Dar es Salaam
in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania, located on the eastern coast of the African continent along the Indian Ocean. It is the country's political, cultural, and economic hub, and home to over five million people.

Dar es Salaam is situated in the south-eastern part of Tanzania, on a natural harbour on the coast of the Indian Ocean. It is located about 10 degrees south of the equator and is bordered by the Pangani River to the north and the Ruvu River to the south. The city has a tropical climate, with hot and humid weather year-round.

The city was originally founded in the mid-19th century by the Sultan of Zanzibar, Majid bin Said. It was then known as Mzizima, which means "healthy town" in Arabic. In 1887, it was renamed Dar es Salaam, which means "haven of peace" in Arabic.

Since its founding, Dar es Salaam has been an important port city in the region. It has served as a major trading post for goods from across the Indian Ocean, including spices, ivory, and slaves. In the early 20th century, the city was a major centre for the German East Africa Company.

The city was also the site of a major battle during World War I, when British and Indian forces fought against the Germans in 1916. After the war, the city became the capital of the British mandate of Tanganyika, which later became the independent nation of Tanzania.

Today, Dar es Salaam is a vibrant and diverse city, with a mix of African, Arab, and Indian influences. It is home to a number of universities, museums, and cultural sites, as well as a bustling business district. It is also a major tourist destination, with its white sand beaches and its vibrant nightlife.

Experience Dar es Salaam with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Dar es Salaam. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam in Tanzania experiences a tropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters. The summer season (November to March) is usually hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 25-32°C and high levels of rainfall. The winter season (April to October) is mild and dry, with temperatures ranging from 18-26°C and low levels of rainfall. The spring season (September to November) is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from 18-30°C and moderate levels of rainfall. The autumn season (March to May) is warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 18-30°C and low levels of rainfall.

Cruise weather for Dar es Salaam

Our weather forecast for Dar es Salaam helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.

Galery: Dar es Salaam

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