Although some very early pottery and artefacts dating from the 13th and 14th century have been found in the area, the main settlement of Dar Es Salaam seems to have been built in the mid 1800s.
Commonly referred to as the ‘Haven of Peace’ it was a capital city of the Sultan of Zanzibar in the 1860s. Originally a fishing village, the city has developed into a modern bustling centre for Tanzania’s commercial and social affairs.
Although Dodoma (which sits in the centre of the country) is still officially the administrative capital of Tanzania, Dar is the main centre for all financial, transport and medical services as well as maintaining an efficient link with Arabia and Asia in terms of ocean-going cargo.
Now a very cosmopolitan city, Dar is fine for visiting for a day or two exploring the markets, museums and historical buildings. There are good hotels here and several shopping centres with local craft markets.
Dar Es Salaam is a busy international airport with several carriers from the UK and Europe flying daily to connect to safari lodges and the Indian Ocean islands. Either side of Dar along the coast lie some little visited and interesting small towns and beaches.
Surrounds of Dar es Salaam
Bagamoyo: Just a short drive north of Dar Es Salaam is Bagamoyo, a very important ex-German settlement on the coast. Interesting day trips can be taken here, with knowledgeable guides to show you round the museums, ruins and forts.
Ras Kutani: To the south of Dar about a 45 minute drive is the beautiful stretch of coastline around Ras Kutani. This upmarket lodge is popular as a getaway retreat and offers a range of water sports as well as walks, riding, canoeing and many other activities along wild stretches of coast.
Saadani National Park: To the north of Dar, just south of Tanga, is the newly gazetted Saadani National Park. This is a unique place in that the bush and beach really do combine with the park boundary touching the shoreline! There is a gorgeous rustic lodge here with 10 thatched bandas on stilt looking over the Indian Ocean. Sleep with the wind blowing through the palm trees and listen to the call of the wild behind you! Access to Saadani is a 4 hour drive from Dar Es Salaam or a 30 minute flight or connect to Zanzibar by a 15 minute flight.
Zanzibar and other Indian Ocean Islands: The spice island of Zanzibar is only about a 15 minute flight from Dar. Mafia, Chole, Chumbe and Pemba are all also within easy reach of Dar.