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Dar es Salaam
the ‘Haven of Peace’, started out as a humble
fishing village
in themid-19th century when the Sultan of Zanzibar decided
to turn the inland creek (now the harbour) into a safe port
and trading centre. It became the capital in 1891, when
the German colonial authorities transferred their seat of
government from Bagamoyo, whose port was unsuitable for
steamships. Since then the city has continued to grow and
now has a population of about 1.5 million. Although quite
a few high-rise buildings have appeared in the centre and
at various places in the suburbs, Dates Salaam remains substantially
a low-rise city of red-tiled roofs, with its colonial character
largely intact. The harbour is still fringed with palms
and mangroves, and Arab dhows mingle with huge ocean-going
vessels.
Early Settlement
Not a great deal is known about the early history of the
Tanzanian interior except that by 1800 AD, the Maasai, who
in previous centuries had grazed their cattle in the Lake
Turkana region of Kenya, had migrated down the Rift Valley
as far as Dodoma. Their advance was only stopped by the
Gogo, who occupied an area west of the Rift Valley, and
the Here to the south of Dodoma. Because of their reputation
as a warrior tribe, the Maasai were feared by the neighbouring
Bantu tribes and avoided by the Arab traders, so the northern
part of Tanzania was almost free from the depredations of
the slave trade and the civil wars, which destroyed so many
villages and settlements in other areas of the country.
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Why Dar-es-salaam?
Dar es Salaam, though not a major destination on the conventional
tourist route, contains plenty of lively neighborhoods and
stunning sights, It cats a charm of its own, which a busy
harbour, m�lange of cultures, and colourful history Spend
a few days getting to know the Swahili coast�s Haven of
Peace and learn why people sing its praises. more
LANGUAGE
Swahili (KiSwahili) and English are the offi cial languages;
English is widely spoken and is the principal language of
commerce. There are also many local African languages, reflecting
the tribal diversity of the country.
RELIGION
The two main religions are Christianity (31%) and Islam
(42%), with Hindus accounting for around 25%. The majority
of Muslims are concentrated along the coast and in the islands.
Islam has been around ever since Arab traders arrived here
in the 12th century. Not until the 19th century did Christianity
make any impact, and then it was mainly among the tribes
of the interior. The principal Christian sects axe Cath olic,
Lutheran, Anglican, Presbyterian and Orthodox.
Arab
Traders & Slavers
Though the coastal area had long
been the scene of maritime rivalry, first between the
Portuguese and Arab traders and later between the various
European powers, it was Arab traders and slavers who first
penetrated the interior as far as Lake Tanganyika in the
middle of the 18th century.
Their main
depots were at Ujiji on the shores of Lake Tanganyika
and at Tabora on the central plain. Their captives, generally
acquired by commerce rather than force, were taken first
to Bagamoyo and then to Zanzibar, where they were either
put to work on plantations or shipped to the Arabian Peninsula
for sale as domestic servants
It was, nevertheless,
a sordid trade, which devastated the tribes of the interior.
The young and the strong were abducted, chil dren
and old people were left to die, and the few who resisted
were eliminated. Mothers unable to carry both their babies
and their ivory load were dispatched with a spear or machete,
It's estimated that by the late 19th century, over 1.5
million people had been transported to the coast and that
10 times that number had died along the caravan routes.
Zanzibar had been ruled for decades from Oman at the mouth
of the Persian Gulf.
Why Dar-es-salaam?
Dar es Salaam, though not a major destination on the conventional tourist
route, contains plenty of lively neighborhoods and stunning
sights, It cats a charm of its own, which a busy harbour,
melange of cultures, and colourful history Spend a few days
getting to know the Swahili coast's Haven of Peace and learn
why people sing its praises.
Being at City Centre for a variety of attraction. The harbour contains
heavy ocean - going liners as well as traditions. The harbour
contains heavy ocean-going liners as well as traditional
dhows, fishing boats and high-speed ferries to Zanzibar.
You will find almost constant activity near the harbour,
a virtual city within a city. Walk toward the east along
Kivukoni Front. You�ll pass colonial structures side by
side with high - rise office buildings.
Hop on the ferry to Kigamboni - only 100 Tsh for a ride to the other
side - to enjoy beautiful South Beach. Kigamboni is still
contained within Dar es Salaam and is even part of the same
land mass. But make the brief trip a cross the harbour's
mouth and you'll feel like you're on a tropical island.
The lack of a bridge across the channel means that this part of town
is not nearly as developed as the rest of the city, Village
life is visible from the main road, the temperature automatically
drops 5-6 degrees, and the noise and pollution of City Centre
are distant memory. A series of hotels along the beach ranging
from budget to Luxury offer many options for swimming and
relaxing.
Adjacent to the ferry terminal on the City Centre side is the bustling
fish market.
Recently renovated, the new structure attempts to impose some order to
a very chaotic environment. Boats deliver their catches
directly to the market, voice clamour for the best prices,
and fish flesh flies upon contact with sharp knives. The
scent is overwhelming, but for vivacity and action, this
is the place to be.
Stroll down leafy Shaaban Robert Street for its sheer beauty,
but also for the cooler temperatures offered by colonial-
are shade trees. Keep your eyes open for the peacocks that
inhabit this corner of town. In fact you're more likely
to hear the shrill creatures than to see them. While you're
there, swing by the National
Museum, situated at the corner
of Shaaban Robert Street and Samora Avenue. The Museum is
a hidden treasure, with exhibits of cultural, ecological
and historical significance. The building itself is remarkable:
it contains unique sculptures, colorful tiles and intricate
carvings, and is surrounded by a peaceful garden that occasionally
hosts concerts and plays.
A short walk from the National Museum you'll find the Botanical
Gardens, situated adjacent
to the Holiday Inn. Relax in the peaceful atmosphere and
tropical beauty. Continue toward the north and you'll come
to Ocean
Road. The beaches here
tend to be busy on weekends and holidays, host to weddings,
picnics and romantic strolls though not much swimming. During
the daytime, find some shade and enjoy the cool breeze-
but best street clear once dusk rolls around: it's not the
safest part of town.
If you walk the length of the beach you'll arrive at the Aga Khan Hospital.
Turn left on Ufukoni Road then head back toward on All
Hassan Mwinyi Road to discover Nyumba
ya Sanaa next to the Royal Palm Hotel. Also called the Nyerere
Cultural Centre this multi- purpose center houses a cafe,
artisan studious, craft sellers, travel agency, is host
to music concerts and traditional dance performances Call
ahead for a schedule of events.
If you're feeling brave you'll definitely want to experience Kariakoo.
Venture toward the tight streets and colourful buildings
to get a good sense of the daily goings-on for thousands
of Tanzanians. An enormous structure houses the largest
covered market in Africa, but the neighabourhood's interest
is not limited to the market itself.
