DAR ES SALAAM

Dar es Salaam, meaning "haven of peace", is a hustling, bustling seaport on the east coast of Tanzania that straddles some of the most important sea routes on earth.
It is Tanzanian’s largest city and its economic capital, with a population heading towards three million and an area of more than 1350 sq km. Located in a quiet bay off the Indian Ocean coast, the city has grown in economic importance to become a prosperous centre in the East African region. Government offices all have their main base in Dar es Salaam, and diplomatic missions and non governmental organizations in the country all have a presence in this bustling urban city.
To most travelers, Dar es Salaam is just a convenient stopover on the way to more exotic destinations like Zanzibar, Pemba, Mafia Island, or the southern game parks, Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park and the Mahale Mountains National Park. This is a great pity, because this tropical port is full of historical buildings, interesting architecture and atmosphere, shops and good restaurants, not to mention the intriguing maze the city is, and the number of hotels to choose from.
The bustling, quite chaotic city centre runs along Samora Ave, with shops, foreign exchange bureaus, banks and vendors. To the northwest of the city centre is the Asian quarter, a maze of narrow streets with many Indian merchants and traders. While on the other side of town, northeast of Askari monument, there is a quiet area of tree-lined streets with the National museum, Botanical Gardens and State House.
Life in Dar es Salaam revolves around the huge harbour with heavy ocean liners as well as traditional dhows, fishing boats and high-speed ferries to Zanzibar; you will find almost constant activity here. Adjacent to the ferry terminal on the City Centre side is the bustling fish market, where you can watch fish auctions taking place and browse through stalls selling an assortment of Indian Ocean delicacies. The best way to discover this fascinating city is taking a tour.
If you want to get away from the bustle, try the beautiful beaches north and south of town. 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Craft hunting at Msasani Slipway or Mwenge Carvers’ Market
• Exploring the city center by taking a tour
• Relax at the exclusive seaside resorts on Ras Kutani
• Get away from the urban crush and set of for the laid-back beach haunts north or south of the city
• Visit the Pugu Hills
  

Accommodation:

City Centre:

Mid-Range:

• Harbour View Suites & Peacock Hotel

Top End:

• Moven Pick Hotel, New Africa Hotel & Holiday Inn

Msasani Peninsula & Upanga:
Mid-Range:

• Akana Lodge, The Court Yard, Swiss Garden Hotel & Hotel Karibu

Top End:

• Sea Cliff Hotel, Golden Tulip & Osterbay Hotel 

Northern Beaches:
25 Km north of Dar es Salaam and east of New Bagamoyo road you will find a great number of beach hotels, which are  popular weekend getaways and  make a relaxing break from the city. These destinations are ideal for families as they offer a good selection of swimming pools, water parks and water sports facilities. They are close to Dar es Salaam, which you can visit for the day.

• Silver Sands Beach Hotel, Jangwani Sea Breeze Lodge, Beachcomber & White Sands Hotel.

Southern Beaches:
South of Dar es Salaam start a more attractive, tropical and rural coastline, a relaxing and easily accessible getaway. Budget places are spread out, beginning south of Kigamboni, opposite Kivukoni Front and reached in just a few minutes by ferry.

• Kipepeo Village & Gandayeka Beach Village

Ras Kutani:
A deserted beach stretches about 30 km south of Dar es Salaam, isolated from the rest of the world, in secluded tropical surroundings, with bush and palm trees. This is a paradise for those seeking, water sports and good fishing. Green turtles nest on these beaches.

• Ras Kutani Beach Resort & Amani Beach Club