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Dar es Salaam

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Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is the largest city not only in Tanzania but also in East Africa. This city has been the capital of Tanzania since 1974 when it lost the status of Dodoma. The beauty of this city is beyond doubt considering its name "Dar es Salaam" in Arabic means "Heaven of Peace".

Located in a coastal area, Dar es Salaam was originally a peaceful fishing village. Over time it developed into a big, bustling city. The main charm is its location along the Indian Ocean so there are many beautiful beaches.

Dar es Salaam also has a historical area with several unique buildings that have a mix of German, British and Asian architecture. Easy access to transportation can also help you get around to visit other tourist destinations. Starting from museums, night clubs, as well as botanical gardens and nature reserves.

The charm of island tourism is also quite interesting, for example visiting Bongoyo Island or Jangwani and Mbudya Islands. In between holidays, be sure to sample local dishes at some of the famous restaurants. Before going home, you also have to shop for souvenirs first at several local shopping centers and well-known malls.

Travel Tips for Dar es Salaam

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Dar es Salaam

A guide to Dar es Salaam's local transportation

Dalla Dalla

Dar Rapid Transit (DART)

Ferry

Taxi

Bajaj

Dalla Dalla is a minibus service as the main mode of public transportation in Dar es Salaam. The coverage is very broad so you need to be careful when choosing a travel route. If you experience difficulties, you can ask the officer or conductor.

Practical Tips for Dar es Salaam

Things to prepare and best way to visit

Best time to visit Dar es Salaam in terms of weather

The best season to visit Dar es Salaam is during the dry season which lasts from June to October with an average temperature of 28°C. The perfect weather for exploring the Indian Ocean coast with blue skies perfect for sunbathing and swimming. You can also visit the tropical island of Zanzibar to snorkel or scuba dive to see the beauty of marine life.

Must visit tourist attractions in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam has many beautiful beaches such as Kigamboni Beach, Coco Beach and Jangwani-Mbudya Islands for swimming with Whale Sharks. For a new experience, you can visit a turtle hatchery or sail with the Yacht Club.

You can also trace history by visiting several German heritage buildings such as the Aznia Front Lutheran Church, St. Joseph, as well as the State House. Another option is to explore the Pugu Hills Nature Reserve and Botanical Gardens which houses a beautiful collection of fauna.

Local currency in Dar es Salaam, and where to exchange money

The local currency used is the Tanzanian Shilling, but some places accept payment in US dollars. You can make exchanges in several places, one of which is at Kadoo Bureau De Change. Sometimes hotels offer money exchange but the exchange rate may not be very good and it's best to avoid changing money on the street.

Safety tips for tourists in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is quite safe for tourists, in fact some of the best safaris in Tanzania will depart from Dar es Salaam. But you still need to be careful about theft and pickpocketing, so make sure you store valuables well, especially when in crowds. Apart from that, you should not travel alone, especially at night and try to always go out with friends.

Local specialties to try in Dar es Salaam

At some big events there is always Pilau, made from a mixture of rice and meat seasoned with curry, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves. For daily food, there is Ugali which is made from cassava flour and then served with fish, meat and vegetables. The snack that you must try is chips and eggs called Chipsi Mayai which is very delicious and eaten very warm.