Dar es Salaam 365

An important economic centre, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city, and while not a typical holiday destination, it has a well-serviced international airport and serves as a convenient portal to access the islands and safari parks.

A kaleidoscope of colour and activity, from the bustling fish market at Kivukoni Front to the Asian business district, which offers a slice of India and some of the best restaurants in East Africa, it’s a glimpse into the multilayered cultural makeup of the country.

Sights worth seeing include the National Museum, the Village Museum and the superb Botanical Gardens. Its unique history can also be explored by visiting the Kaole Ruins about an hour outside the city. These date back to the 13th century and are the remains of an ancient Muslim settlement where you can see one of East Africa’s oldest mosques. Day trips to the nearby islands in the Dar es Salaam Marine Reserve are also popular for a more leisurely activity.