There’s plenty to keep you occupied in Dar es Salaam for a summarised version have a look at Top 7 Spots You Just Cannot Miss Out in Dar es Salaam.
It is the best place to pick up a great souvenir, for example, a Tinga Tinga painting. A painting style which originated here when a man called Edward Saidi Tingatinga moved from a small village called Ngapa in the south of Tanzania to Dar es Salaam and started painting. Two great spots to look for paintings are the Tinga Tinga Alley and at the markets next to Slipway.
Cultural & Historical Activities
There are also plenty of ethical workshops where the disadvantaged are given a chance to learn a skill or can get a job. Buying from these small places means you make a real difference in their lives. Shop at, for example, Made By Africraft (recycled materials), Wonder Workshop (metal, wood, and paper made by disabled craftsmen and women) and the Mabinti Centre (stencilled fabric made by women recovering from a fistula operation).
In town you can visit the National Museum or go shopping for fabrics and score a real bargain for a kanga, kitenge or kikoy. Some of these colourful fabrics are made locally in Tanzania. You can also opt for a guided tour of the city by bike and learn about the history and the people from your experienced host.
Relax & Unwind
If you want to relax after all that shopping, you can visit one of the islands, most are only a short boat ride away. Check out Mbudya Island or Bongoyo Island, both with white sands and turquoise waters. Go snorkelling, chill on the beach and have a super fresh, barbecued seafood lunch. It is even possible to camp overnight on Mbudya Island and feel like a real Robinson Crusoe.
Entaintanment for the whole family
If you don’t want a boat ride, you can find excellent beaches to chill south of Dar es Salaam and if you are lucky you may witness the hatching of a nest of baby turtles. Check with Sea Sense if a nest is about to hatch.
If you need to entertain kids there is no better spot than the waterpark at a hotel north of Dar es Salaam. Slide away and make a splash in this fun playground for kids of all ages.
Just along the waterfront close to the ferry terminal to Kigamboni is the Kivukoni fish market. Watch as the fishermen unload the catch of the day and haggle in a rowdy auction for a bargain, fish does not come any fresher than this!
Nightlife
Dar es Salaam is teeming with options for when the sun goes down. Pubs usually serve good barbecue food, beer, and locally produced spirits. Over the past couple of years, wine bars and more classy establishments have sprung up, mainly in the expat areas. The local clubs are loud, sweaty and dark, true diamonds in the rough that offer an unforgettable experience. The city centre and peninsula areas have more upmarket options. Whatever you choose, you are sure to be welcomed and make new friends over a drink or two.