3 Top
Cities To Visit In Tanzania
Tanzania
is a popular safari destination, especially with regard to the Great Wildebeest
Migration in the Serengeti. However, the East African country’s cities
also have plenty to offer tourists. Here we outline three cities which
are definitely worthy of a visit.
1.
Dar es Salaam
Dar es
Salaam lies on the Indian Ocean coast of Tanzania and is a busy port, the
second-largest in East Africa. What started as a small Zaramo fishing village
has developed into a major city with a number of fascinating attractions.
The
National Museum has a number of history exhibits, particularly fossils
of human ancestors that were found by the famous anthropologist Louis Leakey.
The museum also features an open-air Village Museum, where visitors can
learn more about the Tanzanian people. This museum features re-created
traditional homes of the various Tanzanian tribes and offers spectacular
tribal dancing displays.
The
Dar
es Salaam Marine Reserve lies off the coast of the city and spreads
over four uninhabited islands, namely Bongoyo, Fungu Yasini, Mbudya and
Pangavini. Those who appreciate nature can visit the islands, with Mbudya
and Bongoyo being the most popular. This is due to the fact that those
islands feature facilities for visitors and wonderfully attractive beaches,
backed by vegetation.
Another
great opportunity is the regular Dekeza dhow trips, which leave from Kipepeo
beach and head to Sinda Island. The dhows head along the edge of the coral
reefs and allow for a snorkeling adventure or fishing trip, or even a sunset
cruise.
Those
who appreciate things that are a little wacky and fun will enjoy the Wonder
Market, where disabled artists create sculptures, candles, world-class
jewelry and other craft items from recycled metal, glass, car parts and
whatever else they can get their hands on. The workshop has a shop where
their artwork can be purchased as an ideal gift for loved ones at home.
2.
Arusha
Arusha
is the gateway to many adventures in Tanzania, including the national parks
to the north, including the Arusha
National Park and the Tarangire National Park. The former is a one-hour
thirty-minute drive from the city, while the latter is a three-hour drive
from Arusha.
The
sprawling city itself has much to offer, particularly for its great dining
and great hotels. The city enjoys a temperate climate all year round due
to the fact that the city is around 1,300 m in altitude and close to the
foot of Mt. Meru.
If
visitors haven’t already booked a safari, never fear, as tour operators
hang around on Boma Road and the bus stations offering safaris, along with
souvenirs to take home.
3.
Zanzibar City
The fascinating
old city of Stone Town features beautiful historic and colonial buildings,
palaces and an old Anglican church which used to be a slave market. Another
fascinating place is the Mercury
House, where Queen vocalist, Freddie Mercury is said to have spent
some of his childhood. Also of interest is the House of Wonder, a Sultan’s
palace, and an old Portuguese fort.
Anyone
looking for a parasailing adventure in Tanzania should head to Zanzibar
and Zanzibar City. Tours on offer cater for solo flying or in-tandem parasailing
offering incredible aerial vistas of the city from the air.
Romantic
couples should visit Nakupenda, a sandbank off the coast of Stone Town.
The name translates as “I Love You” and it is the perfect place to hang
out together on the sand. Alternatively Prison Island is home to giant
tortoises and is the perfect place to snorkel among the brightly colored
coral and tropical fish.
Enjoy
your visit to some of Tanzania’s fascinating cities – learn about the culture,
have an adventure or simply relax on the beach.
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