Bustling with energy, and full of life, Dar Es Salaam is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world. Here are the 9 best things you can do in and around the gorgeous city:
- Pugu Hills
Tourists should go to the Pugu Hills Forest Reserve, which is home to cheetahs, leopards, giraffes, elephants, jackals, galagos, hyenas, warthogs, pangolins, mongooses, colobuses, baboons, and impalas. Tourists who like trekking can walk up to the main destinations such as the local cattle market, a cave that is sacred to the Zaramo people, and the great bat caves which are home to the Tanzanian woolly bat, Hildegarde’s tom bat, and horseshoe bat. The Reserve is one of the oldest forests in the world.
- The Askari Monument
No vacation is complete without learning about the history of the region. With plaques written in both Arabic and Swahili, the Askari monument stands as a memorial, reminding visitors of the Askari soldiers who fought with the British army in World War One. The Askari is the bronze statue of a soldier pointing a rifle towards the harbour.
- Bongoyo Island
Tourists can go to Bongoyo Island, 3.5km away, to relax on the sandy beach, eat fresh seafood, enjoy the scenic views of vivid greenery and crystal clear water, and engage in water activities such as snorkelling, and swimming!
- The National Museum
The National Museum of Tanzania was established in 1934, and is home to a sacred fig tree, ancient Chinese pottery, fossil discoveries, old Tanzanian wood carvings, ancient relics and coins, archeological artefacts, prehistoric rock art, paintings of important figures such as President Julius Nyerere, and indigenous ebony masks. Guests can also find artefacts from British and German colonial rule, a car that once belonged to King George V, cars such as Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, and Mercedes Benz which were once owned by Julius Nyerere, and ethnographic collections on indigenous Tanzanian cultures.
- Botanical Gardens
The botanical gardens are one of the peaceful spots in the city, where tourists can go for serenity and tranquility. Guests can enjoy the vivid greenery and lush vegetation, take relaxing walks, or spot animals such as peacocks, hedgehogs, and exotic birds.
- Mwenge Woodcarvers Market
Tourists can go to Mwenge Woodcarvers Market to find intricate tribal art, bead jewellery, Tinga Tinga paintings, sculptures, and wood carvings, all sold at open air stalls! Visitors can even buy amazing souvenirs! At many stalls, travellers can even witness the creative work being done by the painters, sandal makers, bracelet makers, sculptors, and carvers! Tourists can also engage in bargaining, and buy objects to support the local economy.
- The Fire Restaurant
Known for its ambience and excellent service, the Fire Restaurant is a popular eatery which serves Mexican, Indian, and African foods such as curry, naan, chicken, fresh vegetables, chapati, and many other delicacies.
- Coco Beach
At the stunning Msasani Peninsula, tourists can go to Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay! This beach allows guests to enjoy mouth watering food, which has Indian, African, Arabic, and Swahili influences, and includes fresh seafood (prawns, calamari, lobster, octopus), biryani, spiced potatoes, ginger tea, Kuku Paka (spicy curry), Ugali, kebabs, Muhogo (deep fried cassava), meat skewers, Mandazi (doughnuts), chicken, and lamb!
- Mlimani City Mall
Shopping is essential for every vacation, so tourists can go to Mlimani to shop at local and international brands for clothes, books, accessories, and electronics. They can also watch a movie at the cinema, or eat at international fast food chains like Pizza Hut and KFC!
A visit to Dar Es Salaam offers everything: nature, scenic views, history, adventure, great food, excellent shopping, and an overall unforgettable experience!