Dar es Salaam, which means ‘haven of peace’, has outgrown its name to become the bustling port and economic capital city of Tanzania on the east coast of Africa.
Because of its location, and consequent significance in the world of trade and commerce, it has had its share of foreign occupation. Germany was the main influence in the early 20th century. This is evident in city landmarks and architecture, which also bears the mark of British colonial rule.
Visitors looking for a hotel Dar es Salaam would do well to choose something like the Southern Sun Dar es Salaam, particularly if they are there on business. This well-appointed hotel in Dar es Salaam is ideally situated in the central business district, which is where government and diplomatic offices are concentrated.
Tourists could plan visits to the National Museum and the Village Museum to take in more of the history of the area, while walking tours of the waterfront and city centre will reveal further historic treasures like St Joseph’s Cathedral, the White Father’s Mission House and the Old State House.
Southern Sun Dar es Salaam is also the hotel Dar es Salaam that is close to the popular Botanical Gardens. Typically peaceful and quiet, they provide the inevitable escape from busy city life.
Water sports enthusiasts and lovers of marine life will undoubtedly gravitate 7km outside the city from their hotel Dar es Salaam to Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve, which offers amazing snorkelling and diving sites off lovely beaches.
Interestingly, guests at the hotel Dar es Salaam may want to visit Dodoma too. It’s the official capital city, linked to Dar es Salaam by rail. Despite wildlife safaris being one of the main attractions for visitors who book into a hotel in Dar es Salaam, Dodoma is located in the wine-making region – a legacy of the ‘Catholic fathers’ among the various religions that have had an influence on the area.
The Tanzanian population is diverse, so the colourful markets that people love to visit in Dar es Salaam in particular will reflect a wide array of their skills and products. The pastoral Warangi tribe is credited with the artistry behind the famous Kondoa rock paintings while the Sandawe are considered by some experts to be the ‘oldest human genetic lineage’. While others attribute that claim to the Khoisan people in southern Africa, these experts believe that they are actually descendents of the Sandawe.