Arabic translates Dar es Salaam as “the abode of peace”. Originally meant as a quiet location when construction started in 1865 or so, today it is the largest city in Tanzania! Dar is Tanzania’s most major financial hub and boasts the highest population among all East African cities. Most visitors pass through on their route to a beach resort on or off the coast, but those who would spend a bit longer time here enjoy an exciting break in this most expansive of cities!

Dar’s location near the equator and close to the Indian Ocean helps to explain the tropical temperature of the city This becomes really humid and there are two rainy seasons! For instance, the opulent Hyatt Regency, we advise guests to stay in the hotels with decent facilities and lots of air conditioning.

Evolution

Although Dar’s earliest years were clearly unstable, the entry of the German East Africa Company and the consequent installation of the Central Railway Line had made the city something of a trading centre by the early 1900s. During the First World War, the British seized the city and instituted an indirect control spanning until 1961. Dar kept growing over this time.

The Ujamaa strategy, in which the government promoted people to live in socialist villages rather than cities, slowed down the city’s expansion following independence. But it was clear by the 1980s that the approach had failed. A second policy, sometimes referred to as the liberalization policy, let people dwell anywhere they wanted, therefore Dar saw a fast flood of rural area migrants. Growth resumed at a rapid pace; presently the city ranks among the heavyweights Nairobi and Johannesburg.

Events and activities in Dar Es Salaam

You will not run short of activities heading into the city!

Starting with the National Museum, which focuses on Tanzanian history, would be wise.

Just next door and ideal for a picnic lunch are Dar’s botanical gardens.
The Nyumba ya sanaa, the House of Art, located in the Oyster Bay region allows you to request a picture of anything you choose and have it ready in the Tingatinga oil-painting technique. The Nyumba ya sanaa displays many different Tanzanian arts and crafts.

With a scene including live dance, hip hop, R&B, and rap, Dar also boasts somewhat frequent musical activity. Every day at the Village Museum, a collection of sixteen traditional huts from different ethnic groups from Tanzania, traditional music and dance is performed. This museum lies out of town, on the route to the shore, hence a visit here blends nicely with a seaside excursion. Maintaining the ocean theme, we also suggest Dar’s Marine Reserve, where one may swim, sunbathe, snorkel, and perhaps even enjoy some mild hiking!

If you enjoy sports, you may go to attend an international football game at the National Stadium. And here you are spoiled for options if you are a foodie. From cosmopolitan food to Tanzanian BBQ treats, there is truly something to excite every set of taste receptors! Arab, Thai, Turkish, Italian, Chinese, Japanese… the range is seriously impressive!

If you would want to visit the exciting city of Dar, just contact our travel advisers.