Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam means 'Haven of Peace'. It is the largest city in Tanzania and dates back to the 19th century when the Sultan of Zanzibar established a fishing village there, in order to turn the area around its creek into a safe port and trading center. In 1891 the German colonial authorities moved their capital from Bagamoyo to Dar es Salaam, because the harbor at Bagamoyo was too small for the steamships that were getting bigger and bigger. In the 1990's the capital was moved to Dodoma. 'Dar' is nowadays a metropolis of 1.5 million people. In the busy harbor you can see tiny Arab dhows anchored next to huge ocean-going vessels. As in many African towns, the contrasts between the various parts of the city are great. The busy central streets around the colorful Kariakoo Market and clock tower are the main center of Dar. Most buildings are low-rise and many colonial-era constructions are still standing. The government quarter to the north is the richest part of town, with tree-lined boulevards and modern office buildings. Dar doesn't really have any slums, even in the city's poorest areas people live in concrete buildings and not in shacks. It is a very warm place and above all salty. There are many different cultures in Dar es Salaam, but they all seem to mingle and mix without too many problems.
East of the city center, between Samora Avenue and Sokoine Drive, you will find the National Museum and the Botanical Gardens. The museum exhibits important archeological collections, including the fossil discoveries of Zinjanthropus (Nutcracker Man). The exposition of the Zanzibar slave trade and the German and British colonial periods are very interesting as well. About 10 km (6 miles) from the city center is the interesting Village Museum. It is a village with authentic dwellings from different parts of the country. During the weekend traditional dances are performed there. Three kilometers further down the Bagamoyo Road is makonde carving community of Mwenge. It is a good place to buy cheap traditional art works.
Dar es Salaam is a very busy city and it is hard to find an empty hotel room (no matter what category). If you find a vacant place take it even if you don't really like it; later you can always see if you find something better, but at least you'll have a roof to sleep under.
Dar is Tanzania's major international arrival point for flights and many major airlines have offices here. The airport is south of town; the railway station is southeast of the city center. The TAZARA train line connects the city with Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia; and buses to most parts of the country leave from different locations within the city. Dar es Salaam doesn't have a central bus station and public transport is very crowded.
There are several good beaches not far from the city. The nearest one is Oyster Bay, which is 6 km to the north of the center, near the government quarter.