10 things to do in and Around Dar es salaam

10 things to do in and Around Dar es salaam : Have you heard of Dar es Salaam? This is a Tanzanian megacity and financial hub, which lies on the Indian Ocean coast. The history of this cosmopolitan city is inspiring. It evolved from a Zaramo fishing village into a bustling city, thriving in business, cultural interaction, and technology.

Embarking on an adventure in Tanzania is thrilling because apart from wildlife parks like Serengeti National Park, there are also wonderful cities like Arusha, Mwanza, and Dar es Salaam. All these developed cities offer unforgettable city life. If interested in visiting Dar es Salaam city, here are the top 10 things you should do:

Visit Kariakoo Market

This is a famous and largest market in Dar es Salaam. You can go shopping in the Kariakoo Market. Many goods are sold in this market ranging from apparel to tech gadgets. There, you will meet with different cultures, however, be careful about whom you choose to interact with. Some paparazzi will try to be good friends to steal from you.

Visit Coco Beach

Coco Beach is a stunning mainland beach. You can relax there and experience the calming breezes of the azure-blue Indian Ocean. Swimming is not recommended at this beach because water is contaminated. However, you may see people swimming on this beach.

Visit the National Museum and House of Culture

Along Shaaban Robert Street in Dar es Salaam, you can see the National Museum and House of Culture. This modern museum houses collections and exhibitions relating to archaeology, paleontology, biology, ethnography, contemporary arts, and history.

What to see in the National Museum? You will see permanent galleries showcasing human evolution, history, biology, rock, ethnography, and contemporary art. For instance, you can see paleontology collections like the Zinjanthropus boisei “Zinj,” a hominid said to have lived 1.75 million years ago.

In this museum also, you can see digital exhibitions, aquariums, historically significant state cars, outdoor exhibitions, and many others.

Visit the Askari Monument

At the center of a roundabout on Samora Avenue, stands the Askari Monument. This sculpture of Askari holding a rifle with a bayonet pointed toward the Dar es Salaam harbor. It is made of bronze and it was unveiled in 1927.

The message represented by this monument is worth hundreds of pages. It reminds the world how brave were the King’s Africa Rifles (KAR). The Askari Monument commemorates the Askari who fought the World War I. You can visit this majestic sculpture to take some photos for your memory.

Village Museum tour

This is an open-air museum in Dar es Salaam. You can get there by getting a taxi to the north of the city. Village Museum houses a collection of traditional dwellings. The dwellings showcase the authentic life of Tanzanian locals.

The locals exhibit traditional skills like weaving, carving, and pottery. They also perform traditional dances when requested.

A trip to Mbudya Island

 Nestled in the north of Dar es Salaam, Mbudya Island is among the four islands that make the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. This island is uninhabited. It is a perfect spot if you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of Dar es Salaam. You can enjoy pleasant activities like sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Mbudya Island is within the reach of most hotels in Dar es Salaam. Want some seafood? On this island, there is a restaurant that serves seafood and beverages.

Visit Bongoyo Island

Bongoyo Island is a perfect spot for getting away from the busy city. It is 2.5 km north of Dar es Salaam. Want some fresh air? Book a trip to Bongoyo Island. The island has green vegetation with 59 families of plants. The island also has coral reefs, sea grass beds, rocky shores, and lagoons.

Swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing are some activities you can do on this island. You can also enjoy kayaking, beach relaxation, and picnicking.

Pugu Kazimzumbwi Nature Reserve tour

At 12 km north of Tanzania’s megacity is the serene nature forest reserve, Pugu Kazimzumbwi Nature Reserve. the forest is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna species. Some of the iconic plant species include giant bamboo.

You can also see other features, such as Lake Minaki, caves, monkeys, and insects. Several activities can be done in this forest, including canoeing, photographing, hiking, and meditation.

Visit Kivukoni Fish Market

Fishers do bring their catch to this market for sale. If you want to experience the authentic life of coastline people, this is your best place. Early in the morning, middlemen try to negotiate with the fishers.

Try local food

You can enter a local restaurant to try local dishes. Eat like a local at the famous food points in Dar es Salaam. You can have a local breakfast of a teacup and bites like mandazi, chapatti, and vitumbua (rice burn). Nyama choma (grilled meat) and chips are delicious. Other dishes include pilau (spiced rice) and biriani.

There are plenty of things you can do while in Dar es Salaam. Focus East Africa Safaris offers more than normal safari experiences, but a unique way of discovering the wonders of Tanzania. If you are ready for an adventure in Tanzania, plan a trip with us.