DAR ES SALAAM, TANZANIA’S LARGEST COMMERCIAL CITY

If you happen to visit Tanzania, you’ll definitely come across the word Dar es Salaam, the largest commercial City in the Country.

Do you know the history of Dar es Salaam?

Dar es Salaam, which is an Arabic word meaning - The ‘residence of peace’ is the largest city and the commercial capital of Tanzania.  Originally the nation’s capital, Dar es Salaam was founded as a summer residence for the Sultan of Zanzibar.

It started to become an important financial and economic center in the region after the arrival of the Germans in the late 1800s and was made the capital of the German East Africa. After the World War I, the British took control of German East Africa where Tanganyika was formed, with Dar maintaining its commercial capital status. It continued from then till now.

Dar is now a bustling and thriving city; the largest in Tanzania with a population of over 4 million inhabitants. Dar is the third fastest growing city in Africa & the ninth fastest in the world. Additionally, at its current rate of growth Dar is poised to reach a ‘Mega-City’ status (over 10 million residents) in the next 15 – 20 yrs. It has grown into the East Africa’s second-busiest port & is touted to take the number one spot in the near future. Furthermore, with the Dar port clearing cargo worth $15 billion annually as of 2013, its growth potential is there for all to see.

Its position as the commercial and administrative capital of Tanzania (it was the capital city until Dodoma replaced it in 1974) has seen it grow considerably. More so, Dar has become a popular tourist destination among African tourists and those from all over the world? Why?

Well here are some reasons:

1.    Gorgeous Sandy Beaches: From the North to the South of the city, one can enjoy the feeling of sun-kissed sand massaging one’s feet

2.      The Islands: Yes, you read that correctly. For a truly relaxing experience of the City, visiting the islands of Mbudya and Bongoyo are a must. They’re 20 & 30 minutes away from the mainland Dar, a short distance to access the paradise. It’s a cheap trip too.

3.      Tropical Climate: Comprises rainy and dry reasons. The tropical climate brings with it warmth and sun virtually most part of the year. This being the case, it makes for a very appealing destination for those looking to escape winter or colder conditions in June/July or December/January/February

4.      Zanzibar is nearby: As Zanzibar attracts millions of visitors per year, this works in Dar’s favor with many tourists either passing through or adding Dar entirely to their travel itinerary.  A major reason for this is not only Dar’s attractions, but it’s a short-distance from Zanzibar (2 hours by speed ferry or 20 minutes by air)

These are the four fantastic reasons that can convince you to visit Dar es Salaam. Apart from the foregoing, you can also have a truly experience the City’s glory by indulging in other activities that will let you have a feeling of being one of the local residents of the City.

Top among them are:

Riding a Daladala

It’s a form of public-private transport; a bus service that has private ownership but caters for the public. It’s also the most common form of public transport around the city. Daladala’s are known for their ‘creative’ but reckless road demeanor. However, they’re cheap. So if your budget is running a bit tight, you’ll find their prices quite reasonable. And chances are, you’ll have a story to tell about your trip from one point to another.

Street Food and Local Cuisine

Ugali, ndizi, nyama choma or chips mayai? These are popular foods enjoyed by Dar es Salaam resident and its recommended that you taste them to have unforgettable experience. In fact, there are plenty of other local dishes – makande (a maize-centric dish), makange (spicy, chilli fried chicken fried with onions & green peppers), muhogo (cassava either fried or boiled)

·         Ugali, is basically stiff porridge. Doesn’t sound like much right? But, when prepared correctly with the right side dish, preferably a stew and greens, it is soft, smooth and delicious. 

·         Ndizi is banana in Kiswahili. But, these are no ordinary bananas. These are non-ripe bananas cooked in a special stew with beef & beef stock.

·         Nyama Choma translates to grilled meat, which is exactly what this is. BBQ’d meat most commonly of beef, goat or chicken. Doesn’t sound like much out of the ordinary, but, it’s the way it is BBQ.

·         Lastly, there’s Chips Mayai. Undoubtedly the most common fast food & a Dar original, this combines Chips and Mayai (eggs) in an omelet. Basic, quick & tasty.

No visit to Dar es Salaam City is complete until one, if not all of the dishes mentioned above have been tested.

Welcome to Dar es Salaam the largest commercial city in Tanzania

THE DAR ES SALAAM TRAVELLERS HOTEL

Our Hotel

                            Picture of the ABC Travellers Hotel

The ABC hotel is located about 100 meters from the Kariakoo Market, the busiest market place in Dar es Salaam.  

The Hotel has established itself as one of the City center’s leading hospitality brands offering quality accommodation, catering services, food and beverage services, unique holiday and conference solutions, music club and adventure tourism.  

The common philosophy at our Hotel is attention to even the smallest details, exceptionally personal service and a continuous effort to meet and even foretell customer requirements.

In addition, the property reflects its area’s artistic idioms and cultural expressions with a view to giving customers a unique experience in the Hotel. These values are keys to ABC Travellers Hotel’s success and are the key elements that contribute to the strength and uniqueness of the brand.”

The hotel has superbly styled rooms that offer excellent accommodation services, radiating the warmth of an elegant legendary home away from your home.  

We have a well-established track record and our services have always met customer’s satisfaction including individuals, groups, internationals organizations, embassies and multinational corporations.

Our focus is always to deliver our products and services in accordance with the highest standards required in the hotel industry.

We not only provide excellent services but we do offer very competent prices and the hotel has never compromised on the quality of its service. We are confident that our guests will appreciate the type of world-class service that is offered by the ABC Travellers Hotel.

A world of leisure in an environment of calm, the ABC Travellers Hotel awaits you to experience the timeless elegance of the Hotel- it becomes a part of your soul.

Whatever the purpose of your visit, ABC Travelers Hotel welcomes you to one of the finest hotels in Tanzania. We are committed to providing every guest with renowned standards of service as well as best accommodation and dining facilities to ensure that your stay in Dar es Salaam is nothing less than perfect.

With its immediate vicinity at city center, the hotel is a perfect place to stay as it offers easy access to the shopping mall, parks, market, restaurants and night pubs in the heart of the city, where the pace is fast and where both business and vacation are invigorating experiences. It also gives you the best view of the City.

Arranged visits

If you happen to find visit Dar es Salaam City for a short period of time (say 2 to 3 days), it can be very boring to remain indoors most of the time. You may find yourself unable to decide what to do in your hotel room.

We have a solution to such a situation. We can arrange field trips for you to various famous places within the City of Dar es Salaam. One such place is the famous Kivukoni fish market.

As a coastal city, Dar es Salaam has an abundance of fresh seafood. You can find seafood in many places, but none can beat the experience you will have at the Kivukoni Fish Market.

At the fish market, you can pick your choice from a wide selection of freshly seafood such as prawns, octopus, calamari and more. You can then place your order to have your sea product cooked in front of your eyes. This place is so amazing that it has been featured on Buzzfeed.com as one of “the wonderful places around the World that you should visit before you die”.

Welcome to the ABC Travellers Hotel.

VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIAL OFFER

LOVE IS IN THE AIR..!!!!

Celebrate the day of love with us and treat your special someone to an unforgettable escape. Take some time out to share some precious romantic moments with one another on this Valentine’s Day. Spend the night in any of our Double Rooms, Executive Rooms or Mini Suite Rooms and experience an evening you will never forget, or surprise your loved one away for a delicious Valentine’s dinner at our Tausi Restaurant on the first floor on Valentine’s Day.

·        1 night with breakfast included served in your room

·        10% off Discount on available rates

·        1 glass of rosé champagne per person

·        Romantic room decoration

·        Late checkout until 12.00 pm

Validity
14 February 2017

Valentine’s Special Menu

5-course dinner at a price of TSH 20,000 per person

For reservations, please contact :
Email :  info@abctravellershotel.com
Tel : +255 767 439 522, +255 655 539 522

Tanzanian Cuisine

Tanzanian cuisine is both unique and widely varied. Along the coastal regions (Dar es Salaam, Tanga, Bagamoyo, Zanzibar, and Pemba), spicy foods are common, and there is also much use of coconut milk. Regions in Tanzania's mainland also have their own unique foods. Some typical mainland Tanzanian foods include wali (rice), ugali (maize porridge), chapati (a kind of bread), nyamachoma (grilled meat), mshikaki (marinated beef), samaki (fish), pilau, biriyani, and ndizi-nyama (plantains with meat). Vegetables commonly used in Tanzania include bamia (okra), mchicha (a kind of spinach), njegere (green peas), maharage (beans), and kisamvu (cassava leaves).

Famous Tanzanian snack foods include maandazi (fried dough), isheti, kashata (coconut bars), kabaab (kebab), sambusa (samosa), mkate wa kumimina (Zanzibari rice bread), vileja, vitumbua (rice patties), bagia, and many others.

