Places to Visit in Dodoma, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Places to Visit in Dodoma, Tanzania, East Africa, Africa

Dodoma is the capital of the African country Tanzania, situated in the heart of the country, around 500 km northwest of the country’s largest city and commercial capital, Dar es Salaam. It is also the seat of Dodoma Region, covering an area of 2,669 square kilometers. Dodoma is located at 6°10′23″ S 35°44′31″ E and experiences a semi-arid climate with warm weather year round and an average rainfall of 570 millimeters annually. Dodoma is the site of the two recognized universities the St John University of Tanzania and the University of Dodoma as well as an international school, the Canon Andrea Mwaka School.

History of Dodoma:

The history of Dodoma begins with its foundation made during the construction of the Tanzanian central railway during the German colonial rule. Dodoma was designated as the capital of Tanzania in 1973 for its central location in the country’s geography, replacing Dar es Salaam. The city’s development project was made by the United States architect James Rossant in 1986.

How to reach Dodoma?

Dodoma hosts a small airport with flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Lake Manyara, Ruaha, Tarangire, Zanzibar, Iringa, Mbeya and many other prominent cities. The airport is situated 1.5 km away from the heart of the city.

Dodoma has upgraded road and railway networks that lead city to the country’s commercial hub Dar es Salaam and many other important domestic destinations. Minibuses (dala dala) are the common way to get around Dodoma and there are taxis and rental cars also abundant.

Culture, Food and Shopping in Dodoma:

The culture of Dodoma is concentrated on its reputed universities St Johns University of Tanzania and University of Dodoma, where regular cultural events organized that showcases the significance of Dodoma’s and Tanzania’s culture and history.

Here are some well known shopping options in Dodoma:

Yashna’s Supermarket
Two Sisters
Shabibi Supermarket

List of the prominent food corners in Dodoma include:

VETA
Roses’s Cafe
Leone l’Africano

Things to do in Dodoma:

Kondoa town tour
Kolo village walking tour
Sambwa hill trekking tour
Royal Village Tour
Rock paints Tour

Places to see in Dodoma:

Gaddafi Mosque:

The Gaddafi Mosque is one of the identities of Dodoma being Tanzania’s largest mosque and East Africa’s second largest, following the Uganda National Mosque. The mosque got its name from the Libya’s former leader Muammar Gaddafi, who funded for the mosque’s construction through the World Islamic Call Society. The interior of the mosque can hold 3,000 worshippers.

Lion Rock:

Situated in the northern part of Dodoma, the Lion Rock or Simba Hill offers the striking views of the city and surroundings. Hiking of the hill will also be a thrilling experience for visitors.

Swimming pools in Dodoma:

Visitors can find swimming pools in Dodoma at the New Dodoma Hotel and Climax Club. Apart from swimming, one can also enjoy the day there by watching TV and shopping.

University of Dodoma:

Officially opened in 2007, the University of Dodoma is situated 8 km away from the city centre of Dodoma. It currently trains around 22,000 students in different departments and through latest courses. There are also regular cultural events taking place that exhibits the city’s and country’s culture.

List of other places of interest in and around Dodoma include:

Bunge
Shabibi Supermarket
Dodoma Cine Club
Saint Johns University
Lake Munguri
Ruaha National Park
Muhesi Game Reserve
Usungu Game Reserve
Udzungwa Mountains National Park
Tarangire National Park

Best time to visit Dodoma:

Generally from June to August is the best time to visit Tanzania’s capital Dodoma as when the city recives relatively less rainfall and remains dry.

Accommodation options in Dodoma:

There are several modernized hotels in Dodoma offering a wide range of upgraded amenities like air conditioning, AC, wireless internet, spa, sauna, bar and restaurant, food on request and 24 hour electricity. The major hotels in and around Dodoma are listed below: