Found along Tanzania’s Indian Ocean coastline, this former fishing town-turned-major port city is a thriving East African city with plenty of fun, adventure and places of interest to discover.
Here are some of the top activities to try in Dar es Salaam:
#1 Head to Kariakoo Market
This bustling market is one of the most popular in Dar es Salaam. It’s a great place for chasing down bargains and soaking up a wonderful market atmosphere.
Note: just keep an eye on your possessions and don’t carry unnecessary valuables on your person in Kariakoo.
Contact: n/a
Website: www.lonelyplant.com
Address: Kariakoo Market, Swahili Street, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#2 Pay a visit to St Joseph’s Cathedral
With the Dar es Salaam archbishop serving from within, this gothic-style Roman Catholic church is famed for its beautiful architecture and singing.
Head to church on a Sunday morning to experience the choir and to take in the exquisite sights within – and without – at this church.
Contact: +255 717 059 911
Website: n/a
Address: St Joseph’s Cathedral, Sokoin Drive, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#3 Get hooked by Kivukoni Fish Market
If you’re craving a true Dar es Salaam experience, then this popular fish market is where you’ll find it. Not only does it provide visitors with a healthy dose of city life, but it also brings together a mix of cultures, businesses and of course, great, fresh fish.
And although the market has a fishy smell (naturally), it’s one worth visiting for photo opportunities and a good shop for supper.
Contact: n/a
Website: n/a
Address: Kivukoni Fish Market, Ocean Road, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#4 Visit Askari Monument
Unveiled in 1927, this cast-bronze monument is meant to be located in the precise centre of Dar. It shows a soldier, with his bayonet pointed towards the harbour and serves a memory of the British Carrier Corps soldiers, who fought in WWI.
It’s a sobering reminder of the Great War and it’s a war memorial worth seeing, not only for its geographical location – but also because, on its side, it touchingly bears poet Rudyard Kipling’s dedication – written in both English and Swahili.
Contact: +255 765 793 755
Website: https://afrotourism.com
Address: Askari Monument, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#5 Explore Mwenge Woodcarvers’ Market
This is the place to come for Tanzanian souvenirs, wood carvings and sculptures, with quality and unique craftsmanship aplenty.
Explore the open-air stalls well before you settle on your purchase – and do try your hand at haggling.
Contact: +255 22 212 6826
Website: https://www.afar.com
Address: Mwenge Woodcarvers’ Market, Mwenge, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#6 Soak up the fun at Coco Beach
This beach – otherwise known as Oyster Beach – lies on the Msasani Peninsula and usually overflows with both tourists and locals.
Not only can you enjoy a great beach vibe (with beautiful scenery) and street food, but there are sometimes music concerts and beach parties held here too.
Contact: n/a
Website: n/a
Address: Coco Beach, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#7 Unlock history at the National Museum of Tanzania
The National Museum provides good insight into the history and culture of Tanzania. You can also see some interesting fossils discovered in the country, as well as cool car exhibits.
It’s a good place to explore to discover some rich history, especially if you have time to spare.
Contact: +255 22 212 2030
Website: tanzaniazalendo.org/web/national-museums/
Address: National Museum, Kivukoni, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#8 Visit Village Museum
This interactive museum – established in 1996 – offers more than a dozen different types of traditional Tanzanian huts. What makes it really fun is that you are allowed to not only enter, but also to actively explore the huts inside.
For an extra price, visitors can enjoy dance and music performances on show. It’s also a great place to learn more about rural Tanzania’s traditions and customs, ensuring history buffs and culture vultures will be well-satisfied.
Contact: +255 22 270 0437
Website: www.tanzanianow.com
Address: Village Museum, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#9 Get active in Udzungwa Mountains National Park
If you’re willing to travel a bit, you can explore the wondrous depths of Udzungwa Mountains National Park. It offers friendly guides, beautiful hikes and some pretty outstanding views too!
So plan a day to immerse yourself in its beauty.
Contact: +255 757 374 716
Website: https://www.expertafrica.com/tanzania
Address: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#10 Experience Tinga Tinga Arts Co-operative Society
It might not look like much from the road, but enter and you’ll discover a whole host of local artisans offering artworks, all of which work around the popular TingaTinga art movement.
It’s quite affordable, so, before you have to head home, you might be able to pick up a unique piece or two…
Contact: +225 654 57 48 08
Website: www.tingatinga.ch/en/about.php
Address: Tinga Tinga Arts Co-operative Society, Morogoro Stores, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
#11 Head to Bongoyo Island
For those craving a dip in the warmer Indian Ocean waters, this beautiful little island off the coast of Dar is the balmy answer.
It offers lazy beach days, fun activities like snorkelling and swimming, and the chance to dine on delicious, fresh fish and chips at leisure.
Contact: n/a
Website: https://migrationology.com
Address: Bongoyo Island, Tanzania
#12 Travel to Bagamoyo town
Found north of Dar es Salaam, this town is an ancient East African trading port. Here, you can visit old churches, mosques and ruins, and even tour one of Tanzania’s only college of arts, called Chuo Cha Sanaa.
Contact: n/a
Website: https://www.lonelyplanet.com
Address: Bagamoyo, Tanzania
These are some of the best activities to enjoy in Dar es Salaam!