrate how Tanzania got its independence and how it developed.
Among the things that the museum can boast about is the series of exhibits of the renowned archaeologist Dr. Louis Leakey who unearthed some of the oldest human bony in the East African region. Another feature of the museum is the displays of Tanzanian art, music, and cultural traditions, which is an enriching experience to those who study the history of the country. When visiting Dar es Salaem, Tanzania to do some sightseeing, the National Museum will be a great starting point.
2. Relfaxation at Coco Beach (Oysterbay Beach).
When exploring the nature and relaxing in Dar es Salaem City, one of the most common beaches in the city is the Coco Beach (also referred to as the Oysterbay beach). Coco beach is a place that has golden beaches with warm waters and a relaxing ambiance, and it is situated in the Indian Ocean. It is a popular place among both locals and tourists where people can marvel at the sunset, experience a swim or just a rest on the beach.
There are also a few local sellers along the beach selling tasty seafood, cool beverages, etc. so it is the right place to have a casual meal and see the scenery. To families and other travelers who seek to embrace the coastline beauty Dar es Salaam, experiencing some few hours in Coco Beach is certainly among the top activities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
3. Explore the Village Museum
The Village Museum is a place situated within a short distance of the city center providing the visitor with impressive understanding of the ethnic variety of Tanzania. The museum also possesses an array of traditional huts, which depict different ethnic groups in the country. These huts are genuine and provide an excellent demonstration of the lifestyle, customs, and structure of indigenous people in Tanzania.
There are also cultural performances in the Village Museum besides the huts, such as the traditional music, dance, and narration. Visitors are able to communicate with the local craftspeople, explore their craft, as well as attempting some traditional crafts. The Village Museum is among the most recommended places of interest in Dar es Salaem, Tanzania, as an attraction site to those who wish to learn the cultural diversity of this place.
4. See the Dar es Salaam railway station.
The railway station in Dar es Salaam is not only the transportation center, but also a landmark historical venue in the city. The station is also constructed in a great colonial time, and it has great colonial architecture that indicates the colonial history of the city. The station is a significant site, particularly to individuals who have interests in Tanzanian history and the influence of the Europeans colonialism into the nation.
The railway station has been playing a significant transport hub as an important point through which a connection to the other areas in the country takes place, the Tanzanian Railways pass through Dar Es Salaam. That the station stays busy with people in the city of day to day business, this is still a great place to visit, in case anybody would like to know more about the old history of Dar es Salaem, in terms of colonialism. The stroll of the station and its architecture is rather a modest but also enriching look. In case you need some activities to perform in Dar es Salaem, Tanzania, the Railway Station would be a strong attraction representing how the place looked like in the past.
5. Go by Ferry to Bongoyo Island.
It is one of the perfect options to get rid of busy life in Dar Es Salaem boarding the ferry and visiting Bongoyo Island, a tiny, paradise-like island found in a short ride near the city shore. The Bongoyo Island falls within the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve, which has perfect beaches, clear waters, and has rich marine life.
You get to snorkel, swim, sun bath and have fun in the sandy beaches in the island. The island is not very crowded and underdeveloped thus a quiet place to visit in search of peace. On the island, there are also some restaurants where you can take fresh sea foods and other local food. One of the most refreshing and calm activities that any person visiting Dar es Salaam, Tanzania should have is a ferry ride to Bongoyo Island.
6. Go shopping in Dar es Salaem Maasai Market.
The Dar es Salaem Maasai Market is the place to be to those who are interested in getting exposed to the colorful local culture and leaving behind with some distinctive souvenirs. This is a busy marketplace that is a well-known display of Tanzanian art, where in this market one can find everything, colorful Maasai beadwork and jewelry, beautifully-plaid baskets, as well as carved wooden sculpture.
