Daniel Msirikale, the Jameson Whiskey Brand Ambassador in Tanzania takes as on a 24-hour tour of Dar es Salaam – From Dawn to Dusk.
Early Bird
I’m not much of a morning person. However, on the few occasions I manage to haul myself out of bed, it has been to go to the seaside (which is where I’m writing this piece).
On the edge of the heart of the city is the Kivukoni Fish Market, which is nothing short of breathtaking at dawn. Perched on a rooftop above, I like to watch the hustle below: the docking of the dhows with fresh catch, the fishermen and customers bargaining, and the fish “auction.”
City Roamer
Nothing beats the fresh aromatic coffee of local coffee vendors to kick start your day. Grab yourself a local espresso and a kashata (groundnuts and sugar pastry), then conquer the city maze where the old surviving architecture meets the new in this modern metropolis.
Visit Askari monument right at the centre, the Old Boma House (built in 1866-67), then take a walk through the Indian quarter and have a cup of tea at KTea Shop.
Art & Crafts Lover
On your way to the Tinga Tinga market in Oyster Bay, stop by the side of the road and grab yourself a fresh coconut, fruit or delicious barbecued corn (muhindi). Explore the Tinga Tinga market and be mesmerised by the Makonde carvings and the stories each painting narrates.
Edward Saidi Tingatinga started this style of art in the second half of the 20th century in Tanzania before it later spread to East Africa. So grab yourself a souvenir while you’re at it.
Get in my belly
Definitely, definitely try the local food. You can choose to go for zege (an omelette made from fries and egg), or mishkaki (barbecued goat), or my personal favourite, kitimoto roast, the best roast pork you’ll find anywhere in the world.
Try Edo Chips on Kimweri Ave for the zege and Container Bar on Lulukedi Street for the roast pork.
Sundowners in Dar es Salaam
Fancy watching the sunset while sipping on a boozy cocktail? Then Slipway Hotel is the place for you.
There are a few restaurants overlooking the ocean such as Alcove, Waterfront and my personal favourite, The Terrace, at the Slipway. Nothing beats that view.
Another great place to have sundowners with a view is Capetown Fish Market, which is on the same coastal strip.
Party O’clock
End the day with a bang by bar hopping and finally hitting the best clubs in town.
Start off at the Watering Hole for a good meal, then hop on to the George & Dragon for a couple of drinks before heading out to Elements for some great music. Finish off by going to The Pallets to party until daybreak.
Daniel Msirikale is the Jameson Whiskey Brand Ambassador in Tanzania and a freelance travel photographer. His Instagram handle is @that_tanzanianguy.
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