Dar es Salaam History and Architectural Tours

Dar es Salaam , Tanzania

Dar es Salaam History and Architectural Tours

Active

(39 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour delve into the distinctive architectural styles, designs, and structures of a city. It offer a glimpse into the city's past, tracing its evolution from ancient times to the present. Such tour celebrate the cultural heritage of a city, including its traditions, customs, art, and cuisine.

My tour also celebrate the cultural heritage of a city, including its traditions, customs, art, and cuisine. I share fascinating anecdotes and stories about the city's past and its inhabitants, adding a personal touch that connects visitors to the lived experiences of the people who once called the city home.
These tours are not only entertaining but also highly educational.

Available options

Dar es Salaam History and Architectural Tours

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Local lunch

All Fees and Taxes

Dar es Salaam is bit hot, I will provide bottled water during our tour to keep you cool.

Before Lunch guests will be served with snacks in one of the stops during the tour.

Detailed itinerary

St. Joseph catholic cathedral
Dar's Cathedral built in 1903 stands on the same spot as the
city's first mosque.

Azania front Lutheran church
A Bavarian style church surrounded by palm trees, inspired by churches in Latin America and India.

The Village Museum is a hands-on museum that showcases the traditional homes and living conditions of a number of tribes from Tanzania.

The Mwenge Woodcarvers Market, at the heart of the city of Dar es Salaam, is full of statues, masks and chests, all beautifully carved in the strong black wood that is ebony.

Kivukoni fish market in Dares Salaam, located in Tanzania, is known for its bustling fish market. It's a vibrant and lively place where you can find a wide variety of freshly caught seafood, and it's a significant part of the city's cultural and economic life. The market offers a unique experience for visitors to explore the local fishing industry and sample some of the region's delicious seafood dishes.

The National Museum of Tanzania is a consortium of five Tanzanian museums whose purpose is to preserve and show exhibits about the history and natural environment of Tanzania.

Kariakoo is best known today for its wide-ranging markets, which extends over many city blocks and contributes significantly to Dar es Salaam's.

Mlimani City is a shopping mall on Sam Nujoma Road, Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It is one of the largest malls in the country, with an area of 30,000 m2 (320,000 sq ft).

Tinga Tinga paintings are a unique and visually stunning painting style that was developed in the second half of the 20th century in Tanzania, Africa.
The paintings tend to be striking in colour due to being made on masonite and are popular with tourists such as Europeans and Americans due to the ease of transportation.

What's not included

I will be happy to take them to best bars and sport bars. They would require 30$ to 50$ per person. Age limit is 18 and above.

Dinner is also excluded since the the tour will end in the evening, the guest will get a chance to choose place they would prefer. Most of the good restaurants dinner is from 30$ to 50$.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

36 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Dar es Salaam

Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and its commercial hub, offering a vibrant mix of cultural heritage, bustling markets, and beautiful coastal scenery. As the gateway to Zanzibar and the southern circuits of Tanzania, it combines modern urban life with Swahili coastal charm.

Top Attractions

Coco Beach

A popular beach in Dar es Salaam with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying local seafood.

Beach Half day Free (Food and activities extra)

Mbudya Island

A small island located just off the coast of Dar es Salaam, offering pristine beaches, snorkeling, and a peaceful escape from the city.

Nature Full day Moderate (Boat ride and activities)

Dar es Salaam National Museum

A museum showcasing the history and culture of Tanzania, including exhibits on natural history, ethnography, and the country's struggle for independence.

Historical 2-3 hours Moderate (Entry fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Ugali and Nyama Choma

Ugali is a staple food made from maize flour, often served with grilled meat (Nyama Choma).

Main Course Vegetarian options available (Ugali with vegetables)

Pilau

A fragrant rice dish cooked with spices, meat, and vegetables.

Main Course Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Mishkaki

Grilled skewers of marinated meat, often served with kachumbari (a fresh tomato and onion salsa).

Snack Contains meat

Popular Activities

Snorkeling and diving Island hopping Beach relaxation Spa treatments Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events Boat tours and fishing excursions Spice tours in Zanzibar

Best Time to Visit

June to October

This is the dry season with pleasant weather, making it ideal for exploring the city and its attractions.

22-30°C 72-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Swahili, English
Widely spoken: Swahili, English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

Time Zone

GMT+3

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Dar es Salaam is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious, especially in crowded areas and at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious with valuables, especially in crowded areas.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas.

Getting there

By air

Julius Nyerere International Airport • 12 km from city center

By train

Dar es Salaam Central Station

By bus

Ubungo Bus Terminal, Tegeta Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Dala Dala are minibuses that are the most common and affordable way to get around the city. They can be crowded and chaotic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Kariakoo Oyster Bay

Day trips

Zanzibar Island

60 km from Dar es Salaam • Full day or overnight

Zanzibar offers a rich history, beautiful beaches, and a unique blend of African, Arab, and Indian cultures.

Bagamoyo

60 km from Dar es Salaam • Full day

A historic town with a rich cultural heritage, known for its role in the slave trade and as a center for Swahili culture.

Festivals

Dar es Salaam International Film Festival (DIFIFF) • July Sauti za Busara • February

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Swahili phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
Use ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt for safer and more convenient transportation.
Visit the Kariakoo Market early in the morning for the best selection and to avoid crowds.
Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience, but choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Book ferry tickets to Zanzibar in advance, especially during peak season.