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Overview
Dar es Salaam (also known as Dar) is the most populous city in Tanzania and its the commercial capital. It is located on the Swahili Coast on the eastern edge of the Indian Ocean. Dar es Salaam is a major economic and cultural center for Tanzania, and it is home to a diverse population of over 4 million people.
Dar es Salaam is a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of tourist attractions in the city, including museums and markets.
The National Museum of Tanzania
The National Museum of Tanzania in Dar es Salaam is the largest and oldest museum in the country. It was founded in 1934 and is dedicated to the history and culture of Tanzania. The museum has a collection of over 1 million artifacts, including archaeological finds, ethnographic objects, and natural history specimens.
The museum's permanent exhibitions cover a wide range of topics, including:
- The history of Tanzania: The museum's history galleries tell the story of Tanzania from its earliest inhabitants to the present day.
- The culture of Tanzania: The museum's cultural galleries feature exhibits on Tanzanian music, dance, art, and crafts.
- The natural history of Tanzania: The museum's natural history galleries feature exhibits on Tanzania's plants, animals, and geology.
The Village Museum
The Dar es Salaam Village Museum is an open-air museum located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It features traditional houses from various parts of Tanzania, as well as a variety of cultural exhibits.
The museum was founded in 1996 by the National Museum of Tanzania. It was created to preserve the traditional culture and architecture of Tanzania, and to provide a place where visitors could learn about the country's diverse heritage.
The museum is located on a 15-acre plot of land in the Makumbusho area of Dar es Salaam. It is home to over 50 traditional houses, representing over 20 different ethnic groups in Tanzania. The houses are furnished with traditional furniture and household items, and some of them are staffed by museum staff who can answer visitors' questions about the culture and traditions of the ethnic group represented by the house.
In addition to the traditional houses, the museum also has a number of cultural exhibits. These exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including traditional Tanzanian music, dance, art, crafts, and food. The museum also has a number of shops where visitors can purchase traditional Tanzanian souvenirs.
The Dar es Salaam Village Museum is a great place to learn about the traditional culture and heritage of Tanzania. It is also a great place to see a variety of traditional Tanzanian houses and artifacts.
Here are some tips for visiting the Dar es Salaam Village Museum:
- The museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Tuesday through Sunday.
- The museum offers guided tours in English and Swahili.
- The museum has a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs.
- The museum is a popular tourist destination, so it is best to visit during the morning or afternoon when it is less crowded.
- Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as the museum is quite large and there is a lot of walking involved.
The Askari Monument
The Askari Monument in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is a memorial to the askari (African soldiers) who fought in the British campaign against the German Army in East Africa in World War I. It was unveiled in 1927. The monument is located at the centre of a roundabout on Samora Avenue at the perpendicular junction to Maktaba Street and Azikiwe Street, a place that reportedly also marks the exact centre of downtown Dar es Salaam.
The Askari Monument was designed by British sculptor James Alexander Stevenson, who also designed the Cenotaph in London. The monument is made of bronze and consists of a statue of an askari soldier standing on a pedestal. The soldier is dressed in a British uniform and is holding a rifle. The pedestal is inscribed with the following words:
To the memory of the Askari who fell in the Great War 1914-1918
The Askari Monument is a significant historical landmark in Dar es Salaam. It is a reminder of the sacrifices that African soldiers made during World War I, and it is a symbol of the city's rich history.
The Askari Monument is also a popular tourist destination. Visitors can take photos of the monument and learn about its history from the informative plaques that are located nearby.
Bongoyo Island Tour
Bongoyo Island is a beautiful uninhabited island located just off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It is part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve and is a popular tourist destination for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving.
The island is covered in dense forest and has two beaches, one on the north side and one on the east side. The north beach is the more popular beach and is where most of the tourist facilities are located. The east beach is more secluded and is a good place to go for a walk or to enjoy a picnic.
Bongoyo Island is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of Dar es Salaam and to relax in a beautiful natural setting. It is also a great place to see a variety of marine life, including fish, coral reefs, and sea turtles.
Here are some tips for visiting Bongoyo Island:
- The best time to visit Bongoyo Island is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is clear.
- Bongoyo Island is a popular tourist destination, so it is best to visit during the week when it is less crowded.
