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1. Discovering the attractions of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Dar es Salaam, the largest city and commercial capital of Tanzania is an important stop-over for most travellers going on a Tanzania safari. Once called Mzizima, meaning healthy town, Dar es Salaam has a long history dating back mid19th century when the town started as a small fishing town. Mzizima was later named Dar es salaam, meaning 'a haven for peace' in Arabic by Sultan Seyyid Majid of Zanzibar – a name that has stuck to date.
Located on a massive harbour on the eastern coast of Indian Ocean (7 degrees south of the equator), Dar es salaam boasts an atmosphere of tranquility with enchanting beaches and lively neighbourhoods. Dar es salaam's bustling harbour is the main port in Tanzania, and the city is home to the major airport in Tanzania: Julius Nyerere International Airport - located about 13km from the city centre.
Although the city is no longer the administrative capital of Tanzania, government offices still have their main base in Dar es Salaam. Diplomatic missions and non-governmental organisations in the country also have a presence in the bustling coastal city.
And as one of the most cosmopolitan cities of Africa, Dar es Salaam is made up of 100 or so tribal groups of Tanzania. None of these groups comprise more than 10% of the population and this perhaps contributes to the tranquility the country has experienced for years. The most numerous groups are the Sukuma of Lake Victoria, Chaaga of Mount Kilimanjaro, Nyamwenzi of Tabora, Hehe of Iringa and the Gogo of Dodoma. Arab and Persian influence is strong in Zanzibar.
The interaction of Arabs and Bantu Africans has resulted in the Swahili language now widely spoken in Eastern and Central Swahili is now the Lingua Franca of Tanzania although English is widely understood in urban centers. Make sure to experience the traditional food at the coast and Zanzibar. This is quite good and is based on seafood and rice dishes.
During German occupation in the early 20th century, Dar es Salaam was the centre of colonial administration and the main contact point between the agricultural mainland and the world of trade and commerce in the Indian Ocean and the Swahili Coast. Remnants of colonial presence, both German and British, can still be seen in the landmarks and architecture around the city.
Upon arriving in Dar es salaam, visitors are greeted by numerous historical landmarks, including St. Joseph’s Cathedral, the White Father’s Mission House, the Botanical Gardens, the old State House and the National Museum that seem to proclaim their permanent residence in the city centre. Lutheran Church (probably the oldest building standing on the city), on the other hand, seems to recount the rich Christian heritage of Tanzania that dates back 18th century when the first missionaries set their feet on the country.
Strolling down the Shaaban Robert Street and Samora Street junction, you will be allured by the incredibly beautiful peacocks that inhabit this corner of town. And before you know it you will be right at the gate of the imposing National Museum.
The National Museum is indeed a priceless treasure as it exhibits cultural, ecological and historical significance; including a cast of 3.6 million-year-old hominid footprint. The museum exhibits most important archaeological pieces including fossils of Zinjathropus, the early fossils of mankind that were discovered at Olduvai Gorge by Dr. Mary Leaky. The building itself is remarkable; containing unique sculptures, picturesque tiles and carvings. The historical structure is surrounded by a peaceful garden that occasionally hosts concerts and plays.
A stone throw away from the National Museum is the amazing Botanical Gardens, situated adjacent to the Holiday Inn. The garden boasts lush tropical flora and is the most ideal place to relax in the peaceful atmosphere and tropical beauty that is Dar es Salaam.
After lazing in the garden for an hour or so, its now time to head to the north where you'll come to Ocean Road. The beaches here tend to be busy on weekends and holidays, host to weddings, picnics and romantic strolls though not much swimming.
Even if you don't have time to explore the rest of Tanzania, don't miss a visit to the open-air Village Museum (also referred to Makumbusho, the Swahili word for museum) located on New Bagamoyo Road. These well-kept grounds feature 18 furnished traditional houses from different ethnic groups throughout Tanzania. In addition, you can watch traditional dance performances on most afternoons, view a variety of agricultural techniques, observe artisans at work and refresh yourself in the cafe.
As you move further towards the ocean, you will find numerous traditional dhows, fishing boats and high-speed ferries to the help you travel to Zanzibar Island. Equally fascinating are swaying palm trees on the white sands of the nearby Kigamboni – a beautiful southern beach that is only a 100 Tanzania shillings-ride from Dar es Salaam by ferry. There are a series of hotels along the beach ranging from budget to luxury offer many options for swimming and relaxing.
Next to the ferry terminal on the City Centre side is the the recently renovated Kivukoni fish market. Boats deliver their catches directly to the market every morning and watching people haggling over prices is quite interesting. The fish market is the best spot to catch a glimpse of life and commerce in Tanzania.
