Dar es Salaam Facts
Dar es Salaam is an Arabic word which means the 'harbour of peace'. It is the commercial capital and largest city of Tanzania. It was formerly known as Mzizima meaning healthy town.
It was founded in the 1860s as a summer residence for the sultan of Zanzibar. It was later developed by the German colonialists for their interests after 1885. In 1896, it became the capital of German East Africa. Dar es Salaam came under British control in 1916, and its main development as a modern city began in the 1940s. It became the capital of a newly independent Tanganyika in 1961 and continued as the seat of administration when Tanganyika and Zanzibar were merged to form Tanzania in 1964.
Administratively, Dar es Salaam is broken into 3 districts: Ilala , Kinondoni , and Temeke
Today, the city of Dar es Salaam has become a vibrant cosmopolitan and metropolitan city. Dar es Salaam is no longer as the capital of Tanzania. It remains to be the country's leading city, the principal commercial, manufacturing and educational centre.
HISTORY
1860’s Dar es Salaam was set up as a summer residence for the sultan of Zanzibar.
1885 after this year, Dar es Salaam was developed by the German colonialists for their interests.
1896 Dar es Salaam became the capital of German East Africa.
1916 Dar es Salaam came under British control
1940s Dar es Salaam started its main development as a modern city.
1961 It became the capital of a newly independent Tanganyika. Dar es Salaam was elevated to city status.
2004 Today, the city of Dar es Salaam has become a vibrant cosmopolitan and metropolitan city. Many developments are underway that will change the face of Dar es Salaam, making it more modern, attractive and sustainable city.
LOCATION
Dar es Salaam City is situated on the coast of Tanzania East on the shores of the Indian Ocean. It borders Zanzibar to the east, Tanga to its north, Coast Region to its South, West and North.
GEOGRAPHY
Dar es Salaam is spread over a total area of 229.88 SQ KM.
Latitude - 6°48' S
Longitude - 39°17' E
Kigamboni is part of Dar es Salaam and is separated by the Kigamboni Creek.
ACCESSIBILITY
By Air: Mwalimu J.K.Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam International Airport)
By Sea: Dar es Salaam Harbor
By Road: Regional road networks, extend to international connections.
By Rail: Rail links extend inland to Arusha in the north, to Lakes Tanganyika and Victoria, and to Zambia.
POPULATION
An estimated population of 4 million
LANGUAGE
The official language is Swahili. English is widely spoken and understood.
ELECTRICITY
The voltage system in Dar es Salaam is 220 Volts.
HOLIDAYS
Sunday is a weekly public holiday and Saturday is a half working day
CLIMATE
As it is close to the equator and the warm Indian ocean, the climate is tropical with temperatures between 25C and 30C and hot and humid weather. The highest temperatures are experienced between Octobers and mid-March with the coolest season being June and September. Long rains occur between March and mid-June while short rains between mid-September and mid-November.
PEOPLE & RELIGION
The people of Dar es Salaam are warm, open, friendly and hospitable. Muslims, Christians, Hindus and other traditional beliefs live together in perfect harmony. There are several mosques, churches and temples around the city. Dar es Salaam is rapidly expanding and the suburbs are fast becoming part of the city and various races live together in various parts of the city.
CLOTHING
Light cotton & summer wear is ideal on the most of the year tropical climate. It’s advisable to keep an umbrella for the rainy season.
LOCAL TIME
Tanzania is three hours ahead of the Greenwich Mean Time.
CREDIT CARDS
The most used cards are American Express, Euro Card, Master Card and VISA.
DRIVING
There are tarmac roads connecting many parts of the city and surrounding areas.
There are several bridges. The most famous is the Salender Bridge along Ali Hassan Mwinyi Road.
Dar es Salaam drives on the left hand side of the road (keep left).
Several Streets in the city center have parking charges.
Maps are available at major bookshops and stationery shops.
There are several Filling stations all over the city.
EDUCATION
The city is also an educational centre and boasts of many schools, colleges and universities. Some of them are:
Schools: International School of Tanganyika, Mzizima, Shaban Robert and Al Muntazir Islamic Seminary.
Colleges: Institute of Financial Management, Dar es Salaam Institute of Technology and College of Business Education.
Universities: University of Dar es Salaam, Open University of Tanzania, Hubert Kairuki Memorial University, International Medical and Technological University (IMTU).
SAFETY
Dar es Salaam is generally safe. But one needs to take precautionary measures especially at night. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Be on the alert in daytime of pickpockets who would usually pick wallets or mobile phones. If possible, avoid traveling at night. If you must, lock your windows. Keep valuables at home, Avoid traveling alone especially in remote places. If you do get into trouble, dial 112.
MOBILE PHONES
The following companies provide GSM cellular services:
Tigo 0713 800800
Airtel 0784 748100
Vodacom 0754 705000
Zantel
PUBLIC PHONES
Emergency
Central Police 2115507
Phones cards are widely available in many kiosks and shops with several denominations.
IMPORTANT NUMBERS
Emergency
Crime Stoppers 111
Ambulance/ Fire / Police 112
Anti-Corruption 113
Central Police 2115507
Airport Police 2844354
Salander Bridge Police 2120818
Oysterbay Police 2667322
PHOTOGRAPHY
There are some restrictions to photograph some places like military and government places and people like police. Ask before taking any pictures.
CURRENCY
Mon to Fri 8:30 to 15:00
The monetary unit is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tsh) which is equal to 100 cents. Although cents are no longer used. Notes denominations are in 500, 1000, 2000, 5000 and 10000. Commonly used coin denominations are 50, 100 & 200. There are various forex bureaus throughout the city.
1USD is approximately 1515.15Tsh.
WORKING HOURS
Working hours do vary especially with banks and malls.
The Normal working hours for Weekdays are between 8:30am to 5:00pm
(with a lunch break of one hour).
Most shops are closed on Sundays with exceptions of shopping malls.
TOURIST INFORMATION
Tourist Information Center, Matasalamat Building, Samora Avenue
Tel: 2120373, 2123491
BANKING HOURS
Mon to Fri 8:30 to 15:00
Sat 8:30 to 11:30. It is advisable to check hours with each bank.
AREA CODES
Local calls require a seven digit number
Calling a mobile phone requires the following codes: Tigo (071), Zantel (073), Vodacom (075) and Airtel (078).
In case you are calling Dar es Salaam from any other city or town in Tanzania. Enter 022 followed by the main seven digit number.
The International dialing code for Dar es Salaam is +255 followed by the area code 22 then the telephone number.
The land line phone service is provided by Tanzania Telecommunications Company Limited (TTCL).
INTERNET ACCESS
Internet Services are widely available in many hotels
There are also many Internet cafes.
Several Internet Service Providers are also available for connections.
