DAR ES SALAAM – Live The Life Expeditions

We arrived at the fifth-largest city in Africa and the largest city in East Africa in the late afternoon. Primarily to connect with the local Czech community and to use it as a base for exploring Zanzibar. Dar es Salaam was founded in 1862 by the Sultan of Zanzibar on the site of the Mzizima village. The name means “house of peace” in Arabic, a reflection of its early establishment as a safe harbour. It became the capital of German East Africa in 1891 and later the capital of Tanganyika after the British took control following World War I. The city continued to be Tanzania’s capital after independence in 1961 and after the union with Zanzibar in 1964, though the capital was officially moved to Dodoma in 1973. Dar es Salaam remains Tanzania’s primary commercial and economic centre, a bustling metropolis known for its rich architectural mix of Swahili, colonial, and Asian influences.

We began our city sightseeing at the St. Joseph Cathedral, then explored the old town, including the Kivukoni Fish Market. We also visited attractions like the National Museum & House of Culture and the Village Museum. We didn’t miss the Kariakoo Market in the late afternoon. Then we had our dinner at a lovely waterfront around Slipway Hotel.

Since we stayed here for a few days, we explored the city a bit, so here are our suggestions. In the late afternoon in Dar es Salaam, you can visit popular areas like Coco Beach (with popular Wavuvi Kempu – 🎟️consumable 50,000 TZS) and Oyster Bay for sunset and beachfront restaurants, the lively Kariakoo Market for street food and culture, or The Slipway for waterfront dining and nightlife. For a more relaxed experience, consider a boat trip to Bongoyo Island or Mbudya Island, which offer beautiful beaches and snorkelling opportunities. On your weekend party night, you can start in Q Bar and then move to Samaki Samaki (🎟️15,000 TZS with consumables 10,000 TZS), and after that to Warehouse (🎟️10,000 TZS) or Elements Clubs (🎟️10,000 TZS).