Beyond Dar es Salaam: Five Exciting Weekend Hideaways Close to Home
Dar es Salaam… a vibrant city that comes alive when the sun dips below the horizon. It’s a haven for night owls! But even the most loyal of night lovers sometimes feel the urge to swap the city’s busy nightlife for a taste of the unknown.
That’s where I come in. Wondering where the closest slice of “unknown” is to Dar es Salaam?
This holiday season gives you a perfect excuse to set out on an adventure to places just a stone’s throw from the city. You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a change of scenery, though, let’s be honest, the festive season is a notorious bank-breaker!
So, where to? Here are five awesome getaways where you could be sipping a Mai Tai while birds serenade you. And if luck’s on your side, a curious wild animal might just peek into your hotel window!
Nyerere National Park (Formerly Selous Game Reserve)
Reconnect with nature and discover truly untamed Tanzania in Nyerere National Park. This is home to one of the largest wildlife reserves in Africa and a safari lover’s paradise. It’s just about a four-hour drive from Dar es Salaam or a quick chartered flight if you’re feeling fancy!
You can choose to have a game safari, a boat safari along the Rufiji River, or if you are feeling bold a walking safari, spotting elephants, lions, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
Bagamoyo
Dripping with history, Bagamoyo is a coastal treasure that tells stories of the past from every corner you explore. From its ancient ruins to its colonial architecture, it’s the perfect spot for a cultural retreat. Just an hour’s drive from Dar es Salaam, the city makes an attractive day trip and has enough interest to reward longer stays.
One of the highlights is the fish market, for the freshest catches and a walk along the beach to soak in the town’s laid-back vibes.
Saadani National Park
Where else can you combine a safari with a beach holiday? This unique destination is about a three-hour drive from Dar es Salaam. Saadani is the only national park in East Africa with a beachfront. Here, you’ll experience the best of both worlds: wildlife roaming freely and the Indian Ocean’s soothing waves lapping the shore.
Mikumi National Park
If you’re after a classic safari experience close to Dar es Salaam, Mikumi is your go-to. It’s like a mini Serengeti, teeming with wildlife and wide-open plains. Drive along the well-maintained roads and keep an eye out for wild animals. It’s a four-hour journey by road, making it ideal for a weekend escape.
Tanga
A little further afield, Tanga offers a blend of adventure and tranquillity. About a six-hour drive from Dar es Salaam, this sleepy city has unique offerings!
Explore the mysterious Amboni Caves, and if you are seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, drive to Ushongo, just south of Pangani to enjoy one of the untouched stretches of beach. If you want more water surrounding you, take a boat trip to the stunning sandbanks. This port city has many hidden treasures waiting to be discovered.
Sometimes, the best way to enjoy Dar es Salaam is to leave it behind… if only for a little while. So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, gather your travel buddies, and let the adventure begin!