- There are a number of boat companies that offer day trips to Bongoyo Island from Dar es Salaam. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes.
- Once you arrive on Bongoyo Island, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas, and you can purchase food and drinks from the restaurants and bars on the island.
- Be sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- It is also a good idea to bring a snorkeling mask and fins so that you can explore the underwater world around Bongoyo Island.
Kariakoo Market
The Kariakoo Market in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, is a bustling market where you can find everything from fresh produce to souvenirs. It is one of the largest and most popular markets in East Africa, and it is a great place to experience Tanzanian culture.
The Kariakoo Market is located in the heart of Dar es Salaam, and it is easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. The market is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Monday through Saturday.
The Kariakoo Market is divided into different sections, each of which sells different types of goods. Some of the most popular sections of the market include:
- The food section: This section of the market sells a variety of fresh produce, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood.
- The clothing section: This section of the market sells a variety of clothing, including traditional Tanzanian clothing, as well as imported clothing.
- The souvenir section: This section of the market sells a variety of souvenirs, including Tanzanian handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing.
In addition to these sections, the Kariakoo Market also has a number of restaurants, bars, and cafes. It is a great place to grab a bite to eat or to drink a drink while you are shopping.
When visiting the Kariakoo Market, it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions against petty theft. The market is very crowded, and it can be easy to get lost. It is also important to be respectful of the local culture and customs.
Here are some tips for visiting the Kariakoo Market:
- Wear comfortable shoes: You will be doing a lot of walking at the Kariakoo Market, so it is important to wear comfortable shoes.
- Dress respectfully: The Kariakoo Market is a traditional Tanzanian market, so it is important to dress respectfully. This means covering your shoulders and knees.
- Be aware of your surroundings: The Kariakoo Market is very crowded, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and to take precautions against petty theft.
- Bargain for prices: It is customary to bargain for prices at the Kariakoo Market. Don't be afraid to ask for a lower price.
- Have fun!: The Kariakoo Market is a great place to experience Tanzanian culture and to find unique souvenirs. Have fun and enjoy your shopping experience!
Accommodation
Here are some accommodation options in Dar es Salaam based on locations:
City Center
The city center area is bordered by Samora Avenue to the north, Maktaba Street to the east, Nyerere Avenue to the south, and the Indian Ocean to the west.
Masaki
Masaki is an upscale residential and commercial area in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It is located on the Msasani Peninsula, which juts out into the Indian Ocean. Masaki is home to many embassies and high commissions, as well as a number of luxury hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Masaki is a popular area for both Tanzanians and expatriates. It is known for its beautiful beaches, its safe and clean environment, and its proximity to the city center. Masaki is also a popular tourist destination, as it is home to a number of attractions, including the Oyster Bay Beach, the Slipway Hotel, and the Dar es Salaam Yacht Club.
Mikocheni
Mikocheni is a district in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It is located in the north of the city, and it is home to a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas.
Mikocheni is a popular area for expats and Tanzanians who are looking for a more affordable alternative to living in the city center. The area is home to a number of schools, hospitals, and shopping centers.
Mikocheni is also home to a number of attractions, including the Makumbusho Village Museum, which is an open-air museum that exhibits traditional houses from various parts of Tanzania.
Kunduchi
Kunduchi is a suburb of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, located on the Indian Ocean coast. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters, and lush vegetation.
Kunduchi is home to a number of hotels, resorts, and vacation homes. It is also a popular destination for day trips from Dar es Salaam.
Kigamboni beach
Located in the Southern part of Dar es Salaam and accessible by ferry.
Oyster Beach
Also known us coco beach, it is a hub for golden sand, palm trees, street food, restaurants, clubs and bars.
Other areas
Bahari Beach
Jangwani Beach
Mbezi- a large suburb on the eastern side of the city, and it is home to a diverse population of Tanzanians and the Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve.
When choosing accommodation in Dar es Salaam, it is important to consider your budget, your needs, and your interests. If you are looking for a luxurious hotel with all the amenities, then you may want to stay in the city center or in Masaki. If you are on a tighter budget, then you may want to stay in Mikocheni or in another area outside of the city center.
