Explore the top attractions and activities with Exodus Safaris to the best things to do in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Discover cultural landmarks, vibrant markets, and scenic spots in East Africa’s bustling port city.
Dar es Salaam is Africa’s most southern metropolis, and there are many things to see and do here. Dar es Salaam has long been the gateway to Tanzania, and several international airlines fly directly into the city. The city was established in 1886 by the German official Heinrich Barth, who named it after his wife, Dar es Salaam, a Swahili word meaning “house of peace.” In its early years, the port city functioned as an essential trading post for gold, with ivory being exported to Asia.
Visit the Village Museum
The Village Museum in Dar es Salaam offers a captivating journey through Tanzania’s rich history and cultural heritage. Nestled near the city center, it boasts serene gardens, a refreshing pool, and a delightful adjacent restaurant, making it a perfect blend of education and relaxation. You can conveniently stroll over from your accommodation, taking in the local sights along the way. The museum welcomes visitors from 10 am to 5 pm daily, extending its hours until 6 pm on Sundays (closing at 9:30 pm), ensuring ample time to immerse yourself in Tanzania’s diverse traditions and stories.
Swim in the Indian Ocean
The Indian Ocean offers inviting waters for swimming, presenting numerous pristine beaches scattered throughout Dar es Salaam, each boasting its own unique beauty. Whether you prefer the bustling shores or quieter escapes, the city provides ample opportunities for sunbathing and water activities. Additionally, many hotels feature refreshing pools on-site, perfect for unwinding after a day of seaside adventures. Whether you’re seeking relaxation by the ocean or by a poolside oasis, Dar es Salaam caters to both preferences, ensuring a memorable stay amid its coastal splendor.
Take a Dhow Cruise
Dhow is a traditional sailing boat that can be hired for a day or longer. They are used for fishing, diving, and sightseeing, but you can also take your dhow on an overnight cruise through the archipelago of Zanzibar if you want to spend more time there. If you’re traveling with children who might need babysitting services while they’re away at school each day (or if they have their friends), then hiring an extra person to watch over them could help save money by not having to hire someone else when it comes time to pay for lunch/dinner or other activities like swimming in the ocean or visiting beaches near Dar es Salaam city center where there may be crowds of tourists who want access too!
Spend a Day at Coco Beach
Coco Beach stands as a premier beach resort just outside Dar es Salaam, drawing crowds with its picturesque coastline and vibrant atmosphere. This renowned destination offers a plethora of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to charming resorts and inviting restaurants, ensuring a full day of relaxation and enjoyment. Visitors can opt for the ultimate comfort by renting a cabana, ideal for lounging with scenic views and easy access to the beach’s amenities.
For adventure enthusiasts, Coco Beach presents exciting water sports opportunities such as jet skiing and parasailing, perfect for thrill-seekers looking to experience the thrill of the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re seeking a tranquil day of sunbathing and leisurely strolls or an adrenaline-filled outing with friends, Coco Beach provides a diverse range of activities and experiences against the backdrop of Dar es Salaam’s coastal charm.
Hit The Shops in Slipway
The Slipway in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, isn’t just a shopping area; it’s a bustling hub of activity offering a diverse array of goods and services. Whether you’re hunting for souvenirs to commemorate your visit or craving a delicious meal, The Slipway has something for everyone. Browse through a variety of shops and stalls offering everything from fashionable clothing to state-of-the-art electronics, ensuring you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.
Food enthusiasts will delight in the wide selection of eateries serving up local and international cuisines, with options ranging from casual dining to gourmet experiences. For those needing tech support, The Slipway also houses repair shops where professionals can fix phones and laptops, ensuring your devices are in top condition during your stay.
Whether you’re exploring for leisure or on a mission to shop, dine, or repair, The Slipway provides a vibrant and convenient destination in Dar es Salaam, catering to both locals and visitors alike with its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings.
Explore Mwenge Woodcarvers Market
One of the best ways to experience Dar es Salaam is by visiting the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market. This market is located in the Mwenge district, one of Dar es Salaam’s oldest neighborhoods, and hosts some of its most popular attractions, including restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. The market sells carved wooden figures, masks, and other traditional crafts at affordable prices that can be used as souvenirs or gifts back home with you after your trip.
The market is open every day, but best visited on Saturdays when more vendors are selling their wares than usual plus, they have special offers such as free samples! If you’re interested in buying something unique, this should be one of your first stops when traveling around Tanzania’s capital city because there are many exciting things here waiting for discovery!
Watch Football at National Stadium.
The National Stadium in Dar es Salaam stands as Tanzania’s largest football arena, boasting a seating capacity exceeding 30,000 spectators. Initially constructed in 1968, the stadium underwent significant expansion in 2010, adding an additional 50,000 seats to accommodate the growing demand for sports events and cultural gatherings.
Located on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, the National Stadium serves as a pivotal venue for various sporting events, concerts, and national celebrations. It holds particular significance as the home ground of Simba SC, one of Tanzania’s premier football clubs, where fans eagerly gather weekly to cheer on their team. Beyond football matches, the stadium hosts diverse events that attract crowds from across the region, contributing to its status as a vital cultural and recreational landmark in Dar es Salaam.
Sample Traditional Tanzanian cuisine
One of the best things to do in Tanzania is sample traditional Tanzanian cuisine. You’ll find plenty of it, ranging from Indian and Arabic influences to African dishes. Local chefs have incorporated these different cultures into their cooking, resulting in an exotic cuisine often served with rice (biryani), shukka stew (pepper-based), or grilled meats and vegetables.
If you’re looking for something more than just a taste of this eclectic blend of cultures and cuisines, consider trying one or more of these delicious recipes:
Meet Tanzania’s Most Giant Elephant
The giant elephant in the world is at the National Museum in Dar es Salaam. It’s called Jumbo, measures 12 feet tall, weighs 4 tons, and has been on display since 1931. You can see him if you visit during opening hours (Monday to Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:30 pm) or after closing hours (Sunday, 6-9 pm).
The museum also has an impressive collection of other animals, such as rhinos, hippos, and lemurs—all displayed outside their natural habitat so visitors can get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures!
Go on a Safari to Selous Game Reserve.
Selous Game Reserve is located in southern Tanzania, which is an excellent place to go if you want to see some wildlife. The reserve has been home to African elephants since colonial times and is still here today! It’s also the largest game reserve in Africa, so if you’re into that sort of thing (and who isn’t?), this is your place.
If there’s one thing that sets Selous apart from other types of preserves or refuges for endangered animals like lions, it’s its history with hunting: over 500 years ago, the British were invited by local ruler King Mwanga II to hunt for rhinoceros and elephant because he wanted their ivory tusks as trophies—but none came back alive from their trip! As time went on, though, there wasn’t much left on these lands except for water buffalo, so eventually, those too disappeared without leaving any traces behind, except maybe some random bones buried under mud somewhere near where those same elephants roam today.
Conclusion
Dar es Salaam is a beautiful city that has so much to offer. From the Indian Ocean to Mwenge Woodcarvers Market and Zanzibar’s spice islands of Mafia and Pemba, there are many places that you can visit in Tanzania. The best way to experience Dar es Salaam is on foot or by bike – but if you’re looking for something less strenuous, renting an electric scooter like Razor Electric Scooters will allow you to explore all these different hotspots without breaking your budget.
