View from Upanga, Dar Es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest and most influential city.
Yet Mount Kilimanjaro, the northern circuit of African wildlife and the island of Zanzibar are the reasons why many tourists that visit Tanzania miss the largest city altogether.
With 4 – 6 million inhabitants, Dar Es Salaam is a vibrant East African city that includes lots of excitement and plenty of character.
Culture, beaches, shopping and food – Dar Es Salaam has a little slice of adventure for you to enjoy.
Here’s a list of 23 fun things you can do while in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania!
Kariakoo Market
1. Kariakoo Market
One of the busiest and most thrilling markets in Dar Es Salaam is the local Kariakoo market.
This is the place to go if you are hunting for the best bargains in town or wish to see the authentic side of local style Tanzanian shopping. Make sure you haggle to get the best deals.
Be cautious with your money and possessions as Kariakoo is a bustling crowded place.
Things to do in Dar Es Salaam
2. Dar Es Salaam Fish Market
One of my favorite things to do in Dar Es Salaam is wake up early in the morning and wander around the Dar fish market.
People gather from around the city to purchase the fresh catch of the day. Climb the flight of stairs leading towards to the official offices for a lovely bird’s eye view of the fish market.
Arrive at around 6:30 am to catch the most energized fish auctions taking place.
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
3. View of Dar Es Salaam
Located near the Azania Lutheran Church, you can go to the New Africa Hotel and navigate your way to the Sawasdee Thai food restaurant for a great view of Dar Es Salaam and the harbor.
Askari Monument, Dar Es Salaam
4. Askari Monument
One of the most well known historical statues of significance in Dar Es Salaam is Askari Monument. Depicting a soldier with his bayonet pointing to the harbor, the monument is a reminder of the soldiers that fought as the Carrier Corps in World War I.
The cast bronze Askari Monument is supposedly located in the precise center of Dar, in the middle of the roundabout that bisects Samora Avenue with Maktaba Street.
Azania Lutheran Church
5. Azania Lutheran Church
Originally built by German missionaries in Tanzania, the Azania Lutheran Church is an iconic structure located at Dar Es Salaam’s harbor front. From the cathedral you’ll have easy access to other tourist attractions around town.
6. National Museum of Dar Es Salaam
If you want to learn more about the history and culture of Tanzania or see some of the fossils that have been uncovered in the country, you’ll be interested in visiting the National Museum.
The museum is not setup in the most entertaining way, but if you are willing to read, you’ll learn quite a bit.
Temple Street, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
7. Temple Road
If you are walking around downtown Dar Es Salaam, take a stroll down Temple Road where you’ll find a selection of religious temples. There’s not much else to do, but you can visit a few of the temples and have a look around.
8. Pugu Hills Nature Reserve
Pugu Hills is a designated nature reserve located around 25 kilometers from the center of Dar Es Salaam. Along with an opportunity to hike the trails, you can also choose to bird watch or visit the cave which is famous for its colony of bats.
You can either get to Pugu Hills on your own or take a day tour.
Coco Beach - Oyster Bay
9. Coco Beach on the Weekends
Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay, is a stretch of beach located on the Msasani Peninsula of Dar Es Salaam. If you are looking for fun things to do in Dar Es Salaam, head over to Coco Beach on the weekend when it’s packed full of local Tanzanians and Asians.
There are plenty of street food snacks and sometimes live music. The open area is also a place where frequent concerts and parties take place – check the city events guide.
Swimming is not really recommended at Coco Beach, though some choose to wade in the water.
10. Bagamoyo Town
Similar to Mombasa or Lamu, Bagamoyo town located north of Dar Es Salaam, is an ancient East African trade port. The town has been influenced by Arabs and Indians to create a uniquely Swahili culture.
On a day trip to Bagamoyo, you can visit ancient ruins, old churches and mosques and tour one of Tanzania’s only college of arts known as Chuo Cha Sanaa.
If you don’t have your own transportation, you can get to Bagamoyo by local bus or by taking a day tour.
Bongoyo Island - Things to do in Dar Es Salaam
11. Bongoyo Island
One of the most entertaining things to do in Dar Es Salaam is swim in the beautiful warm tropical Indian Ocean – but not right in Dar itself – there are a few locations that aren’t far that are much better (and cleaner).
Bongoyo Island is a small island off the coast of Dar that makes a fantastic day trip of lazying on the beach, snorkeling and dining on fresh fried fish and chips.
Since becoming a marine reserve a few years ago, fees have severely increased, but it’s still worth it. Get to the island by taking a boat from The Slipway shopping center.
North Beach, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania
12. North Beach – Jangwani and Mbuja Island
North of Dar Es Salaam there are a few lovely beaches and islands to enjoy as well. From White Sands hotel in Jangwani, you can take a boat to Mbuja Island, a great place to unwind and eat freshly caught Indian Ocean seafood.
