Fun things to do in Dar es Salaam city

Fun things to do in Dar es Salaam city on a tight budget.

Kipepeo Beach and Village are located in the outskirts of Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam city. Short drive and ferry trip takes you straight into the Dar es Salaam city centre.

The largest city in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam boasts cultural diversity with a variety of shopping, entertainment and dining scenes.

Our beach at Kipepeo is perfect for a Dar Es Salaaam hotel break as we offer the beautiful beach along with our close proximity to Dar Es Salaam city. Many of our guests at Kipepeo find it hard to leave our beautiful sun kissed beach; however for those who wish to explore further we are always happy to help with suggestions and ideas.

We have put together a list below of activities which can be enjoyed on a budget by travellers to Kipepeo and Dar Es Salaam City.

Explore the National Museum of Dar es Salaam City

If you’re a history aficionado, start your day on a high note by visiting the National Museum of Dar es Salaam to learn more about the history and culture of the country. You’ll have an opportunity to see the history of the country through pictures; there are also interesting presentations on the cradle of mankind – Olduvai Gorge with prints of human’s first ancestor’s footprints. You can also learn more about the British and German colonial eras. There are several collections of antiques displayed at the museum including arts and crafts. The museum has a new extension – the House of Culture, a venue for musical concerts and an art gallery.

Entrance fee is 6500 TZS approx. $3 (adult) | 2600 TZS approx. $1.20 (children)

Visit Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay is also known as Coco Beach, and it’s located on the Msasani Peninsula. This is a great place to hang out with the locals and enjoy a wide range of street food snacks and live music. The open area on the beach is frequently used for entertainment events such as parties and concerts. You can get a taxi from the city centre to Coco beach for about $6.

Entrance: Free

Enjoy the Best-Grilled Chicken in Dar

Mamboz Corner BBQ is a street-side BBQ restaurant known for serving the best-grilled chicken in town. The restaurant serves a variety of grilled chicken such as lemon chicken spicy gujarr chicken and chicken sekela. If you have not had a taste of Urojo, also known as Zanzibar mix, you can order a plate here.

Price: From $3 to $10

Visit the Village Museum

The Village Museum features several traditional Tanzanian huts decorated in traditional styles from the whole country. This is a great place to learn more about the cultural heritage of the country. Traditional dance and music take place daily. You can purchase some souvenirs and handcrafts, which are made by the villagers who have traditional skills in pottery, weaving and carving.

Entrance fee is 6500 TZS approx. $3 (adult) | 2600 TZS approx. $1.20 (children)

The dance and music performance costs 2000TZS (adults) and 1000 TZS (children)

Enjoy your time in Dar Es Salaam city,

Taking your first camping holiday – Camping in Dar Es Salaam

Camping in Dar

Do you live in Dar Es Salaam and have never been camping?

Why not have a warm up for a longer camping experience by coming to stay with us at Kipepeo Campsite- the best location for camping in Dar Es Salaam.

When you arrive you will be shown to the camping area – this is right on the beach front and is in the separate area for independent travelers. You can set your tent up and nearby is a covered table area for eating and food preparation.

Camping In Dar

Our Dar camping site also on-site facilities including wash rooms, showers and toilets, and of course the beautiful beach to keep the whole family occupied. All our washrooms have fresh (non-salty) water.

Our campsite is secure with a guarded gate and security patrolling around the camping area.

Before your first camping trip there are a few things worth remembering.

Check your gear – When you purchase and before every major trip we recommend taking all your camping gear out and giving it a good check. There is nothing worse than having something broken which is easily fixable at home.

Pitch your tent – Pitching your tent at home or on a local field will give you an idea of any faults that need addressing, it will also give you valuable practice at pitching.

Make a list – We hear stories all the time of people forgetting items, whether it be tent poles or something as simple as a tin opener. Making a list of all the gear you plan to take gives you something to check off as you pack your bag or car.

Check the rules – Whether you’re going to a campsite, a festival or wild camping, do make sure you check any relevant rules to your stay to make sure all your kit is compliant.

Welcome to camping in Dar!