Since a large proportion of Indians have migrated into Tanzania, a considerable proportion of Tanzanian cuisine has been influenced by Indian cuisine. Famous chefs, such as Mohsin Asharia, have revolutionized traditional Indian dishes, such as kashata korma tabsi and voodo aloo. Many Indians own restaurants in the heart of Dar es Salaam, and have been welcomed by indigenous Tanzanians.

Beverages

Many people drink tea (chai) in Tanzania. Usually, tea is drunk in the morning during breakfast with chapati and maandazi, or at times during the night at supper. Coffee is also consumed, which is usually taken in the evening, when the sun is down, and people are on the front porch, playing cards or bao. Many people drink coffee with kashata (a very sweet tasting snack made from coconut meat or groundnuts).

There are also local beverages depending on the different tribes and regions. These include different alcoholic beverages and local brews, such as moonshine and banana beer. For coastal regions, such as Tanga and Dar es Salaam, mnazi/tembo is widely consumed. Other brews include wanzuki and mbege among the Chagga, and lubisi, nkencha, nkonyagi, and mbandule among the Haya. These brews are found on the shores of Lake Victoria.

Tanzanian Famous Food (Typical and Traditional Cuisine)

Breakfast in Tanzania

Tanzania, located on the East coast of Africa, has a cuisine that’s been influenced by a number of cultures and flavors. Indian, Middle Eastern, and local African ingredients and cooking techniques are all fused together to form the base of food culture in Tanzania.

We’ll begin with breakfast and then I’ll walk you through a day of eating in Tanzania. Like in many countries, breakfast is normally simple and light. Often in the morning people will drink a cup of chai (tea with milk and about 3 spoons of sugar) paired with some type of bread. Common choices are just typical white bread with a thick layer of magazine spread on top, a chapati, or a mandazi, which is a slightly sweet deep-fried square of dough. Uji, a millet porridge, is also a breakfast option.

A big filling Tanzanian lunch

Lunch is normally eaten at about 1 pm throughout Tanzania, and at small local restaurants, there are some great dishes to choose from. Ugali, just like in Kenyan food, is a grain starch normally made from cornmeal or sorghum flour. The flour is cooked with water until it becomes a thick paste. Rice is the second common staple throughout Tanzania. Occasionally along the coast you’ll also find pilau rice, or rice that’s been cooked with a variety of spices like cumin, coriander, and cardamom. Indian flatbreads, especially chapatis, are also often available. These options make the base of nearly all meals. Along with rice or ugali, beans and a vegetable called mchicha (kind of like spinach) are two of the omnipresent side dishes. The beans are often cooked quite plain, seasoned with a just a bit of salt and pepper and tomatoes. The mchicha is normally fried with oil, garlic, onions, and tomatoes.

Grilled chicken

Rice or ugali, beans and mchicha is a standard Tanzanian meal, and from there you can order delicious things like grilled chicken, nyama choma (grilled meat, which happens to be my favorite), fried chicken, fried or grilled fish (depending on which part of the country you’re in), meat stew, or curry. Along the coast, you’ll find amazing dishes like octopus curry which is simmered in a rich coconut cream sauce that’s seasoned with spices.

Tanzanian snacks

When it comes time for a snack, Tanzania doesn’t have too many options, but what’s available is tasty. Samosas, originally brought over from India, are available both on the streets and at restaurants throughout the country. There are normally both vegetarian and meat filled versions. The meat samosas are a combination of minced beef with onions, garlic, and spices, all wrapped into a pastry shell and deep-fried. Another of the most common snacks in Tanzania is roasted maize (corn). Using white field corn that’s mature, the corn is husked, then slow roasted over open coals until it chars on the outside. The corn tastes best when brushed with some lemon chili salt.

Greasy chips

Dinner is often quite similar to lunch, rice and ugali with some kind of beans and vegetable, plus a form of meat if it can be afforded.

Mishkaki

There’s also barbecue, which is similar to Indian tandoori or Middle Eastern kebabs, yet it has its own Tanzanian flavors added. Mishkaki as it’s known, is usually made from beef, goat, chicken, or fish, that’s marinated, skewered and grilled over charcoal. They roast the meat until blackened, giving it a lovely fiery flavor. Mishkaki is especially popular during the late afternoon and throughout the night for those that want to chow down on delicious piles of tender meat. I like to eat mishkaki with garlic naan or a side of greasy chips (French fries). It’s not the most diverse cuisine in the world, but with the influence of both Indian and Middle Eastern flavors, paired with the wonderful tropical fresh ingredients, there are some delicious meals to eat in Tanzania!

