Dar es Salaam is the capital of Dar es Salaam province and is located on the eastern coast of Tanzania, facing the Indian Ocean. Simply referred to as “Dar,” it is the most populous and prosperous city in Tanzania and one of the most important economic centers on the continent. It used to be the country’s capital before that title was given to Dodoma in 1974. Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s most prominent art, fashion, media, music, film, and television center as well. With its big shopping malls and bustling town squares, Dar es Salaam offers an urban and modern experience of Tanzanian culture. Tourism plays a major role in Dar’s economy. The city provides every tourist activity imaginable, including live concerts, marine reserve visits, and water sports. In addition, it is home to old historical sites, like the graves and ancient mosques in the ruins of Bagamoyo, Kaole, and Kunduchi.
There are multiple tiny islands in the waters between the Tanzanian mainland and Zanzibar. Two of the most famous are Bongoyo Island and Mbudya Island. Both islands are uninhibited and consist primarily of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. The marine reserve helps protect the area’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems. These two islands and the many others in the vicinities are great places to spend time with family and friends, swimming, relaxing, and having food on the white beaches.
The National Museum features multiple exhibits that display Tanzania’s culture, archeology, and history. The museum covers everything with comprehensive explanations from the earliest signs of human life in the country up to the colonial period and the present. It displays artifacts and bones of Paranthropus boisei and some findings at Olduvai, namely footprints of a hominid that predates the Homo Sapiens. It is evidence of human evolution, which scientists believe began in Africa.
This major Tanzanian attraction and tourist hotspot are located in mainland Dar, on the coast of the Indian Ocean. This is the most popular public beach in Dar es Salaam. Food stalls offer traditional foods and drinks, horse rides, and small shops and sellers are found along the beach. Some clubs and bars are ready to serve the visitors, particularly at night. So, make sure to pay this beach a visit after the sunset too!
The museum is dedicated to Tanzanian different ethnic groups’ cultures and traditions. The museum consists of a large open-air site, 22 houses, each featuring exhibits of a part of Tanzanian culture, arts, and crafts, and a restaurant serving traditional drinks and foods. It also offers exceptional facilities for families. Guided tours are also available here to answer your questions and explain the exhibits with the help of knowledgeable tour guides.
This zoo is located on the Eastern outskirts of the city, 37 kilometers from downtown Dar. It is dedicated mainly to animal species indigenous to Tanzania, but all types of animals and vegetation from all across Africa can be found within. There are cheetahs, lions, monkeys, baboons, snakes, hyenas, zebras, many species of birds, and many more. There are camel, horse, and donkey rides available, as well as cart rides. It includes a children swimming area and food stalls too. This is an excellent spot for children and families to spend a day at.
The Nyumba ya Sanaa (“House of Art”)
It is also known as Julius Nyerere Cultural Center; Dar es Salaam tour visitors can learn about Tanzanian history, art, culture, and crafts. You can buy crafts at reasonable prices, including small woodwork and paintings.
Being the largest city in the country, it is no surprise that Dar boasts the biggest international airport too. The Julius Nyerere International Airport serves the city well, especially with a newly added terminal. The airport has direct flights to all the major African cities and offers flights to some European ones.
With a harbor on the Indian Ocean and a railway station, Dar es Salaam is the main transportation hub of Tanzania. Many railways and highways in or near Dar es Salaam provide convenient transportation for commuters.
Locals and visitors have access to the standard modes of transportation in the African continent, including vans and minibuses, motorcycle transits, tuk-tuks, an extensive system of bus stops and train stations, as well as boats and ferries.
Being the largest city in the country, it is no surprise that Dar boasts the biggest international airport too. The Julius Nyerere International Airport serves the city well, especially with a newly added terminal. The airport has direct flights to all the major African cities and offers flights to some European ones.
With a harbor on the Indian Ocean and a railway station, Dar es Salaam is the main transportation hub of Tanzania. Many railways and highways in or near Dar es Salaam provide convenient transportation for commuters.
Locals and visitors have access to the standard modes of transportation in the African continent, including vans and minibuses, motorcycle transits, tuk-tuks, an extensive system of bus stops and train stations, as well as boats and ferries.
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