All you need to know about Dar Es Salaam City

If you happen to visit Tanzania, you’ll definitely come across the word Dar es Salaam, the largest commercial City in the Country

Do you know the history of Dar es Salaam?

Dar es Salaam, which is an Arabic word meaning - The ‘harbour of peace’ is the largest city and the commercial capital of Tanzania.  Originally the nation’s capital, Dar es Salaam was founded as a summer residence for the Sultan of Zanzibar.

It started to become an important financial and economic center in the region after the arrival of the Germans in the late 1800s and was made the capital of the German East Africa. After the World War I, the British took control of German East Africa where Tanganyika was formed, with Dar maintaining its commercial capital status. It continued from then till now.

Dar is now a bustling and thriving city; the largest in Tanzania with a population of over 4 million inhabitants. Dar is the third fastest growing city in Africa & the ninth fastest in the world. Additionally, at its current rate of growth Dar is poised to reach a ‘Mega-City’ status (over 10 million residents) in the next 15 – 20 yrs. It has grown into the East Africa’s second-busiest port & is touted to take the number one spot in the near future. Furthermore, with the Dar port clearing cargo worth $15 billion annually as of 2013, its growth potential is there for all to see.

Its position as the commercial and administrative capital of Tanzania (it was the capital city until Dodoma replaced it in 1974) has seen it grow considerably. More so, Dar has become a popular tourist destination among African tourists and those from all over the world? Why?

Well here are some reasons:

Gorgeous Sandy Beaches

From the North to the South of the city, one can enjoy the feeling of sun-kissed sand massaging one’s feet

Sandy beaches near the city center

The Islands

Yes, you read that correctly. For a truly relaxing experience of the City, visiting the islands of Mbudya and Bongoyo are a must. They’re 20 & 30 minutes away from the mainland Dar, a short distance to access the paradise. It’s a cheap trip too.

Tropical Climate

The City comprises rainy and dry reasons. The tropical climate brings with it warmth and sun virtually most part of the year. This being the case, it makes for a very appealing destination for those looking to escape winter or colder conditions in June/July or December/January/February

Zanzibar is nearby

As Zanzibar attracts millions of visitors per year, this works in Dar’s favor with many tourists either passing through or adding Dar entirely to their travel itinerary.  A major reason for this is not only Dar’s attractions, but it’s a short-distance from Zanzibar (2 hours by speed ferry or 20 minutes by air)

These are the four fantastic reasons that can convince you to visit Dar es Salaam.

Apart from the foregoing, you can also have a truly experience the City’s glory by indulging in other activities that will let you have a feeling of being one of the local residents of the City.

Beautiful Zanzibar

Top among them are:

Riding a Daladala

It’s a form of public-private transport; a bus service that has private ownership but caters for the public. It’s also the most common form of public transport around the city. Daladala’s are known for their ‘creative’ but reckless road demeanor. However, they’re cheap. So if your budget is running a bit tight, you’ll find their prices quite reasonable. And chances are, you’ll have a story to tell about your trip from one point to another

Street Food and Local Cuisine

Try Ugali, ndizi, nyama choma or chips mayai? These are popular foods enjoyed by Dar es Salaam resident and its recommended that you taste them to have unforgettable experience. In fact, there are plenty of other local dishes – makande (a maize-centric dish), makange (spicy, chilli fried chicken fried with onions & green peppers), muhogo (cassava either fried or boiled)

Meat grilled to perfection aka nyama choma

·         Ugali, is basically stiff porridge. Doesn’t sound like much right? But, when prepared correctly with the right side dish, preferably a stew and greens, it is soft, smooth and delicious.

·         Ndizi is banana in Kiswahili. But, these are no ordinary bananas. These are non-ripe bananas cooked in a special stew with beef & beef stock.

·         Nyama Choma translates to grilled meat, which is exactly what this is. BBQ’d meat most commonly of beef, goat or chicken. Doesn’t sound like much out of the ordinary, but, it’s the way it is BBQ.

·         Lastly, there’s Chips Mayai. Undoubtedly the most common fast food & a Dar original, this combines Chips and Mayai (eggs) in an omelet. Basic, quick & tasty as hell!

No visit to Dar es Salaam City is complete until one, if not all of the dishes mentioned above have been tested.

Welcome to Dar es Salaam the largest commercial city in Tanzania.