DAR ES SALAAM CITY

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s major city located at the shores of the Indian Ocean. From being just a small fishing village its importance changed in the 1880s when Christian missionaries made it a starting point for their journeys to the interior of the country. A few years later it was made the seat for the German colonial government. Since then Dar es Salaam has been the economic and political head of the country even if, in 1973 Dodoma was appointed the official seat of the government.

The city centre has many historical buildings and interesting architecture. Its mixture of Arabic, Asian and European history gives a special atmosphere to surroundings, streets and life.

In the city centre there are many places worth visiting. You can walk on your own or hire a taxi to a reasonable cost. A guided tour can also be arranged to places as:

STUDY VISIT

In Dar es Salaam study visits can be arranged to Churches, Church Head Quarters, Schools and colleges, the University and even factories like a textile producing plant or others.

National Museum

The National Museum shows a variety of cultures and historical periods of the country. Here you can see and learn more about the slave trade and the colonial period but also about ancient history and archaeological findings such as the xxx years old “nutcracker man” found in Olduvai Gorge in Northern Tanzania.

Botanical Gardens

The Botanical Gardens are small and somewhat rundown. Still, situated in the city centre, they are well worth visiting.

Karimjee Hall

This is the place where Mwalimu Julius Nyereree was swore his oath as the first president of Tanzania after freedom. Karimjee Hall was then the House of Parliament. Now the building is used for parliamentary committee meetings and other political functions.

State House

This house was built by the Germans, but rebuilt after worldwar1 by the British who then reigned the country.

Nyumba ya Sanaa

In this House of Art non-profit artists are working to support artistic gifted young men and women. Here you can see the artists at work but also buy crafts from different parts of the country, or just have a cup of coffee busy and lively fish market. Visit in the early morning when commerce is at its peak.in the cafeteria.

Fish Market

Right in town, at the shore, there is a

Kariakoo Market

The largest and busiest market I Dar es Salaam are the Kariakoo market. Here you can see and buy almost everything. But watch out - narrow streets, lots of people and a very busy market place is not just a centre for buying and selling it is also a paradise for thieves of all kinds. Watch your wallet and handbag! And leave not needed valuables and your passport in the hotel’s safe.

Ilala Market

Reminds you of Kariakoo but is smaller. Its surroundings are not as busy as the surroundings of Kariakoo. You can buy almost everything here. Still even at Ilala you should keep your belongings under control.

Azania Front Lutheran Church

German Missionaries at the change of the 20th century built this church. It is one of the most important landmarks in Dar es Salaam. It is still used for services.

St Joseph’s Cathedral

Just as with the Azania Front Lutheran Church, German Missionaries built St Joseph’s Cathedral at the end of the 20^th century. The church contains some German inscriptions and art works.

 The Central Library

In the Central Library a lot of material on Tanzanian history and culture is being kept. If you are interested to see and read they can be made available from the Supervisor.

University

The University of Dar es Salaam is the biggest in the country and offers a great variety of possibilities for studies of different kinds. A guided tour through the compound will give a good idea of the system and the possibilities young people are offered when it comes to higher studies.

Village Museum

In the Village Museum situated 10 kilometres northwest of the city centre you find a collection of authentically built houses from different parts of the country. At the Village Museum you can also enjoy traditional dance performances (so called ngoma).

Msasani fishing village and ruin graveyard

The village is one of the oldest Arabic settlements along the coast. The ruin graveyard is believed to be the oldest graveyard in Dar es Salaam dated from the 1700^th century.

Msasani Slipway

Here you can buy books as well as souvenirs of good quality. Every Saturday there is a craft market held at Msasani Slipway.

Tingatinga Centre

In Oysterbay, just outside town centre, you find Tingatinga centre where you can watch artists painting special tingatinga motifs. You can also buy the items produced there.

Mwenge

Mwenge is situated close to the Village Museum. Carvings, such as the famous Makonde carvings, are sold here.