Dar Es Salaam

Dar Es Salaam is a relatively modern city that is about a century old. Dar Es Salaam means "Haven of Peace" and was named by the founding Sultan of Zanzibar in 1857.

Dar Es Salaam is not an overwhelming city and has a beautiful harbour. The port is very picturesque and is fringed with palm trees. There is also a lot of very attractive beaches near by.

Dar Es Salaam has an asian feel to it and from December to March you will see bateels and badane entering the harbour from India, Arabia, and the Persian Gulf containing carpets, silver and brass to trade at the Indian bazaar.

The Tanzanian climate is tropical. The central plateau is dry and arid with hot days and cool nights, while the north west highlands are cool and temperate. June to September is the cooler season. The ‘long rains’ are from March to May and the ‘short rains’ are between October and December. The hottest months are between October and February. On the coast, it rains in November and December and from March to May. Coastal areas are hot and humid although sea breezes cool the area pleasantly between June and September.