As we go into the new year, travel lovers will enjoy planning their trips and vacations. A great location for tourists to visit in 2022 is Dar Es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, which gives a unique insight into the urban life of East Africa. The vivid and bustling city is the ideal tourist spot for all sorts of travellers, as it offers everything that a travel lover might require – such as excellent accommodation, world class food options, stunning views of nature, colorful markets, and historical monuments. Here are some travel tips that one can keep in mind while planning a trip to Dar Es Salaam!
- Reaching Dar Es Salaam
Although Dar Es Salaam can be reached by road, most travellers arrive by air. International flights arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport, which is Julius around 7.5 miles away from the city centre, and receives flights from Asia, Middle East, Europe, and Africa daily.
- Finding Accommodation
Dar Es Salaam is home to top class hotels and retreats, where tourists can enjoy comfort and luxury. The city offers accommodation that can suit any budget. Tourists could stay at luxurious, high end hotels such as the Oyster Bay Hotel, Dar Es Salaam Serena Hotel, Johari Rotana, and Hyatt Regency. Other top rated but more affordable options include White Sands Resort, Four Points by Sheraton, Ramada Resort, and Hotel Slipway. Tourists who want to stay within a lower budget can still enjoy a comfortable stay with hotels such as Iris Hotel, Mbezi Garden Hotel, and Hotel De Mag Plaza.
- Choosing Where to Eat
A region’s local cuisine allows an insight into its vibrant and rich culture. In Dar Es Salaam, tourists can get an authentic taste of Tanzania by enjoying street food such as Mandazi, Chipsi Mayai, Uji, Mshikaki, Ugali and Nyama Choma, Biryani, and Samosa. The local cuisine uses spices such as cumin, turmeric, cinnamon, vanilla, pepper, nutmeg, and lemongrass, which gives the food a unique flavor. Tourists who want to try other cuisines can find many international food chains and restaurants. Some top restaurants and eateries in Dar Es Salaam include Mamboz Corner BBQ, Karambezi Cafe which serves Indian, European, and Mediterranean Food, Samaki Samaki which is known for its Swahili fish, Sawasdee which serves Thai food, and Mediterraneo which is popular for its fine Italian dishes.
- Must-See Places to Visit
There are many places in Dar Es Salaam that every visitor must see!
- The National Museum of Tanzania
The National Museum allows visitors to learn about the history, heritage, and culture of Tanzania. Here, tourists can find old wood carvings, ancient Chinese pottery, fossil discoveries, archeological artefacts, prehistoric rock art, ancient relics and coins, a sacred fig tree, and indigenous ebony masks.
- Mwengwe Woodcarver’s Market
At Mwenge Woodcarvers Market, tourists can observe intricate tribal art, bead jewellery, Tinga Tinga paintings, sculptures, and wood carvings! One can buy souvenirs at open air stalls, or witness the extraordinary creativity of the painters, sandal makers, bracelet makers, sculptors, and carvers!
- The Askari Monument
The Askari Monument is a bronze statue of a soldier with a gun pointing towards the harbour, made to commemorate the contributions of the Askari soldiers who fought with the British army in the first World War. The statute is accompanied by plaques written in both English and Swahili.
- Pugu Hills
Visitors can also take a trip to Pugu Hills Forest Reserve, where they can spot animals such as hyenas, leopards, cheetahs, galagos, jackals, giraffes, elephants, warthogs, mongooses, colobus monkeys, and pangolins.
- Mbezi Beach
20 km north of the city centre, Mbezi Beach is a pristine and untouched beach that is an excellent diving location. Tourists can relax on the soft sand and enjoy the heavenly view of the lush, tropical surroundings!
- COVID-19 Guidelines
Although COVID-19 no longer remains as large of a threat as it was in the years 2020 and 2021, it is still a significant part of the world we live in. For 2022, it is important to note that there are certain restrictions in place for international tourists visiting Dar Es Salaam. All visitors are required to provide a negative PCR COVID-19 test result, and must submit an online Traveller’s Surveillance Form 24 hours before arrival. Incoming passengers may be subject to COVID screening, which may include a rapid test. As covid vaccines have become available all over the world, travel lovers should get themselves vaccinated, to ensure that they can travel safely.
Dar Es Salaam is a top location for travel lovers to visit in 2022, as they can enjoy a comfortable, budget friendly, and fun filled vacation here!
