About Dar es Salaam

To most travelers, Dar es Salaam is just a convenient port of call on the way to more exotic destinations of Zanzibar, the game parks, Pemba or Mafia Islands. This is a great pity, because “Dar”, as aficionados of the city affectionately call it, is a fascinating rabbit warren of a tropical port, often surprising the unwary wanderer with scenes of breathtaking beauty. While Dodoma is the political capital, Dar es Salaam is the financial capital, a hustling, bustling seaport that straddles some of the most important sea routes on earth.

The city itself is an eclectic mix of Swahili, German, Asian and British architecture, reflecting its colonial past and more recent history. It is a relatively new city – Sultan Majid bin Said, then the sultan of Zanzibar, saw the potential of Dar as a deepwater port because of its strategic position at the center of the East African coast. In 1866, he began work on his palace, built of coral blocks hewn on Changuu Island off Zanzibar. But he died before its completion and the palace fell into ruin – but not before he gave the tiny port its name – “Haven of Peace”.

Restaurants in Dar:

Security

Here is the official travel advice of the US government:

Safety

As in other East African countries, the threat from terrorism is high and visitors should be cautious in public places and tourist sites and hotels, particularly in Zanzibar’s Stone Town. The area bordering Burundi should be avoided. Street crime is a problem in Tanzania, especially in Dar-es-Salaam where tourists should be alert and cautious. Lonely beaches and footpaths are often targeted; women are particularly vulnerable to sexual attacks. Visitors should leave valuables in their hotel safe and not carry too much cash on them at any time. Armed crime is on the increase and there have been serious attacks on foreigners in Arusha and on Pemba Island."

Dar es Salaam

Since the attacks on the American Embassy in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in 1998, there have been no terrorist attacks on Tanzanian soil. There were occasional clashes between opposing political parties before and during the elections in 2001 and 2005, mostly on the island of Pemba. The Msasani peninsula where the event is taking place and where most of your hotels are located is one of the safest places in Dar es Salaam and lies about 3 kilometers north of the city center.As in any other African (or European town), you shouldn’t display too many jewels or have your wallet in an easy accessible pocket if you go downtown. Pickpockets operate everywhere in the world. Of course you shouldn’t walk alone on the streets after dark especially after a heavy party. Taxi’s are very cheap in Dar es Salaam and can be found around all hotels and major restaurants/night clubs.A local security company will guard the DYC (Dar es Salaam Yacht Club) and access is restricted to club members, participants and guests wearing badges. Parents like to come to the DYC because they can let their children play around without supervision (if they are old enough).

Zanzibar

During our trip to Zanzibar, we will put in place all necessary security measures for sea rescue and to protect our boats on the island. The Stone Town of Zanzibar is not a very dangerous place in my opinion. I have personally not seen another major African town where tourists were still strolling on the streets after dark and I was regularly walking home to my hotel after having a meal in a restaurant in Stone Town in the evening.

During our stay on Zanzibar, we will be accommodated in a resort about 2 km north of Stone Town, which is very safe. Trips around the island, to Stone Town and to the Spice Farms can be arranged from there.