Editorial StaffTanzania is a land of a number of tourist attractions. National parks and game reserves cover 44 percent of the land area. The Mount Kilimanjaro (highest mountain of Africa) is the most famous landmark of the country. Then we have Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Reserve, Zanzibar, Mafia and Pemba islands and so on. But, here we give you a glimpse of two historical towns – Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
The name Dar es Salaam signifies Haven of Peace. This name was given by Sultan Seyyid Majid who chose Bandur ul Salaam as the palace of peace and the Zaramo village to be the summer palace. The village became a bustling center of ivory trading. The architecture of the city has influences from the Arabs, Germans, Indians and British. People from major religions – Christians, Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs have a peaceful co – existence here. One can hear the beautiful blending of the church bells and the azaan.
In the market one can find all sorts of Chinese electronics, Khangas and kitenges, Tingatinga paintings, traditional medicines, native vegetables and fruits and so on. Visitors can find accommodation in a range of options – be it for backpacker hostels or 5 star luxury hotels.
Restaurants offer a wide variety of cuisine – Thai, Italian, Indian, Ethiopian, and Japanese and not to forget the local flavors such as Nyama Choma, Ugali, Chipsi, grilled meat and so on.
Dar es Salaam’s culture is so attached to music. One can see jazz dancers, afro funk, salsa and the traditions orchestras of Taraab. Artists also perform hip hop, rap and Bongo flava. In the month of May, Dar hosts the B – connected festival showcasing inventing and the best musicians. For film lovers, there is Euro African film festival.
There are spectacular beaches too namely Mikadi, Kunduchi, Jangwani and Mjimwema. Jangwani offers you diving and snorkeling and you may get to see white reef sharks, tuna and the king fish. Kunduchi has the Africa’s largest water park – Wet n Wild with fun of quad biking, go – karting, slides and water – skiing.
The country’s safari capital is Arusha, located beneath Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru in the northern highlands. It offers you the most enchanting safari circuit in to the wild Bushes of Africa. The crater of Mt. Meru with verdant forests covered slopes, all surrounded by thick clouds appears like a great sentinel over the city. Such a peaceful location makes Arusha a great starting point for the journey.
Germans built this town as the colonial administration centre and back then it was a scarcely populated place. But owing to the boost in plantations and farmlands industries, it is now a prosperous town.
