Dar es Salaam Top Attractions

National Museum
Located close to the Botanic Gardens, this museum is home to the famous fossil discoveries made by Leakey in Olduvai Gorge, including the well-known ‘Nutcracker Man.' There is a further assortment of historical displays on regional civilisations, the development of the slave trade and the German and British colonial periods of Tanzania's history.

Shaaban Robert Street
Tel: (022) 212 2030.
Admission charge.

Village Museum
This open-air museum, situated 10km (6 miles) north of the city centre, features a collection of 19 authentically reconstructed dwellings that show traditional ways of living from throughout Tanzania. The museum also lays on traditional dance and music performances during the afternoons.

New Bagamayo Road at Makaburi Street
Tel: (022) 270 0437.
Admission charge.

Botanical Gardens
These leafy, tranquil gardens, which date from the German colonial era, offer a haven of peace from the maelstrom of central Dar es Salaam. Numerous types of attractive palms and ferns flourish here, whilst peacocks can be found roaming the grounds.

Samora Avenue
Free admission.

Nyumba Ya Sanaa (Nyerere Cultural Centre)
The ‘House of Arts' as it is also known is a handicraft centre where young artisans congregate to work, display and sell their wares. Jewellery, textiles, pottery, etchings, paintings and carvings are all on display and available at very reasonable rates. There's also the chance to participate in some of the craft work. The centre lays on traditional dance performances at the weekends, when there is a bar and small restaurant open too.

Ohio Street
Tel: (022) 213 1727.
Free admission.