Tinga Tinga Paintings

Tinga Tinga is a type of painting found in Tanzania. If you go to the Tinga Tinga Market, do not buy anthing until you have checked out the prices in the main warehouse at the end of the road. There's lots of artists that would be willing to draw anything for you and they are much cheaper than the stalls along the road.

Address
Haille Selassie Road
Oysterbay
Dar Es Salaam

WHAT TO PACK & WEAR IN TANZANIA

Bringing the right clothing and personal items on your Tanzania safari not only keeps you safe and comfortable, but also increases your enjoyment of the many adventurous activities available during your travels. As a general rule, you should pack lightly and make wise choices in what types of clothing you bring. Unless you have a special event to attend, formal clothing is not necessary, and can even be burdensome while in Tanzania. Loose fitting garments that can be worn in layers will ensure your comfort day and night, and you should bring only clothing that you do not mind getting soiled. Some safari accommodations in Tanzania offer next day laundry services (generally at a cost) subject to appropriate weather conditions, so you do not need to bring a large quantity of clothing. Avoid bright colors, white and dark colors, and instead bring clothes of neutral colors, such as khaki, light bark or mid-tone brown, beige, olive and green, the typical colors used for safari clothing. Mosquitoes are a concern in Tanzania, as are tsetse flies, and you are best shielded against these insects by wearing long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks and shoes. Insect repellent is also highly recommended, if not binding in most locations. Wearing appropriate shoes for your Tanzania activities protect your feet from blisters, as well as thorns and stones. Because your safari activities vary in intensity and terrain, appropriate waterproof shoes are recommended dependent on your itinerary such as hiking boots or walking safari shoes for long hikes or on Tanzania game walks; waterproof sneakers shoes are most appropriate for game drives only itineraries but we generally recommend walking shoes for utmost comfort due to the rugged ground exposure in Tanzania, and sandals for beach extensions. You may also want to bring a pair of lightweight flip-flops for in-room use including during showers.

Clothing For Men and Women During Your Tanzania Safari

A combination of appropriate shirts, pants and outerwear helps keep every man and woman comfortable in Tanzania. As minimum requirement for each person on a 7 days safari itinerary with AfricanMecca while doing laundry in Tanzania, bring four t-shirts and two long-sleeved shirts, and for your trouser khakis, bring one pair of comfortable shorts and two pairs of cotton trousers, two light cargo outdoor pants and five pairs of socks. Undergarments should include five pairs of cotton menswear, and any safari preference for the ladies including five pairs of cotton womenswear and four sports bras that will provide adequate support on very uneven roads. To help you sleep comfortably, warm flannel pajamas are recommended too as it does get cold at night in the highlands. Outerwear should include one sweatshirt or fleece jacket for early morning and evening wear, sunglasses, safari hat with a chin belt that withstands winds, a swimsuit if your camp or lodge has a pool and a very thin waterproof raincoat, especially if you are traveling during the rainy season. You should also bring a pair of lightweight, durable, waterproof shoes dependent on your activity and flip flops or sandals for use around the camp or in the shower. If your weight allowance is not maxed out, bring extra clothing to avoid laundry while on safari.

Toiletries And Basic Medical Kit Recommendation For Tanzania

Basic first aid kits are available at most Tanzania lodges and camps, but you should always have one with you should an emergency arise. Your first aid kit should include mosquito repellent and malarial prophylactics, as well as your SPF preferred category sunscreen, antihistamine and an over-the-counter pain relieving medication, such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Panadol or Tylenol. You may also need to weatherproof and protect your valuables while out on game drives and other activities, and a few zip-lock bags can be included in your first aid kit for this purpose. Bring larger zip-locks for protecting your bagged camera and lenses too from dust and water where required e.g. canoeing or boating safari. Women should also bring adequate quantities of feminine hygiene products, such as tampons, pads and panty liners. Panty liners are also useful for trickle drying after urinating in the bush. Other items for your first aid kit are antiseptic gel, anti-diarrhea medication, antacid tablets for indigestion, band-aids with antiseptic cream, prescription medications and spare eyeglasses even if you wear contact lenses. You should also pack travel-size deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste and other basic toiletries. Camps and lodges supply shampoo, conditioner and soap but if you prefer your own, feel free to bringing it on board in small size travel bottles.

