Travel Guide Dar Es Salaam

Dar es Salaam ("Haven of Peace" in Arabic) is the country's "unofficial" capital, or at least its economic capital. Although the official capital is Dodoma (seat of Parliament), 310 km inland, most ministries and all embassies are located in Dar: it is the country's administrative center. The megalopolis has a population of around 4.5 million. The population has doubled in 15 years and continues to grow. It is set to become one of the continent's largest cities in the near future, with 8 million inhabitants by 2030, already posing challenges in terms of housing, work and safety.Many dhows, traditional boats with triangular sails, still bring their daily catch to the fish market. The legacy of German colonization includes the Central Railway station, St. Joseph's Cathedral and the Lutheran Church. The flowering tree lines and all the parks are the work of the English. Some streets have a distinctly Asian feel, such as India Street, with all its stores and bazaars, or Kisutu Street, with its Hindu temples alive at nightfall.Beware, though, of venturing out alone in the evening. It's better to take an Uber than a more or less official cab.