Wearing colorful clothes and well settled in their traditional habits, the Maasai residents are frequently found to be selling their wares at the market offering a peep into their rich cultural legacy. This is an open market where people haggle, thus, get ready to bargain on the best prices. No matter why you come to the Maasai Market, be it to grab a work of art or a souvenir to take home, the Maasai Market is a thrilling and real life experience that echoes the culture of the city itself. This is certainly a great point to visit this vibrant marketplace in Dar es Salaem, Tanzania.
7. Take a Trip to Mbudya Island
Another unspoiled and beautiful destination that is ideal for a day trip is Mbudya Island built right off the coast of Dar es Salaam. Similar to the Bongoyo Island, Mbudya belongs to the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve and has a comparable tropical heavenly atmosphere. The plane of the island is not greater than the Bongoyo and no less beautiful with its magnificent beaches and water of fine crystal.
Mbudya Island is known due to its snorkeling and swimming experiences. It is easy to see any schools of fish, colorful coral reefs and even a sea turtle here and there. The island also includes some local restaurants where you would have a chance to have fresh seafood and see the amazing sea sceneries. Mbudya Island is a delightful location where one can have a rest and unwind due to its peaceful environment and breathtaking view. To have such an off-the-beaten-path experience, visiting Mbudya Island has to be listed in the list of things to do in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
8. Discover the Spice Farm Tour
Tanzania is also abundant in terms of agricultural composition, and one of the most engaging things that you can experience during your stay in Dar Es Salaam is to see a spice farm. Although the most known spice tours have been found in Zanzibar, you can find a few spice farms near Dar es Salaam which have guided tours. On these tours, you will get an opportunity of observing how different spices such as cloves, cinnamon and cardamom are cultivated and harvested.
In your stroll around the farm, a local expert will also guide you and inform you of the history and importance of every spice, how it is processed and its use in cooking, medicine and even beauty. A visit to the spice market is also included in the tour, where there is an opportunity to taste new aromatic spices, which is a pleasant experience and also an educational experience regardless of age. Spice farm tours are a special experience of knowing about farming and the people of Tanzania, and offer one of the most genuine and sensual experiences to do in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
9. Discover the Islamic History of Dar es Salaem.
The city of Dar es Salaam has a migration of historic Islamic background and visiting the mosques and Islamic centers in the city is thus one of the best ways to appreciate this heritage. The Mosjid Al Noor is the most renowned mosque in Dar es Salaem and it is situated by the city center. The mosque can be described as the one of beautiful architecture, elaborate carvings, and serene atmosphere.
Also, there are other religious centers that show the Islamic history of the city, such as Old Mosque and Islamic Center. The buildings are a mark of the rich cultural and religious heritage of the city. Visiting these an Islamic sites will be a chance to study the history of this city and enjoy the cultural diversity that the city has to offer. These sites are some of the most important things to do in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, especially to people who intend to learn about the Islamic influence in Dar es Salaem.
10. Local Restaurants Sample Tanzanian Cuisine.
It would be useless visiting Dar es Salaem without enjoying the different tastes in the city. Tanzanian cuisine can be attributed to a combination of African, Indian and Arab cuisines and there is a great variety of food items that reflect the aforementioned influences. Among the delicacies that one should never leave without trying are Ugali (maize based meal), Nyama Choma (roasted meat) and Sukuma (collard greens).
To enjoy a typical experience, then go to local restaurants such as The Waterfront restaurant or Akemi Restaurant where you can have views and enjoy great food in Tanzanian cuisine. When you feel adventurous, you can taste some of the street food sold by local vendors, such as Samosas, Mandazi, and Chapati. Venturing in the local food industry is literally one of the most delicious and most fun activities in Dar es Salaem, Tanzania.
Conclusion
Dar es Salaam is a great city that can provide a diverse cultural experience, history and nature. Dar es Salaem, Tanzania is a bright city with plenty of exciting activities to offer whether you want to dive into the bustling night life, have fun in its splendid beaches, or become immersed in its rich cultural heritage. Whether it is visiting historical museums or island hopping, trying the local cuisine or visiting local markets, this coastal city can hardly fail to create a lasting impression on the tourists who come there.
