Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, is also the commercial hub of East Africa. It has the busiest seaports in the region, a fast-paced city life, and a lifetime collection of cultures and traditions in its museums. Visiting Dar es Salaam is fun and exciting because of the traditional city-life experience and an educational journey where you can learn and explore the ancient traditions, tribes, and culture. Here are three of the can’t-miss- museums in Dar es Salaam.
Makumbusho/Village Museum
Once you set your eyes on the Village Museum, you know you are in for a unique experience. Spanning across 15 acres, the Village Musem (also known as Makumbusho Museum) celebrates the heritage, culture, and ways of the Tanzanian tribes. The 15 acres have life-size huts, tents, and homes, designed and decorated according to the tribes they represent. You can learn about the ways and lives of each of the dominant tribes to understand Tanzania’s colourful history and culture. Hiring a guide is a choice and preference because the houses have literature to learn and explore the village museum on your own. The Village Museum is as much an experience as it is a journey about knowledge and learning about the tribes of Tanzania. Even if you do not like museums, you do not want to miss out on visiting this gem.
National Museum & House of Culture
Located near the Askari Monument, the National Museum & House of Culture is another exciting educational journey. The museum opened in 1940 and has amassed a collection of well-preserved items that will help you learn about the history and traditions of Tanzania, including the slave trade era. The museum is composed of five museums, each with its area of specialization. The museums are home to ancient and cultural artefacts, status, collections, fossils, and so much more. One of the museums is dedicated to showcasing the first president’s vehicle collection.
The Dar es Salaam Centre for Architectural Heritage (DARCH)
DARCH is a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and maintaining heritage buildings and sites in Dar es Salaam and East Africa. The foundation is situated in the Old Boma Building, the oldest building in Dar es Salaam. They have renovated the building into a museum to showcase heritage artefacts, projects, and other items. DARCH also provides detailed information on the history of Dar es Salaam and its evolution over time. The non-profit organization’s work on the Old Boma building is a testament to its efforts to maintain and promote the heritage of Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam is a fascinating city where you can indulge in city life while momentarily escaping to one of its renowned and unique museums to learn more about the heritage and culture of Tanzania. Dar es Salaam is a city of adventure and learning, a city engulfed in a colourful enchantment of transition between modern-day sophistication and the history and culture of the people.
If you plan to visit Kenya after completing your journey through Tanzania, you can find 5 Useful Hacks to Help Deal with the Heat on Safari in Kenya to prepare for your journey.
