Things to do when you are in Dar es Salaam

City Centre Tour

Discover the heart of Dar es Salaam on a captivating city tour. Explore vibrant markets bursting with colors and scents, marvel at historical landmarks that tell the city’s rich past, and immerse yourself in the local culture. Interact with friendly locals and gain insights into daily life. From bustling streets to serene gardens, this tour offers a glimpse into the dynamic soul of Dar es Salaam.

Mwenge Woodcarvers Markers

If you’re looking for authentic Tanzanian souvenirs, the Mwenge Handcraft Centre is a must-visit. This vibrant market is filled with shops selling everything from intricate woodcarvings to colorful textiles. The prices are flexible, so don’t hesitate to bargain. You might even catch a glimpse of Makonde artists creating their masterpieces from ebony wood.

Makumbusho Village Museum (Kijiji Cha Makumbusho)

Makumbusho Village or Kijiji Cha Makumbusho (in Swahili Language) is a must-visit for anyone interested in Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage. This open-air museum showcases traditional habitats and crafts from various ethnic groups across the country.

Established in 1996, the museum aims to preserve and demonstrate the diverse cultures of Tanzania. A visit to Kijiji Cha Makumbusho is like taking a journey through the entire nation, as it features authentically recreated huts representing over 16 different Tanzanian ethnicities.

The concept of a “village museum” might seem contradictory. It’s not a living village but rather a collection of carefully preserved homesteads that offer a glimpse into Tanzania’s rural past.

National Museum ( Makumbusho ya Taifa )

Explore Tanzania’s rich heritage at the Museum and House of Culture, the country’s premier modern museum. Located in Dar es Salaam along Shaaban Robert Street, this cultural hub houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning archaeology, paleontology, biology, ethnography, history, and contemporary arts.

Step into a world of wonder with exhibits that showcase:

• Human evolution: Discover the fascinating story of early hominids like “Zinj,” a 1.75-million-year-old Zinjanthropus boisei.
• History: Unravel the captivating tales of Tanzania’s past through historical artifacts and exhibits.
• Art: Immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional and contemporary art, from sculptures to paintings.
• Ethnography: Explore the diverse cultures of Tanzania through ethnographic displays.
• Biology: Discover the fascinating world of Tanzania’s flora and fauna.

Beyond the galleries, enjoy these additional attractions:

• Outdoor exhibitions: Experience the museum’s exhibits in the open air.
• Digital experiences: Engage with interactive virtual and augmented reality displays.
• Structures of hope: Explore thought-provoking structures that offer hope and inspiration.
• Aquarium: Marvel at the underwater world in the museum’s aquarium.
• Gardens: Discover a peaceful oasis with trees, butterflies, and other natural wonders.
• Historical vehicles: See iconic state cars that have shaped Tanzania’s history.

The Museum and House of Culture is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking to delve into Tanzania’s cultural heritage.

Slipway Shopping Centre

The Slipway is more than just a shopping center; it’s a vibrant hub where you can shop, dine, relax, and enjoy breathtaking ocean views. Originally a boatyard, it still offers boat trips to nearby islands like Bongoyo, a marine reserve. You can also arrange fishing trips, cruises, and sea crossings to other Tanzanian destinations.

While parents shop, children can play in the waterfront playground. Enjoy a sundowner as the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, or indulge in delicious dining options. The Slipway has it all.

Shopping: Find everything you need at The Slipway, from books and groceries to banking, beauty, and travel services. Discover unique Tanzanian products, souvenirs, and jewelry at the traditional souk market and bazaar. With four restaurants and a hotel, there’s plenty of options for dining and accommodation.

For Kids: Keep the kids entertained with ice cream, fresh juices, candy, and more.

Leisure Activities: Explore the vibrant marine life of nearby islands with snorkelling or diving trips. Enjoy a leisurely cruise around Msasani Bay on a glass-bottom boat for a unique perspective.

Mbudya Island

Mbudya, a secluded island just north of Dar es Salaam, is part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve. A short 15-20 minute boat ride from the mainland, near the Kunduchi fishing community, takes you to this tropical gem.

With its pristine white-sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters, Mbudya offers a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorke;ling, or simply relaxing on the shore.

The island features sandy beaches on both its western and eastern sides. On the west, you can savor delicious barbecued fish and drinks under the shade of casuarina trees or enjoy the local “Bandas” (shade facilities). The island also boasts a restaurant serving fresh seafood and a variety of beverages, with palm trees and thatched huts providing a relaxing atmosphere.

Bongoyo Island

Just a short distance from Dar es Salaam, Bongoyo Island offers a tranquil escape. Picture pristine white-sand beaches shaded by thatched umbrellas, inviting crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, and vibrant marine life thriving in the surrounding coral reef. Explore nature trails that meander through lush landscapes, revealing the island’s hidden beauty.

Sinda Island

The Sinda Island Marine Reserve is located along the southern coast of Dar es Salaam, specifically in the Kigamboni area. Comprising both the Inner and Outer Sinda Island, this reserve spans a total area of approximately 288.7 hectares. The Inner and Outer Sinda Island individually encompass areas of 23.31 and 23.96 hectares, respectively. The coastlines of the Sinda Island feature a mix of rocky cliffs and sandy beaches.

Coco Beach Dar es Salaam

Nestled in the vibrant Msasani Peninsula of Dar es Salaam, Coco Beach, also known as Oyster Bay, offers a picturesque escape. With its pristine sands and crystal-clear Indian Ocean waters, this beach is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re seeking a relaxing day of sunbathing, thrilling surfing waves, or the lively atmosphere of oceanfront dining, Coco Beach has it all. This destination features delicious street food, refreshing beverages, and a vibrant space for live music and events.

Kariakoo Market

Kariakoo, Dar es Salaam’s iconic market, is a vibrant hub of African culture, bustling with energy and offering a unique shopping experience. The scorching Tanzanian sun adds to the lively atmosphere as boda bodas and bajaj drivers navigate the busy streets, filled with traders and determined buyers. Whether you’re a bargain hunter or a curious tourist, Kariakoo is a must-visit destination.

Pugu Forest Reserve ( Pugu Hills or Kazimzumbwi )

Pugu/Kazimzumbwi Nature Forest Reserve, spanning 12,015 hectares, is one of Tanzania’s last remaining lowland coastal forests. Located just 12 kilometers southwest of Dar es Salaam, this reserve is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity.

The forest boasts a stunning array of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination for tourists. Within its boundaries, you’ll find dense forests teeming with diverse plant species, towering bamboo stands, the serene Lake Minaki, intriguing bat caves, breathtaking city viewpoints, sacred worship and ritual sites, and the unique Mpugupugu tree—the namesake of the reserve.

This rich tapestry of attractions offers a wealth of recreational opportunities for both Dar es Salaam residents and travellers waiting for their flights at Julius Nyerere International Airport.