Gadgets For Your Tanzania Travels

Although you may desire to escape completely from the modern world and its technology, some gadgets are recommended for your tour. You will need a converter plug for your mobile devices, cameras and personal appliances. Electricity in Tanzania is 220 to 240 volts and 50 hertz and the sockets are British-type with three rectangular blade pins. You should also bring a small flashlight to help you move around your tent at night as some camps have minimal lighting at night. Tanzania offers excellent photographic opportunities, and a zoom lens is recommended, although you will need to adhere to any weight restrictions for your flights. Also, bring extra memory cards and batteries for your camera. Shared binocular is available from your safari guide, but having your own set ensures that you never miss seeing a kill or rare bird in the distance. You may also want to bring a mobile tablet or smartphone to keep you organized and in contact with friends and family back home. The highly enthused AfricanMecca guests also bring in night vision equipment for nocturnal activity around the campgrounds and waterholes, and also for use on select itineraries that include night game drives.

Travel Documents & Money Guidance For Tanzania

You should always keep copies of your travel documents with you while in Tanzania, at least two of them -- one in your checked luggage and one in your hand luggage. You should also keep digital copies of your passport pages and other travel documents on your smartphone or tablet. The most important document that you should always be prepared to show to immigration and customs officials is your passport, and your stamped visa if applied prior to arrival. Other documents include your return tickets, trip itinerary, medical insurance papers, next of kin details and personal medical and dental insurance cards. Most major credit cards are accepted in metropolitan Tanzania, and Visa and MasterCard are the most widely-accepted only in urban cities but with a hefty bank transaction fee and high exchange rate. Very few camps and lodges accept credit card. When carrying cash during your trip, we recommend you bring US dollars. The bills must be the updated design, issued in 2004 or later, perfect and crisp, and completely free of any rip or markings.

Beachwear For Tanzania

With so many gorgeous beachfront accommodations in Tanzania, you should prepare to spend some time on the coastal beaches or exploring the islands. The beaches in East Africa including Tanzania mainland, Zanzibar, Mafia, Pemba and other Islands do not allow for topless bathing, so you will need to bring appropriate swimwear choices, as well as polo shirts, pants and semi-formal clothing for those romantic evening dinners on the beach.

Tanzania Moral Dress Emphasis

When you travel in Tanzania, you should respect the local customs and beliefs. Tanzanians have very strong beliefs about morality, including proper ways to dress and show respect. When you are visiting local markets, bazaars and other attractions, you should wear either long trousers or knee-length shorts with a polo shirt. Tank tops, shorts or skirts above the knee and other types of clothing that reveal the shoulders or thighs should be avoided. Religious sites, such as mosques, temples, synagogues and churches, require even stricter dress requirements and you may be asked to leave by one of the guards if you are dressed inappropriately based on the local culture and people’s expectations.

Safari Luggage Guidance For Tanzania

Your safari baggage weight restriction on most internal safari flights within Tanzania is 33 pounds or 15 kilograms, per person. If your bag exceeds this limit, you will be charged an additional fee for excess baggage. Most safari flights in Tanzania can be fully booked as the small to large safari aircrafts are allocated based on passenger load for each sector, so to ensure that your excess baggage is allowed on your flight, you should pre-pay the additional fee. Soft-sided, sturdy duffle bags should be used and not hard-sided luggage as your baggage will need to be easily loaded and maneuvered in a small luggage compartment during your air travel. If your Tanzania safari portion does not include any air portion which is not normally the case, you are free to bring in additional luggage up to 44 pounds (20 kg) in soft sturdy bags rather than hard sided suitcases. Excess luggage can also be securely stored at an AfricanMecca Team office or even your hotel in Arusha, Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar while you are on your safari.

General Packing Suggestions For Tanzania

In addition to the guidelines already outlined, you should also follow some general recommendations when packing for your trip to Tanzania. Soft-sided bags are much easier to store and load, so this is preferred over hard-sided luggage. Since you may need to handle your bags at certain exit and entry airport points during your journey, the lightweight nature of soft-sided luggage makes this task easier for you as well. You should pack any critical items in your carry-on bag instead of packing it in your checked baggage. This should include, at a minimum, your travel documents, money, medications and other important items. You should lock your baggage at all times and use only TSA-approved locks. The African bush is no place for expensive jewelry, and wearing these items only invites trouble. Leave sentimental and expensive jewelry at home where you know it is safe! When traveling, never keep all of your cash in one place. Distribute it to minimize any potential loss. Cameras and other equipment should be protected during your tour activities, and water-resistant daypacks are the perfect solution! Lastly, and most importantly, keep it simple and straightforward. Your Tanzanian travel is an adventurous, high-paced, once-in-a-lifetime experience that takes you into some of the most pristine wilderness in the world. Please do not bring hair dryers, irons, excessive clothing and unnecessary beauty toiletries.