Prices:

Per Adult – 10 US$

Per Child – 8 US$

Read more about camping in Dar Es Salaam – http://kipepeobeach.com/camping-dar-es-salaam/

Dar es Salaam food

As well as beautiful beaches and national parks, Tanzania and especially Dar Es Salaam boasts a robust dining scene, with everything from swanky seafood restaurants to hole-in-the-wall stalls selling local delicacies – welcome to our review of Dar es Salaam food.

Traditional Dar es Salaam food can be found throughout the city; on almost every street corner there is someone selling grilled meat kebabs (mishkaki), BBQ meat (nyama choma) and chip omelette (chips mayai). Dar es Salaam also has a large native South Asian population meaning the Indian food is amazing restaurants featuring a lot of fresh seafood, Indian spices, and barbecue.

At Kipepeo in our beach restaurant we offer a mix of cuisines from local traditional food to more western food including burgers and pizza. We also offer snacks and light meals for those not looking for a large meal. Really the best of Dar es Salaam food

If you are spending the day away from the hotel you may consider some of our recommendations for the best restaurants in Dar es Salaam.

Chef’s Pride – city centre
Chef’s Pride is a great spot with a relaxed atmosphere offering a mix of Asian and European dishes at good prices. It is always busy and has become a popular hangout joint. The restaurant also serves local delicacies such as Ugali, mtori and ndizi nyama. Don’t leave the restaurant without having a taste of its well-marinated kebabs.

305 Karafuu – kinondoni

305 Karafu is located in Kinondoni a simple district and transformed home offers a great restaurant, with walls adorned with artworks for sale, rustic furniture and open kitchen. The restaurant competes with the best restaurants in Dar Es Salaam

Mamboz Corner BBQ – city centre

Mamboz Corner BBQ is streetfood at the next level; when the shops close this restaurant takes over the pavements – flavours and aromas of grilled meat hit your nostrils as you get closer. Some of the best Tanzanian street dishes are served like the Firigisi (gizzards), Maini (livers) and chicken mishkaki (Zanzibar-style shish kebabs).

ChappanBhog- city centre

The Indian influence can be felt in the traditional dishes, and ChappanBhog did not disappoint with its Indian cuisine. The restaurant is located in Kisutu, a colonial area perfect for an exotic and authentic dining experience. The menu is dominated by vegetarian choice with meals like thali, dosa, delectable panipuri and pav bhaji..

The Waterfront Sunset Restaurant

Enjoy tasty meals at sunset when you dine at this restaurant, which overlooks the Indian Ocean. Special dishes like seafood, pizzas, and meat off the grill are served with a cold drink in a stunning environment. The Waterfront Sunset Restaurant is located on Msasani Peninsula and it features a tranquil ambience with its unpretentious surrounds and stunning views.