If you are interested in spending time at the beach, then you may want to stay in Kunduchi or in another area along the coast. If you are interested in being close to the city center and all of its attractions, then you may want to stay in the city center or in Masaki.
No matter what your budget or needs are, there is sure to be an accommodation option in Dar es Salaam that is right for you.
PHOTO CREDIT: Holiday Inn Dar es Salaam
Jangwani and Mbudya Islands
Jangwani Island and Mbudya Island are two small islands located off the coast of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. They are both part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve and are popular tourist destinations for swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, and diving.
Jangwani Island
Jangwani Island is a smaller island than Mbudya Island, but it is also more developed. There are a number of restaurants, bars, and shops on the island, and there are also a few guesthouses where you can stay overnight.
Mbudya Island
Mbudya Island is a larger island than Jangwani Island, and it is less developed. There are a few restaurants and bars on the island, but there are no guesthouses where you can stay overnight.
Things to do on Jangwani and Mbudya Islands
- Swimming: The waters around Jangwani and Mbudya Islands are clear and warm, making them perfect for swimming.
- Sunbathing: The islands have white sand beaches that are perfect for sunbathing.
- Snorkeling: The waters around the islands are home to a variety of marine life, making them perfect for snorkeling.
- Diving: There are a number of dive sites around the islands, making them perfect for diving.
How to get to Jangwani and Mbudya Islands
There are a number of boat companies that offer day trips to Jangwani and Mbudya Islands from Dar es Salaam. The boat ride takes about 30 minutes.
Tips for visiting Jangwani and Mbudya Islands
- **The best time to visit Jangwani and Mbudya Islands is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During this time, the weather is warm and sunny, and the water is clear.
- **Jangwani and Mbudya Islands are popular tourist destinations, so it is best to visit during the week when they are less crowded.
- **Be sure to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- It is also a good idea to bring a snorkeling mask and fins so that you can explore the underwater world around Jangwani and Mbudya Islands.
Comparison of Jangwani and Mbudya Islands
| Feature | Jangwani Island | Mbudya Island |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller | Larger |
| Development | More developed | Less developed |
| Accommodation | A few guesthouses | None |
| Activities | Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, diving | Swimming, sunbathing, snorkeling, diving |
| Access | About 30 minutes by boat from Dar es Salaam | About 30 minutes by boat from Dar es Salaam |
Which island is right for you?
The best island for you depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for a more developed island with more amenities, then Jangwani Island is a good option. If you are looking for a more secluded island with a more natural feel, then Mbudya Island is a good option.
Bagamoyo
Bagamoyo is a historic coastal town in eastern Tanzania, located about 75 kilometers northwest of Dar es Salaam. It is the capital of the Bagamoyo District in the Pwani Region.
Bagamoyo has a rich history dating back centuries. It was once an important trading port on the East African coast, and was also a major center for the slave trade. In the late 19th century, Bagamoyo became the first capital of German East Africa.
Today, Bagamoyo is a popular tourist destination, known for its well-preserved colonial architecture, its rich cultural heritage, and its beautiful beaches.
Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Bagamoyo include:
- The Kaole Ruins: These ruins are the remains of a Swahili settlement that dates back to the 13th century. The ruins include two mosques and several other buildings.
- The Old Fort: This fort was built in the 1860s to hold slaves before they were shipped to Zanzibar.
- The German Boma: This building was once the headquarters of the German colonial administration. It is now a museum that tells the story of Bagamoyo's colonial past.
- The Slave Market: This market was once used to sell slaves. Today, it is a memorial to the victims of the slave trade.
- The Bagamoyo Art Center: This center is dedicated to promoting and preserving Swahili culture. It offers workshops on traditional Swahili arts and crafts, and it also has a gallery that exhibits the work of local artists.
In addition to its historical and cultural attractions, Bagamoyo also has a number of beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include:
- Ufukoni Beach: This beach is located just outside of town and is popular with locals and tourists alike.
- Kisiju Beach: This beach is located about 10 kilometers south of Bagamoyo and is known for its white sand and clear water.
- Kizimbani Beach: This beach is located about 20 kilometers south of Bagamoyo and is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and fishing.
Bagamoyo is a unique and fascinating town with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or simply relaxing on a beautiful beach, Bagamoyo is the perfect place for you.
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