Things to do in Dar es salaam

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Dar es salaam

Mbudya Island

Mbudya Island is an uninhabited island off the coast north of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and is part of the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve along with Bongoyo Island and Pangavini Island. The island features white sand beaches on both its east and west sides, and the water is clear and turquoise. It is often compared to a mini Zanzibar near Dar es Salaam, and you can reach the island by speedboat from the northern coast of the mainland in approx. 20 minutes. Shallow coral reefs are located near the shore. At low tide, the shallows form a natural swimming pool. The water is calm and teeming with tropical fish, making it perfect for snorkeling beginners. You may have the chance to spot hawksbill turtles among the reefs, and the island is also home to large coconut crabs.

No. 2 of Cool Water Escapes in Tanzania

Coco Beach

Coco Beach is located on the coast of Oyster Bay in the east of Dar es Salaam and is a popular public beach in the city, as well as a traditional gathering spot for locals on weekends. Fine, soft sand stretches along the bay, lined with rows of coconut trees. Unlike resort beaches geared toward tourists, this place retains the authentic atmosphere of daily life in Tanzania: on weekends, the beach is bustling with noise and music, with locals gathering in groups to swim, play soccer, and picnic, making it as lively as an endless seaside market. The snack stalls along the beach are a signature experience here: freshly grilled meat skewers over charcoal, cassava snacks, and freshly opened coconuts. Enjoying them while feeling the sea breeze is a direct taste of the local flavor.

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Dar es salaam

Kanisa Kuu la Mt. Yosefu (St.Joseph Cathedral Dar es Salaam)

Kanisa Kuu la Mt. Yosefu (St.Joseph Cathedral Dar es Salaam) is the Catholic cathedral in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and the central church of the local archdiocese. It is located in the coastal area of the city center, facing the natural harbor. The church's exterior is entirely off-white, with three pointed arches lined up at the entrance and a rose window embedded above. The main hall has a red-tiled roof, and an octagonal spire on one side is particularly striking. Upon entering, your eyes will first be drawn to the large stained glass windows behind the altar, which let in bright light through biblical scenes. Overhead is a ribbed vaulted ceiling, with stone floors paired with wooden pews. A pipe organ stands above the entrance, and the interior is quiet and cool, forming a sharp contrast with the bustling harbor district outside.

No. 3 of Cool Water Escapes in Tanzania

Kipepeo Beach Village

Located on the island of Zanzibar in Tanzania, Butterfly Beach attracts tourists with its tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty. The fine white sand and clear water here make it an ideal place to relax. Visitors can sunbathe on the beach or swim in the warm Indian Ocean. The coral reefs near the beach provide snorkeling and diving enthusiasts with the opportunity to explore the underwater world, and the colorful marine life makes people linger. In addition, there are several small restaurants around Butterfly Beach, offering fresh seafood and local specialties. Visitors can enjoy the food while enjoying the sea view. There are also some simple beach huts on the beach for tourists to stay and experience a closer to nature life. Butterfly Beach is about an hour's drive from the city of Zanzibar. It is recommended that tourists rent a car or charter a car to go there so that they can arrange their itinerary more flexibly. Tourists should pay attention to protecting the environment and keeping the beach clean when playing.

National Museum and House of Culture

The National Museum, located opposite the University of Tanzania's IFM University, exhibits many primitive ancient fossils, including those excavated from the Oduwai Gorge, as well as some British and German colonial artifacts. For Chinese tourists, the museum can also see photos of VIPs during the construction of the Tanzania-Zambia Railway. It is very unusual to see these in a foreign country.

MWENGE WOODCAVERS MARKET

Located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is a vibrant handicraft market known for its exquisite woodcarvings. The market is home to many local artists and artisans who display and sell a wide range of handicrafts, including masks, statues, jewelry, and home decor. Each piece reflects Tanzania's rich culture and traditions, making it a great place for visitors to find unique souvenirs. The market is lively and friendly, and visitors can interact directly with the artisans to learn about their creative process and the stories behind it. Many stalls allow visitors to watch the carving process in action, providing an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of local art. As the market is located in a busy area of ​​the city, it is recommended to take public transportation or taxi to avoid parking difficulties. Mwenge Woodcarvers Market is not only a great place to shop, but also a perfect place to experience the charm of Tanzanian culture.

Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority - TAZARA

The Tanzania-Zambia Railway is not only an important transportation channel, but also a unique tourist attraction in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, attracting tourists from all over the world to experience the natural scenery and cultural history of Africa. The railway is about 1,860 kilometers long and was built in the 1970s with assistance from China. It connects the Port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. As the "African Freedom Railway", it is not only a symbol of China-Africa friendship, but also carries rich history and culture. For tourists who love traveling and photography, a journey on the Tanzania-Zambia Railway is a unique experience. Starting from Dar es Salaam, the train passes through the Selous Game Reserve in Tanzania, where wild animals such as giraffes and elephants can be seen along the way, and the scenery is picturesque. The train provides different levels of seats and berths, and passengers can communicate with locals in the carriage and experience authentic African life.

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium

Tanzania National Stadium is the main venue for hosting international sporting events in the area. The stadium's seating area can accommodate 60,000 spectators and features a track and field, a soccer field, and various other sports facilities, allowing it to host many different types of sports competitions and events. In addition, the stadium has many shops, restaurants, and cafes, providing convenience for spectators. The stadium also hosts various cultural events and concerts, attracting large numbers of spectators.

Kunduchi Wet "N" Wild Water Park

Kunduch Water Park is a large water park in East Africa. The park is near the seaside and has white sandy beaches. When the tide is low, you can walk to the surrounding islands. There is also a small swimming pool in the park, where the water depth is about 1.2 meters. Very lively on weekends and a great place for locals to relax on weekends.

Sabasaba International Trade Fair