Jambo rafikis! That’s Swahili for ‘hello friends.’

When I was 17, I spent 5 weeks in Tanzania. I traveled with The Experiment in International Living (EIL). This global nonprofit specializes in experiential learning, which is learning through experiences (as opposed to learning exclusively in a classroom). EIL has been connecting students with host families abroad since 1932. Learn more about The Experiment here.

Dar es Salaam (Dar), the country’s former capital, is a bustling city. My group and I spent 5 days in Dar before going to our homestay in the coastal village of Stahabu.

Here are the 6 best things to do in Dar es Salaam:

Visit Kigamboni Beach

This was my first time seeing and swimming in the Indian Ocean! I had a blast swimming in the salty sea and watching the local kids play soccer in the sand.

Kigamboni Beach

Kigamboni Beach at sunset

Women’s restroom sign

Learn wood carving

Sign up for a class with a fundi, a local wood carver. Learn the basics of wood carving and admire local artists’ creations.

Wood carving

My wood carving!

Visit the famous Kariakoo Market

Here you can buy fresh produce, lunch from a food stand, clothes, purses, shoes, stuffed animals, and more. Try your hand at haggling with the locals in Swahili.

Busy street outside the market

Stuffed animals for sale

Shoes for sale

Learn how to make traditional Tanzanian coffee

Enjoy a cup of coffee with a side of peanut brittle. Yummmm.

Sample Tanzanian cuisine

While in Dar, you MUST try chapati. Chapati is a Tanzanian flatbread that is similar to Indian naan. It can be served with soup or eaten separately as a snack.

I tried several traditional Tanzanian dishes during my time in Dar, including seasoned rice with red onion and tomato relish, porridge for breakfast, and grilled meat with a side of chips (french fries). Everything was delicious!

Chapati

Seasoned rice with a side of shredded tomato and red onion slaw

Day trip to the Amboni Caves

These caves are the most extensive limestone caves in East Africa. Go and marvel at the boulder that’s shaped like a lion’s head. Beware of the bats.

Lion boulder at the Amboni Caves

Have you been to Dar es Salaam? I’d love to hear about your experience. Comment below!

Asante sana (thank you) for reading! 🙂

– Travel Alli