The Port of Dar es Salaam is the largest city and the political and economic center of the country of Tanzania. It is also an increasingly popular tourist destination. The Port of Dar es Salaam's urban center has many restaurants, shops, and office buildings. It maintains buildings from the colonial period, both German and British. There are many interesting and enjoyable attractions that visitors will enjoy. They include the National Museum, the Village Museum, St. Joseph's Cathedral, the White Father's Mission House, the Botanical Gardens, and the Old State House. To the south of the Port of Dar es Salaam is Bongoyo Island Marine Reserve, offering many diving and snorkeling sites and wonderful beaches. For detailed information on the sights in the Port of Dar es Salaam, please visit the country's tourism website.

The Port of Dar es Salaam is near the equator, and it is warmed by the Indian Ocean. It has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather most of the year and two rainy seasons. The "long rains" fall in April and May, and the "short rains" fall in October and November. Temperatures range from an average high of 32 °C (90 °F) from January through March to an average low of 18 °C (64 °F) in July and August.

Kigamboni, or South Beach, is located across the channel from the Zanzibar ferry. Public beaches have been purchased by developers, so most of the beaches are maintained by hotels that charge an entry fee. South Beach Resort is a popular hotel on the beach, as are the resorts of Amani and Ras Kutani.

Bongoyo Island makes a wonderful day trip from the Port of Dar es Salaam. This small uninhabited island offers great hikes and beaches, explaining why it can be so crowded on weekends. The island has a small restaurant and a market selling the popular Tinga Tinga paintings.

Hikers enjoy the Pugu Hills about 12 kilometers west of the Port of Dar es Salaam's airport. Villagers will guide hikers around the hills. Making arrangements through the Pugu Hills Nature Center, hikers will see monkeys and baboons, mongooses, shrews, and duikers as well as some nocturnal animals if they venture out at night.

Travelers who want to visit the Port of Dar es Salaam and East Africa can find a list of scheduled cruises by searching for "Dar es Salaam" on the Cruise Compete website.

Review and History    Port Commerce    Cruising and Travel    Satellite Map    Contact Information