Dar es salaam is a busy city in Tanzania which serves as its business capital. There’s a lot going on and sometimes you can miss out the opportunity to enjoy the good things in it. So dive in and see what you can do in Dar es salaam.
Early Bird.
I’m not much of a morning person. However, in the few occasions I managed to haul myself out of bed, it has been to go to the seaside (which is where I’m writing this piece). On the edge of the heart of the city is the Kivukoni Fish Market, which is nothing short of breathtaking at dawn. Perched on a rooftop above, I like to watch the hustle and bustle below: the docking of the dhows with fresh catch, the fisherman and customers bargaining and the fish “auction”.
City Roamer.
Nothing beats the fresh aromatic coffee of local coffee vendors to kick start your day. Grab yourself a local espresso and a “kashata”(groundnuts and sugar pastry) then conquer the city maze where the old surviving architecture meets the new in this modern metropolis. Visit Askari monument right at the centre, the Old Boma House (built in 1866-67) then take a walk through the Indian quarters and have tea at KTea Shop.
Art & Crafts Lover.
On your way to the Tinga Tinga market in Oysterbay, stop by the side of the road and grab yourself a fresh coconut(madafu), fruit or delicious barbecued corn(muhindi). Explore the Tinga Tinga market and get mesmerized by the Makonde carvings and by the stories each painting narrates straight from the mouth of the artists themselves. Edward Tingatinga started this style of art in the second half of the 20th century in Tanzania before it later spread to East Africa. So grab yourself a souvenir while you’re at it.
Get in my belly.
Definitely, definitely sample the local food. You can choose to go for “Zege”(fries glued together with eggs), or mishkaki, barbecued goat, or my personal favorite, kitimoto roast, the best roast pork you will have in the world. Try Edo’s Chips on Kimweri Ave for the Zege and Container bar on Lulukedi St. for the roast pork.
Sundowners.
Dar es salaam is bordered on the East with the Indian Ocean. So if you fancy watching the sunset while sipping on a boozy cocktail, then Slipway is the place for you. There are a few restaurants overlooking the ocean such as Thai Kani, Waterfront and my personal favorite, The Terrace. Nothing beats that view. Another great place to have sundowners with a view is Capetown fish Market, which is on the same costal strip.
Party O’clock.
End the day with a bang by bar hopping and finally hitting the best clubs in town. Start off at the Watering Hole (Tuktuk Thai)for a good meal, then hop on to George and Dragon or Oasis for a few drinks before heading out to Elements or Club Next Door for some great music. Finish off by going to The Pallets to party till the break of dawn.
Bio.
Daniel Msirikale is the Jameson Whiskey Brand Ambassador in Tanzania and freelance travel photographer.
Instagram handle: that_tanzanianguy