South Beach, Dar Es Salaam
13. South Beach – Kigamboni
Seclusion, peace and quietness is how I would describe the South Beach area of Dar Es Salaam. There are a number of hotels that you can visit, or you can rent your own personal banda thatch covered hut for the day. The lanky palm trees rustling in the breeze and the rythmic wash of waves makes spending a day at South Beach one of the most relaxing things to do in Dar Es Salaam.
Get there by personal vehicle or by local dala dala minivan. You’ll need to cross to the Kigamboni side of Dar by taking the ferry across the port – the ferry ride alone is an awesome Dar experience!
14. Village Museum
More of a hands on than the National Museum, the Village Museum offers a chance to observe a number of typical style Tanzanian traditional huts and learn more about the tribes of the country.
Dance and drum performances are held in the evenings on weekends.
Wood Carvers' Village
15. Mwenge Carvers’ Village
Located on the outskirts of town, Mwenge Carvers’ Village is a great attraction in Dar Es Salaam if you are in the market for Tanzanian souvenirs.
Though there is a lot of the same same type of things, if you take the time to browse around you’ll come away with some unique and quality Tanzanian handicrafts.
Tinga Tinga, Dar Es Salaam
16. Tingatinga Art Center
Tanzanian’s have long been famous around Africa for their artwork (even on the streets of Dar). The modern movement of Tingatinga painting is one my my favorite styles of Tanzanian art.
An artistic movement that began with Edward Said Tingatinga, the style is characterized by extemely bright oil colors and cartoon imaginative figures.
The Tingatinga center is a rainbow of color and artistic inspiration. You can browse around and buy anything you see!
Kanga Shopping
17. Kanga Shopping – Uhuru St.
A popular thing to buy in Dar Es Salaam are the colorful pieces of wrap around cloth known as kangas. These brightly dyed rectangles of fabric are available in infinite colors, with infinite patterns and often include a message written in Kiswahili.
Head over to Uhuru Street in downtown Dar Es Salaam for a huge distribution selection of kangas.
Nyama Choma
18. Nyama Choma
Just like in neighboring Kenya, nyama choma (roasted meat – often goat) is wildly popular – and incredibly delicious. Go to a local restaurant, order your choice of meat and wait for it to slowly roast.
In Tanzania, nyama choma is served with a few chillies and sometimes a tomato and red onion garnish. Many Tanzanians choose to wash down their nyama choma with a few beers.
Tanzanian Mishkaki
19. Mishkaki
Mishkaki is the Tanzanian version of meat on a stick – street style shish kebabs! Marinated in a few spices, cooked on a bed of hot coals, and served with hot chili and lime juice, mishkaki is a wonderful treat.
I'm a happy man with a plate of chili paneer...
20. Indian Food
With a sizable population of Indians, there’s a decent selection of delicious Indian food available in Dar Es Salaam (just like with Kenyan food). The Upanga area, in central Dar, is one of the best areas of town to locate good Indian food.
Things to do in Dar Es Salaam - Eat Zanzibari Mix!
21. Zanzibari Mix
There is one dish in Dar Es Salaam that is rare, but is a gem of an example of an expertly prepared dish that sums up the realm of cultures and traditions of the city: Zanzibari Mix.
The makeshift Mama Mumtaz restaurant is not easy to find – in fact, you’ll probably have to walk to Kariakoo market and ask someone to direct you to it. Zanzibari mix is incredible – a comforting combination of deep fried fritters in a coconut milk curry and garnished with fresh chutneys and chili sauce.
Tanzanian Street Food
22. Tanzanian Street Food
Whether it’s roasted maize or mama cooked Tanzanian chapatis, you won’t want to miss a few meals and snacks of Tanzanian street food when you visit Dar Es Salaam!
Fresh Tanzanian Street Coffee
23. Tanzanian Beverages
Everywhere you travel you’ll encounter a new and unique set of local beverages. When you are in Tanzania you may want to sample the selection of locally brewed beer, have a few cups of Dar street coffee and especially guzzle a pungent Stoney Tangawizi.
After spending a few days in Dar Es Salaam you may want to visit the famous island of Zanzibar for a relaxing holiday. Be sure to read about how to get from Dar Es Salaam to Zanzibar and then check out these top things to do in Zanzibar!
WOW, this is a great list! I would have settled for 10 but 23.. you really did a rocking job! Im using this post once I find my way to Tanzania;)
Thanks Ciki! Cool, I really hope you make it to Tanzania soon!
Fantastic article, Mark. This is the first time I ever REALLY wanted to travel in Africa, thanks to this very article and beautiful photos. The food in Dar looks delicious. Thank you!
Cool to hear that Colleen! Thanks for checking out this article!
As always, lovely photos!
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Thanks Lane!
nice list, you missed out the other type of mishkaki known as sururu! it’s best when its straight off the grill and then dipped into a tomato n chilli chutney
Mmm, thanks for sharing Sa, that sounds really good too!
Quote”……head over to Coco Beach on the weekend when it’s packed full of local Tanzanians and Asians.” Ahh! Tanzanians and who? How does the author know all these Asians are not Tanzanians?
