15 Family-Friendly Activities In Dar Es Salaam

Travelling with your family? Well, you might be a little surprised to learn that urban Dar es Salaam is a great destination for both parents and kids. From enjoying a day the zoo to getting wet and wild at a water park, there are plenty of family activities in Dar es Salaam for kids of all ages.

Waterfall Udzungwa National Park in dar es salaam

(Marc Veraart/Wikimedia Commons)

1. Hiking at Udzungwa Mountains National Park 

With breathtaking forests, waterfall and hiking trails, Udzungwa Mountains National Park is a hikers mecca. One of the most popular hikes is the half-day route to the 170m Sanje Waterfall, where kids can see monkeys, various birds and butterflies on the way through the forest.

village museum in dar es salaam

(Moongateclimber/Wikimedia Commons)

2. Explore Tribal Homes At The Village Museum 

Visit this open-air museum for a fascinating glimpse at its collection of authentically constructed traditional homes. Each house is furnished with traditional items, and villagers show visitors how to weave, make pottery and do carvings, which kids love.

kunduchi wet n wild water park in dar es salaam

(Photo courtesy of Kunduchi Wet-n-Wild Water Park)

3. Kunduchi Wet-n-Wild Water Park 

With a variety of pools and slides and watchful staff keeping their eye on the littles, parents can just relax poolside at Kunduchi Wet-n-Wild Water Park. Being the largest water park in East and Central Africa, its easy to spend the whole day at this park.

elephant at wonder workshop in dar es salaam

(Photo courtesy of Wonder Workshop)

4. Wonder Workshop 

Wonder Workshop artworks are not only made from recycled material, but they are also made by physically disabled Tanzanians. From incredible metal art, wooden art and jewellery, to sundered paper, candles and soaps, it is a great place to buy eco-friendly souvenirs. Plus the kids will love identifying their favourite animals in the artworks.

african elephants

(Michelangelo-36/Wikimedia Commons)

5. Dar Es Salaam Zoo 

Another really awesome day trip involves heading to the Kigamboni district and visiting Dar Es Salaam Zoo. With lions, zebras, crocodiles, antelopes, tortoises, gazelles, monkeys, hyenas, leopards and snakes, there is plenty to see and do for both parents and kids.

zebras in dar es salaam

(Sajjad Fazel/Wikimedia Commons)

6. Go On Safari

If seeing wildlife in captivity is not your thing, then why not go on safari? You are in Africa after all! This one is not right in Dar es Salaam, obviously, but it’s an easy day trip to Pande Game Reserve, which is about 34km from Dar. Not only will the experience of seeing wildlife such as elephants unforgettable for your kids, but it will for you too.

Sunset_view_from_Kigamboni_Beach,_Dar_Es_Salaam.

(Likumbage/Wikimedia Commons)

7. Spend A Saturday On Kigamboni Beach

Whether you just want to walk along the beach or grab some street food from the beach vendors, Kigamboni Beach is ideal for a family day out on the weekend. Buy some beach bats or a soccer ball and you could spend hours just playing on the white sand.

petite park in dar es salaam

(Photo courtesy of Petite Park)

8. Eat At Petite Park 

If you’re travelling with toddlers then head to Petite Park. With the coolest indoor play area specifically for toddlers, your kids can crawl, roll, jump and explore – under the watchful eye of caretakers – in this child friendly environment while you enjoy lunch at their restaurant.

goat racing in dar es salaam

(Photo courtesy of Goat Races)

9. Watch Some Goat Racing 

It might sound strange, but Dar Es Salaam is known for its annual goat-racing event. If you’re visiting over the month of June, this weekend festival is a must-do. It also offers loads of other fun activities for charity.

fun city in dar es salaam

(Photo courtesy of Fun City)

10. Spend The Day At Fun City 

As the name suggests, this amusement park is a whole lot of fun and features 30 different rides, from roller coasters to water slides.

TAZARA train in dar es salaam

(Photo courtesy of TAZARA Train)

11. Take An Overnight Trip On The TAZARA Train 

Want to experience Dar Es Salaam like a local? Then take a trip around the city on a TAZARA train. Mingle with the locals, spend the night, and wake up to beautiful scenery.

water world in dar es salaam

(Photo courtesy of White Sands Hotel)

12. Stay At White Sands Hotel 

With a huge pool, scuba diving courses, a long white sandy beach, and Water World, White Sands Hotel is ideal for the whole family. Water World has giant slides that leads to the pool which is great for the kids, plus a stunning restaurant, gym and diving experience for the grown ups.

donkey rides in dar es salaam

(Ian Paterson/Wikimedia Commons)

13. Spend The Day At Fantasy Land 

While dad’s playing a round of golf or mom is at the spa, let your kids spend a morning at Fantasy Land. With a jumping castle tunnel, trampoline, rock climbing, velcro wall, donkey rides and a clown show, it is one of the best places for your kids to spend a day.

14. Mountain Dew Paintball Arena 

There’s nothing like spending a day running around playing paintball at Mountain Dew Paintball Arena. This activity is ideal for adults and kids 11 years and older. With various games played at your own pace, mission and an obstacle course, it is really a fun day out.

15. Bongoyo Marine Reserve 

Take a 30-minute ferry ride to Bongoyo Island to snorkel, catch a tan and enjoy the tropical waters of the Das Es Salaam Marine Reserve. Also visit The Slipway shopping complex and enjoy the sunset, browse the retail stores and indulge in an ice cream. There is an oceanfront playground at Slipway that you can safely let your kids loose in.

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