13 November 2017
Rutika D
5 min read
Fun and Adventurous Activities That Won't Cost you an Arm or a Leg
The largest city in Tanzania, Dar es Salaam boasts cultural diversity with a wide range of museums, entertainment and dining scenes. From plentiful top-notch attractions, chic shopping to sun-kissed beaches, unforgettable Dar has it all. The city is vibrant yet serene, traditional yet modern, it tries to satisfy everyone, and it succeeds.
However, if you think you have to spend a fortune to enjoy everything the city offers, then think again. Dar is surprisingly affordable, and you’ll find several things you can do and enjoy for less if you can avoid the common tourist money pits and experience the city like a local. Here are some amazing things you can do for 15 dollars or less:
1.Explore the National Museum of Dar es Salaam
If you’re a history aficionado, start your day on a high note by visiting the National Museum of Dar es Salaam to learn more about the history and culture of the country. You’ll have an opportunity to see history through the years in snapshots, see fossils discovered during excavations, and learn more about the British and German colonial eras. There are several collections of antiques displayed at the museum including arts and crafts. The museum has a new extension – the House of Culture, a venue for a modern concert and art display.
Entrance fee is 6500 TZS approx. $3 (adult) | 2600 TZS approx. $1.20 (children
National Museum of Dar es Salaam
2.Visit Oyster Bay
Oyster Bay is also known as Coco Beach, and it’s located on the Msasani Peninsula. This is a great place to hang out with the locals and enjoy a wide range of street food snacks and live music. The open area on the beach is frequently used for entertainment events such as parties and concerts. You can get a taxi from the city centre to Coco beach for about $6.
Entrance: Free
The beautiful Coco Beach, Dar es Salaam
3.Enjoy a light lunch at Épi d’Or
Looking for some French treats in Dar? Épi d’Or is French-run café and bakery. Stock up on some good coffee and delicious pastries here – just like home. You can visit Épi d’Or if you are tired of the local food and you just want to enjoy tasty pastries or a light lunch. Middle Eastern meals, freshly baked bread, banana crepes and paninis are served here.
Price: From $5 and $15
Grab a delicious pastry with your coffee at Épi d’Or
4.Enjoy the Best-Grilled Chicken in Dar
Mamboz Corner BBQ is a street-side BBQ restaurant known for serving the best-grilled chicken in town. The restaurant serves a variety of grilled chicken such as lemon chicken spicy gujarr chicken and chicken sekela. If you have not had a taste of Urojo, also known as Zanzibar mix, you can order a plate here.
Price: From $3 to $10
Grill in full swing at Mamboz BBQ corner by Staylehiclub
Image courtesy: by Staylehiclub
5.Visit the Village Museum
The Village Museum features several traditional Tanzanian huts well-appointed with conventional items. This is a great place to learn more about the cultural heritage of the country. Traditional dance and music take place daily. You can purchase some souvenirs and handcrafts, which are made by the villagers who have traditional skills in pottery, weaving and carving.
Entrance fee is 6500 TZS approx. $3 (adult) | 2600 TZS approx. $1.20 (children)
The dance and music performance costs 2000TZS (adults) and 1000 TZS (children)
The Museum Village Museum, Dar es Salaam
6.Have a Taste of Nyama Choma and Local Beer
Nyama Choma – barbecued meat, usually goat meat is popular in Tanzania. You can visit a local restaurant, choose your meat and wait for it while it’s being roasted. You can enjoy your Nyama with a bottle of local beer.
Price: TSH 8000 ($4) per kilo
Price: TSH 8000 ($4) per kilo
Delicious Grilled meat from Nyama Choma by 30 Days in Tanzania
Image courtesy: 30daysintanzania
7.Spend Your Afternoon at Kunduchi Wet ‘N’ Wild
This water park is located next to Kunduchi Beach hotel, and it features a wide range of fun activities and facilities such as waterslides, a jungle gym, several pools, video arcades and a go-kart track. Spend your afternoon here and indulge in unforgettable adventures.
Entrance fee (Weekdays): Adults: TSH 10000 ($5) | Children: TSH 8000 ($4)
Weekends: Adults – TSH 15000 ($7) | Children: TSH 10,000 ($5)
Kunduchi Wet 'N' Wild Water Park, Dar es Salaam by Tiketi
Image courtesy: by Tiketi
8.Smell the Flowers at Dar Es Salaam Botanical Gardens
Visit the Botanical Gardens in the city and explore the collection of flora and fauna in a tranquil setting. Make sure you check out the scarlet flame trees, blue jacaranda, red hibiscus, and purple bougainvillaea. The garden is home to the Dar es Salaam Horticultural Society, and it’s a great place to hang out during the weekend.
Price: Free
View of the luscious greenery in Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens
9.Grab a Drink at Level 8 Bar
Located in Hyatt Regency hotel, Level 8 Bar is a rooftop bar offering spectacular views of the city skyline and the harbour. You can relax with exotic cocktails or a glass of wine while you watch the sunset over the city with live music playing in the background. Drinks are reasonably priced here.
Entrance: Free
Botanical Living it up at Level 8 Rooftop Bar
10.Shake Things Up At Q Bar
If you’re looking for an exciting way to wave the day away and let your hair down, Q Bar is a place to be. It’s a popular nightlife spot with live music and abundance of drinks. The bar has a cosy ambience and it is located a few minute walk to the beach. Feel free to be yourself and dance the night away.
Entrance fee is TSH 5000 ($5).
Join the party at Q Bar, Dar es Salaam
Experience Dar on a Budget
If you are heading to Dar es Salaam and on a abit out of a budget, try our suggestions and still have a great time. If you come across any more activities to add to the list, let us know on social media on social@tripindigo.co.za