Hey Robert,
I don’t think Asian doesn’t mean Tanzanian – sure plenty of the Asians in Tanzania are Tanzanian, but doesn’t mean they’re not Asian as well.
Fully agree with you. Lots of Asians & almost all are Tanzanians. I was born & grew up there but left almost 40 yrs ago. Visit my family & friends every other year. Heading back in June for 2-3 months. I have been to & seen most places you suggest & also have eaten everything you have suggested. Next time around try their BBQ Jumbo shrimps/prawns from restaurants, sweet BBQ Yams & BBQ Cassava from street vendors. Try the “heart of Palm” sold at the Oysterbay beach. They sell them by slices & don’t forget the coconut popularly known in Kiswahili as “Madaafu”…sold on the streets & at Oysterbay too.
Thanks for stopping by F.K and for the added input. Cool to hear that you grew up in Tanzania and still make frequent visits. I’m drooling right now for some of those jumbo BBQ Indian Ocean prawns and the hearts of palm!
I left Dar es Salaam over 32 yrs ago and your delightful pictures etc brought the memories flooding back, tempting me to return for a visit. Thank you soooooooooo much!
No problem Maria, I’m glad you enjoyed this and thank you for taking a look. Hope you can make a trip back to Dar soon!
Left Tanzania 32 years ago. Visit family on regular basis. Excellent presentation. Also there is a restaurant called Khana Khazana who present variuos dishes and excellent atmosphere.
Also when visiting Bagamoyo must visit Crocodile farm where you are able to hold a small one in your hands and experience the strength of this reptile. Love Tanzania.
Hey Azad, yes, I’m been to Khana Khazana a number of times as well and have fully enjoyed it! Thanks!
Hi All,
Do not miss Naima for the exotic fresh fruit drink of Mabungo, Khungu etc and nearby there is a resturant Retreat for typical Indian vegiterial food it is amazing ummh masala dhosa and idli sambhar etc.
While in Bagamoyo the museum is brilliant and the green turtle park amazing we saw a tutle which swam from Bagamoyo to Australia and back came to lay its eggs it is characteristic for a green turtle to come back to its orginal birthplace to lay its eggs.
Hi Mariam, thanks a lot for Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo suggestions!
Even at the seemingly bustling city, like Dar, there will always be interesting things only to be discovered by those who explore deep into the heart of it. Thanks for this list, Mark! Btw that bowl of Zanzibari Mix just looks so delicious!
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No problem Bama, you’re right, there are so many things to discover in any city!
pls b informed on temple street there r masjid (which is in the picture ) n temples
COOL STUFF!!!!!!!!!
AFTER MOVING TO ZIMBABWE AND LIVING THERE FOR DONKEY YEARS, AND THEN IMMIGRATE TO TEXAS SINCE 2001, WHEN I SEE SUCH THINGS, I START WISHING THAT
I WOULD GROW WINGS AND FLY WAY UP, UP HIGH BACK TO MY BONGOLAND!!!!!!!!!!!
Haha, thanks so much for the comment Aysha. Growing wings and being able to go wherever we would like would be great!
well reading all this seems dar a salaam is safe but recent new tells us otherwise,lots of tourists getting robbed everyday,its a shame the very people tanzania needs are being robbed,i just wondered if the government is doing anythinf about it,i hope so before they destroy the economy,WONDERING!!!!
Hi Abby, thanks for the comment. It is unfortunate that there is a lot of crime in Dar lately, but I still think it’s a great city. I hope the government will be able to increase security and crack down on the recent theft and muggings.
Amazing! Done some of it and will do some more in it. Thanks!
Great to hear that Giang, thanks for checking this out!
I was born and raised in Dar, before I migrate to Texas 10 years ago. Thanks for sharing, I am determine to return home for good. Dar is one of the best place on this earth. I love the place and I love the people. You nail every area from Bagamoyo to Kigamboni (KG). I miss home.
Hey Iddy, great to hear you’re from Dar, hope you can get back. I agree, I love Dar, such a great mixture!
I have tried all the 23 Fun things u mentioned while i visited Dar Salaam!!!!! It is such a great article!!!! Thanks!!!
Hey Jiti, wow, fantastic you’ve done all these things too!
Me and some family are going to the Island 0f Zanzabar for a week for my daughter’s wedding. After that i wanted to stay in Dar for a few days and tour the city. My exwife is afraid it might not be safe. Is it a safe city and will it be easy to navigate around only speaking english? thank you for any answers.
Hi Anthony, as for safety, it’s not the safest in the world, but at same time being careful (like not wearing anything too flashy, or carrying your wallet in your back pocket, or not going out too late) are all great ways to keep safe. As for language, some people can speak a little English, but not too many. That being said, people are friendly and willing to help and point you in the right direction. Hope you have a great visit!
mambo ! wonderful, upbeat, esp the food section
may i add a 24th (to music lovers).. the radio tanzania with its amazing amount of recordings of tanzanian music from the last several decades, near tazara
http://tanzaniaheritageproject.org/
safi sana
Hey Martyn, great, thanks a lot for sharing!