Guide to Dar es Salaam - East Africa's metropolis

Dar es Salaam is a port city on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is the economic and financial center of Tanzania and a cosmopolitan East African metropolis with a population of 7.5 million. According to scientists' predictions, it will become one of the world's 10 largest megacities in the coming decades. Today, Dar es Salaam is the largest city in East Africa and the sixth largest on the entire African continent. Urbanization processes are taking place in the country, as a result of which people move from the countryside to the city - where there is work, where there is economic circulation.

Dar es Salaam is the heart of Swahili culture. Swahili culture is a mix in which continental African culture, Arab, Indian and European (German and British) culture have merged. Dar es Salaam itself is just as rich and diverse.

A mix of cultures and religions

Translated from Arabic, the name of the city of Dar es Salaam means "abode of peace". And there is really peace in Dar es Salaam - people of different religions, nationalities and races live here in a friendly manner. It has the charm of a port city, even the strict religious rules in Dar es Salaam are much more relaxed than deeper in the continent or the islands.   

Representatives of Christian, Muslim and Indian religions coexist in the city in a friendly manner.

Dar es Salaam Fish Market and Harbour Promenade

The Fish Market is one of the prides of Dar es Salaam. It is located on the Indian Ocean, so fresh fish and seafood are often sold directly from the boat by auction.

You can use the Harbour Promenade to get to the city center from the Fish Market. Walking along it, it is possible to see the ancient buildings of Dar es Salaam - buildings formerly built by the Sultan of Zanzibar and German missionaries in the second half of the 19th century, interspersed with modern skyscrapers.

Kisutu and Tanzanite street

Although the city is not clearly stratified by districts, each neighbourhood has its own individual lines.

Kisutu is the part of the city in the center that was built by the British and is now being taken over by the Indians. It can be tentatively called the "new Old Town", assuming that the "old Old Town" is the old buildings on the Harbour Promenade. Kisutu is a lively area with shops, offices, eateries, residential houses and active street trading.

In the Kisutu district, there is Tanzanite Street with many jewelry shops that sell gold and silver jewelry with tanzanite, a gemstone that can only be found in Tanzania. Tanzanite is one of the prides of Tanzania - along with the Serengeti, the Great Migration, Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.

Kanga Street 

Kanga Street adjoins Kisutu and has many fabric shops. When buying fabric on this street, it will not be a problem to choose a tailor who will sew the dress right away.

It should be noted that locals call this street Kanga street: the word "kanga" means both a fabric, a cloth tank, and a traditional African-style dress, which allows you to feel comfortable in the hot climate.

Zanaki

Zanaki is a historic Indian expatriate district where Indians still live. Here you can see lady's sari and Indian temples.

Kariakoo and New Kariakoo Market

The Kariakoo district is the heart of Dar es Salaam and Swahili – vibrant, exotic and dangerous.

Close to the historic Kariakoo district is the New Kariakoo Market. This will be a paradise for spice lovers - the widest selection and best prices in Tanzania.

Tinga-Tinga Art Style Community  

The Tinga-Tinga style of painting was created in the 20th century by an artist named Tinga-Tinga. It is characterized by bright colours and amazing compositions. After Tinga-Ting's death, his style is continued by followers - about 100 artists who continue to develop and innovate the style. Tinga-Ting's style is called both naivety and beauty mysticism.

Mwenge Woodcarving Market and African dress kanga

Mwenge Carving Market is the best place in Dar es Salaam to buy souvenirs - there are many traders, bargaining opportunities are wide, and everyone will have the opportunity to find souvenirs from Tanzania for themselves or friends and family. The market offers a wide range of traditional goods – carvings, paintings, Maasai slips, earrings, bracelets, sisal and bead boxes, local style dresses (kangas), t-shirts, hats, bags, magnets, etc.

In Tanzania, there is a belief that every woman should have 99 kangas. It is best if they are received as a gift from a man. Kangas can be bought practically anywhere, but Mwenge has the widest selection at the best prices. In the gallery - some kangas from the Dace collection. Dace recommends: The traditional African dress kanga is a very good choice for hot days!

By the way, near the Mwenge Market is the best and largest mall in Tanzania, Mlimani City - its visit will be interesting for lovers of contrasts in life.

National Museum and Botanical Garden

The National Museum in Dar es Salaam offers an insight into the history and culture of Tanzania.

Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens is a large park with a diverse collection of plants and trees.

Village museum

In the Village museum, you can see historical huts and houses of 16 different Tanzanian tribes. You can also enjoy dancing with the dance group of the Makonde tribe.

In the museum cafe, you can taste bushmeat - buffalo and impala meat.