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Dar es Salaam



The ‘Haven of Peace’, started out as a humble fishing village in the mid-19th century when the Sultan of Zanzibar decided to turn the inland creek (now the harbour) into a safe port and trading centre. It became the capital in 1891, when the German colonial authorities transferred their seat of government from Bagamoyo, whose port was unsuitable for steamships.

Dar es Salaam is the largest city and the political and economic
capital of Tanzania. Located in a quiet bay off the Indian Ocean coast, the city kept growing in economic importance to become a prosperous centre of the entire East African region. It’s bustling harbour is the main port in Tanzania. It’s industrial area produces products for export and use throughout the country. Government offices still have their main base in Dar es Salaam, and diplomatic missions and non-governmental organizations in the country all have a presence in the bustling urban city.

Dar es Salaam remains substantially a low-rise city of red-tiled roofs, with its colonial character largely intact. The harbour is still fringed with palms and mangroves, and Arab dhows mingle with huge ocean-going vessels. How ever, in recent years, high rise buildings became visible in many parts of the city. 

There are 3 main districts, which are Ilala, Kinondoni, and Temeke.
MP's: http://www.bunge.go.tz/bunge/Mp_ByRegion.asp

Population:

Male Population	1,261,077
Female Population	1,236,863
Total Population	2,497,940
Total Household Number	596,264
Average Household Size	4.2
Intercensal Growth Rate 1988 - 2002 (%)	4.3

Soure:http://www.tanzania.go.tz/census/dsm.htm

CULTURE HERITAGE, AND TRADITIONS:

Just like any other big Cities, Dar Es Salaam has lost its true identity as the Zaramo city. Now is home to most regions’ Culture and traditions. This can be witnessed at Makumbusho Village, a museum where all cultural heritage and traditions are displayed in the form of traditional huts, dances, and food.

Traditional dance:
Mdundiko, and Mchiriku are the major traditional ‘Ngoma’ dances of Dar Es Salaam. Traditional Zaramo people, use mdundiko, and mchiriku for celebrations such as weddings, and when girls reach their puberty.

TRAVEL WITHIN THE CITY:
It is advised that you use Taxis which are in white color. You might find a few packed next to your hotel, or ask the hotel to call one for you- if they can. There are also international car rental companies such as:

Avis rent a car: Tdfs Bldg Opp Royal Palm Hotel - +2552 2211 5381  
Evergreen car rental: Nkrumah Street - +255 183345 – Mobile 0741-227788 Or 0742-780015

Hertz: International Airport   Dar Es Salaam - +255 222112967  

You can also use Dala dala, the famous commuter buses which zig-zags the city. Make sure you take the right bus for your destination. Dala dala is the cheapest means of transport within the city and its suburbs.

TRAVEL TO OTHER REGIONS:
There are different buses which travel from Dar es Salaam to other places.

Tawfiq Coaches: Travels to Tanga, Moshi, Arusha, Mombasa, Nairobi and Kampala.

To Arusha / Kilimanjaro: Fresh ya Shamba, Air Msae, Dar Express, Metro Coach.

Scandinavia Coach: Travel to the Southern regions of Tanzania, Iringa, Mbeya and Rukwa

Travel Time: 6 hours to Tanga. 8 hours to Moshi, 10 hours to Arusha, 12 hours to Mombasa

BANKS AND BUREAU DE CHANGE :
Most bureau de change are located along Samora Machel Avenue.There are a few bureau de change in the tourist class hotels which are open throughout the week. Bank business hours are between 8am to 5pm and most are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Major Credit, and Debit cards are accepted in major tourist hotels.

HOSPITAL:
Muhimbili Medical Centre located at Upanga area,
The Aga Khan Hospital located at Sea View area
Shree Hindu Mandal hospital located at the City Center,
TMJ Hospital located at Mikocheni area along Old Bagamoyo Rd.,
Oysterbay Hospital located at Oyster Bay area,
St. Mary's Hospital and Mikocheni Hospital located at Victoria.

POLICE:
The police posts are almost every where around the city but the biggest Police stations are The Central Police Station at the City Centre, Oysterbay Police Station, Salender Bridge, Buguruni Police Station and Chang'ombe Police Station

 

Click on a region for more information:

• Kagera • Mara • Mwanza • Shinyanga • Arusha • Kigoma • Tabora • Killimanjaro • Manyara • Singida • Dodoma • Tanga

• Rukwa • Mbeya • Iringa • Morogoro • Pwani • Ruvuma • Lindi • Mtwara • Dar es Salaam • Pemba • Zanzibar

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