Since 1857, when the Sultan of Zanzibar decided to establish the area's inland harbor into a trading port centre and named it DARUSSALAAM meaning ''the heaven of peace'' Dar with a population of over 4 million residents today, has remained the undisputable political and economic capital despite the legislature and official seat of government having being transferred to centrally located Dodoma, 480Km away, since 1973.

Dar itself is lively and has some stunning sites to be visited, it casts a charm of its own with the ever busy country's major harbor, it's got a handsome range of cultures and a colorful history that's worth your time! The main attractions of this city besides its sea port are the German colonial architectural structures such as the Azania Lutheran Cathedral, the old Post office, the old Customs house, the old Railway Station. Others are the National Museum, the Botanical gardens, the newly renovated fish market and Kariakoo market (the largest built local marketplace in Africa ).

The Ocean road and Oyster Bay beaches are pleasant cooling off places close to the city centre after a heated bustling morning city walk tour. Dar is the gateway for Tanzania 's Southern and central circuits - embarking on wildlife viewing or photographic Safaris in the Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi and Uzundungwe wildlife parks. Its seaport is the exit point to Zanzibar archipelagoes, Mafia Island and Bagamoyo.

KIGAMBONI: Lets get out of the bustling and hustling hot city; Just 5 minute's pontoon cruise will lead you to the shores of a small quiet and romantic fishing village of Kigamboni. The village seems to be cut off the main city's development activities and slipped into a time vacuum and somehow forgotten. 9Kms South of Kigamboni lies miles and kilometers of a clean untouched beach line of clear azure waters, ideal for swimming, sanding and sunbathing. Eco Lodges and camping facilities are offered for accommodation.

BONGOYO & MBUDYA ISLAND:

Bongoyo is a marine reserve situated about 7 Km N. of DAR while Mbudya lies only 4 Km further. The Islands are blessed with beautiful beaches ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling and swimming. Even though most of the colored corals have been destroyed by local fisherman in search of products for sale, there's still a decent array of fish life to be spotted. Swimming around here is not tide dependent and the beach offers some neat short hiking trails, thus making it an ideal venue for a day's excursion. Sea food menu is organized and fish' of all kinds is plentiful from the locals around.

BAGAMOYO: 75 Km NORTH DAR ES SALAAM:

Bwaga mioyo.............."Lay down your heart", the last point on their native lands reached by the caravans of slaves arriving for transfer to unknown destinations (17 - 19th C). Reminders of the past history are still a mark up of today's attractive coastal town of fisherman and coconut growers. The BIG tree's shade used for auctioning there catch is still blossoming for your approval.

SAADANI GAME RESERVE: (1000 sq km) 45 Kilometers from Bagamoyo mainland lies Saadani Game Reserve, a unique game reserve which is the only coast based wildlife conservation area in Africa and probably the world. About 30 species of large Mammals including Elephants who love swimming and drinking ocean water! Buffaloes, Giraffes, Leopards, Lions, Waterbucks, Hartebeest and Roan antelope and the rare Roosevelt Sable are common residents of Saadani, besides a variety of fish in the sea.

ACCOMODATION: Accommodation facilities are plentiful in western style beach resorts or hotels, most newly established.