Dar es Salaam

The name Dar es Salaam means, "Haven of Peace." The city began as a small fishing port in the mid 19th century when the Sultan of Zanzibar wanted to convert a creek into a safe port and marketplace.

Now it is a bustling metropolis with 1.5 million inhabitants and a port where Arab dhows alternate with large ocean liners. At the same time, Dar es Salaam is both a historic and modern city. Some buildings have a strong colonial architecture, while others attest of early Arab and Eastern influences. The National Museum is located next to the botanical garden in the centre of the town. It houses important archaeological collections, especially the fossil record of the Zinjanthropus  man, and a collection on the ugly side of the slave trade in Zanzibar. Of course, there is also the possibility of shopping and fine dining in the many restaurants. 

The colonial character is still intact and the port is still decorated with palm and mangrove trees. It is one of few places where one can see Arab dhows and canoes made of hollow tree trunks between the gigantic cargo ships.  You can also visit Kariakoo market, its colourful and exotic atmosphere makes it worth it.