Dar Es Salaam

Dar es Salaam, meaning "haven of peace", is a hustling, bustling seaport on the east coast of Tanzania that straddles some of the most important sea routes on earth.
It is Tanzania’s largest city and its economic capital, with a population heading towards three million and an area of more than 1350 sq km. Located in a quiet bay off the Indian Ocean coast, the city has grown in economic importance to become a prosperous centre in the East African region. Government offices all have their main base in Dar-es-Salaam, and diplomatic missions and non-governmental organizations all have a presence in this bustling, once capital, city.

To most travellers, Dar-es-Salaam is just a convenient stopover on the way to more exotic destinations like Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia Island, or the southern game parks, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park and the MahaleMountains National Park. This is a great pity, because this tropical port is full of historical buildings, interesting architecture and atmosphere, shops and good restaurants and great hotels, not to mention the intriguing maze the city is and the wonderful beaches just outside the city and coral islands close by.
The bustling, quite chaotic city centre runs along Samora Ave, with shops, foreign exchange bureaus, banks and vendors. To the northwest of the city centre is the Asian quarter, a maze of narrow streets with many Indian merchants and traders. While on the other side of town, northeast of Askari monument, there is a quiet area of tree-lined streets with the National museum, Botanical Gardens and State House.

Life in Dar-es-Salaam revolves around the huge harbour with large ocean liners as well as traditional dhows, fishing boats and high-speed ferries to Zanzibar making for a harbour with constant activity. Adjacent to the ferry terminal on the city centre side is the bustling fish market, where you can watch fish auctions taking place and browse through stalls selling an assortment of Indian Ocean delicacies. The best way to discover this fascinating city is taking a tour.
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, try the beautiful beaches north and south of town.
HIGHLIGHTS

Craft hunting at Msasani Slipway or Mwenge Carvers’ Market
Exploring the city center by taking a tour
Relax at the exclusive seaside resorts on Ras Kutani
Get away from the urban crush and set-off for the laid-back beach haunts north or south of the city.
Half-day or full day excursion by boat to an unspoilt coral island where you can picnic or BBQ as you soak up the crystal clear waters and sun.
Visit the Pugu Hills