Check out this video on how to Make Dar Es Salaam Food – Chips Mayai

Dar Es Salaam Tourist Attractions

Dar Es Salaam Tourist Attractions Dar es Salaam tourist attractions are many and varied. Some of the more common attractions include the Botanical gardens, St.Joseph’s Cathedral, The Old Boma (oldest surviving building in Dar), the Askari Monument, and the State House. Here’s a selection of the some of the best, less known, and truly unique Dar es Salaam tourist attractions: • National History Museum: Not the biggest of museums but it hosts some rare exhibits such as the Laetoli footprints from Olduvai Gorge as well as ethnographic displays on traditional culture and craft. The splendid gardens also play host to concerts and art events while offering a great hideaway during the day to eat or just read a book. Just a short and pleasant walk North of the city centre. • Village Museum: located about 8km North of the city, this Dar es Salaam tourist attraction represents over 100 ethnic groups of Tanzania by showing off full size replicas of their traditional dwellings. In over 15 acres you can get lost amid the homesteads while viewing traditional painting, weaving, carving, and even cultural music and dances. Highly recommended. • Islands trips: Sinda, Mbudya, and Bongoyo Islands and others are all a short boat ride away from Dar es Salaam and offer a break away from the busier mainland. Zanzibar can count almost as a separate holiday but is highly recommended. Sinda Island is an ideal day trip and easily reached from Kipepeo Beach. See more on our “Best Islands off Dar es Salaam” blog feature. • Kunduchi Wet n’ Wild Water Park: Also host to Tanzania’s first go-kart track, this is the largest water park in East and Central Africa. Popular with families, you will find a colorful mix of pools, playgrounds, fast-food restaurants, and twenty-two water slides. • Oyster Bay & Msasani Peninsula: The Coco Beach area is the home of most ex-pats and the best regular nightlife of any Dar es Salaam Tourist attractions, featuring a plethora of popular pubs and restaurants like George and the Dragon, and the Slow Leopard, as well as luxury resort hotels like Sea Cliff. • Charity Goat Races: The Green in Dar es Salaam hosts charity goat races every September on a uniquely designed track, raising around $25,000 a year for local schools and charities. This is a uniquely Dar es Salaam tourist attraction, not to be missed. • Mzalendo Halisi Music Festival: More than 100 traditional Tanzanian music and dance performers participate in this event at the Posta Grounds in Kijitonyama. During the day, visitors can shop at a culturally-inspired market and view a multitude of art exhibitions. • Fashion Week: Every November, top regional designers come together at Dar Es Salaam’s National Museum for Swahili Fashion Week. The event showcases local talent, colorful African styling, and it offers networking opportunities for the East African fashion industry. • Diwali: With a large Indian population, Diwali is an important Hindu festival but also serves as a unique Dar es Salaam tourist attraction. Symbolic lamps and fireworks fire up the night sky to symbolize the triumph of good over evil while Dar es Salaam’s city center becomes a party zone consumed by the festival colours.

Tanzania Safaris

Tanzania Safaris

Dar es Salaam is the best launch pad and gateway for Tanzania safaris. Many of the best and most reputable safari operators base themselves in Dar es Salaam because tourists can simultaneously enjoy a beach holiday and the city sights here while waiting for safari. What’s more, it’s the perfect place to relax and reflect on your safari when you return.

Two friends and I stayed at Kipepeo Beach & Village before we started our overland safari with Acacia. I picked this place as I thought it would be easier with starting the safari: and it was… just what we needed after 18 hours of traveling too. (Jessica E, Australia) Trip Advisor.

From Dar es Salaam, you are much closer to Tanzania’s South and Western wildlife parks. While the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are the best known conservation areas, visitors often overlook Southern Parks such as Selous and Ruaha which are highly regarded among passionate wildlife enthusiasts. These parks actually offer a wider choice of activities at much better value for money than the Northern parks. Similarly, in the West of Tanzania the Mahale and Katavi parks, though more expensive to reach, contain a distinctly more unique safari experience. Indeed, Tanzania has such a varied countryside that every safari is a different experience but from Dar es Salaam you have better access to this variety with a wider choice.

A popular Southern choice is Africa’s largest and oldest game reserve: Selous. The riverine green landscape of Selous boasts dense bush, lakes, and rivers that sustain huge quantities of wildlife that can be explored via some of the best boating and guided walks of any of the Tanzania safaris. Ruaha Park on the other hand shows off a dry red soil across ancient plains where your safari will see vast buffalo herds contend with prides of lions. Ruaha also hosts the highest concentration of elephants in Africa that is sure to make your safari an incredible experience.

Tanzania Safari Guide

In the West, Katavi National Park remains a rare pristine wilderness favoured by passionate wildlife and Tanzania safari enthusiasts. Katavi offers a much wilder experience with options for camping and walking among the big game the Park is known for. On the banks of Lake Tanganyika (from where the mainland of Tanzania gets it names), Mahale Mountains National Park is another tremendously wild safari option with an abundance of life that includes the most renowned chimpanzee experience in Africa.
Generally, Tanzania safaris in the South and Western parks are where you can get a much wilder experience where you may not even see another safari vehicle during your trip. You will return from your safari both enlightened and tired. And where better to replenish with a little R&R than a Dar es Salaam beach holiday. Dar es Salaam’s Kipepeo Beach is the perfect gateway to prepare your Tanzania safari and, when you return, to reflect on your experiences with a chilled cocktail on the pristine ocean beach.

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