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
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