After exploring the suburbs of Dar es Salaam, you may want to proceed to the stunning neighbourhoods that include Bagamoyo, Bongoyo and Mbudya islands. Located only about an hour north of Dar es Salaam, Bagamoyo attracts visitors for its pristine white sand beaches as well as its historical significance.
Bagamoyo, Kiswahili for "lay down the burden of your heart" or "be quiet my heart" was recently designated as Tanzania’s seventh world heritage site and is the oldest town in Tanzania. The town was established towards the end of the 18th century as the capital for German East Africa. Bagamoyo has one of the most wonderful white sand beaches of Tanzania.
In the past, the town of Bagamoyo was one of the most important trading ports on the entire East African coast. Its port was the penultimate stop of slave and ivory caravans that travelled on foot all the way from Lake Tanganyika. Once the caravans reached Bagamoyo, the slaves and ivory were shipped by dhow to Zanzibar, where they were then dispatched all over the world.
Today, Bagamoyo is a centre of dhow building in the region and along the Tanzanian coast. Northwest of Bagamoyo are several small streets lined with carved doors similar to those found on Zanzibar and elsewhere along the Swahili coast.
The Kaole Ruins located about five kilometers south of Bagamoyo are also worth a visit. The ruins consisting of the remains of the first settlement of the Arabs from Persia are the major attraction that Bagamoyo has to offer. Kaole Ruins date to the thirteenth century and comprise remnants of two mosques and several tombs, showing the importance of Islam in early Bagamoyo.
Miles away from Bagamoyo, about 7 km north of Dar es Salaam, is Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve. The reserve offers good snorkeling and diving sites for those who want to explore the water. Bongoyo reserve boasts beautiful beaches, secluded islands, and many varieties of marine species. In contrast to other beaches, Bongoyo is not tide dependent and so swimming can be done at any time of the day. About 4 km from the island is Mbudya; an island that have almost the same characteristics as Bongoyo. The island lies close to the beach resort and fishing community of Kunduchi and is accessible by motorboats crossing from the mainland.
A majority of visitors to Dar es Salaam find it worthwhile to tour Mikumi, Udzungwa, Ruaha and Selous game reserves. These destinations comprise the southern safari circuit of Tanzania. Mikumi National Park is just a few hours away by car, and Zanzibar is a quick 2-hour ferry ride (or an even quicker flight) away. For relaxing day trips to nearby islands, arranged transportation via White Sands Hotel or Bahari Beach Hotel.
Occupying 3,230 sq km, Mikumi carries a variety of wildlife including elephants, lion,giraffe, impala, warthog, zebra, buffalo, wildebeest, hartebeest and eland. Wild dogs- considered an endangered carnivore species -are found here in good numbers. Other resident animals are crocodiles, hippos, and monitor lizards.
Birds are most plentiful in the wet season when up to 300 species gathers here. Many of these are Eurasian migrants, exercising to the full, the freedom that comes with wings. The Mikumi flood plain is the dominant feature of the park, which is bordered on one side by the Uluguru Mountains and on another by the Lumango range. Mikumi forms the northern border of the Selous Game Reserve and is part of a vast wilderness ecosystem covering 75,000 sq km. Open grasslands stretch on the plains, while the miombo woodlands cover higher ground.
The park is accessible year round- unlike some of the sanctuaries in the southern circuit. To get to Mikuni from Dar, you spend 4 hours on road or 1 hour by air. Budget travelers take a bus ride to park gate, from where game drives are organised. There is limited accommodation at a few luxury lodges and tented camps and at 3 campsites. If you find yourself in Dar on a weekend, this is where you head to see wildlife.
The 1,990 sq km Udzungwa Mountains National Park is 348 km west of Dar and 65 km southwest of Mikumi. The mountains are part of the Eastern Arc Mountains that fall southeast of Kilimanjaro. The park is unique in Tanzania, having been created primarily to conserve plant life. The pristine mountain forest habitat hosts numerous rare plants. There are six primate species, out of which two species are endemic - the Iringa red colobus monkey and the Sanje Crested Mangabey.
At the plateau area, you find elephants, lions, hunting dogs and buffalos, though not in as large numbers as in some of the other Tanzania parks. Birds also do well here, and indeed the park ranks as one of Africa’s most important bird conservation areas. Scientists have in recent times come across at least four previously unknown bird species. The best time to visit is over the dry season between June and October. The hiking trails over the wet season are slippery, which can be quite a nuisance.
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Dar es Salaam, the largest city and commercial capital of Tanzania is an important stop-over for most travellers going on a 
