Dar es Salaam: a multicultural Tanzanian treat in a natural harbour of the Indian Ocean
Bubbling with life and infused by a myriad of nationalities, Dar es Salaam is a thriving city nestled in a natural harbour on the Indian Ocean. This is the perfect place to experience the richness of East African life.
It is almost unbelievable to think that this coastal melting pot was once a quiet fishing village. Today it is Africa’s second largest port and the city where African Tanzanians mix with Arabic and South Asian communities, Muslims, Lutherans, Catholics and a community of British and German expats.
Nowhere is this melting pot of cultures better reflected than in the city’s culinary scen. In Dar es Salaam you can enjoy everything from a traditional Tanzanian barbecue and Zanzibari food to perfect Thai curries and Lebanese tabbouleh.
A fantastic way to experience Dar es Salaam is to take a city tour and wander through the Mwenge Open Market looking for Makonde Carvings and local handicrafts. To the south of the city there are some excellent beaches if you crave some relaxation. Dar es Salaam is also a great base from which to explore Zanzibar, a beautiful island just 15 miles off the coast of Tanzania.
Most of all, though, all you have to do is just soak up the atmosphere and go with the city’s irresistible flow.