Botanical Gardens

Dar es Salaam


Although in danger of disappearing beneath development, these botanical gardens provide an essential shady oasis in the city. They were established in 1893 by Professor Stuhlman, the first Director of Agriculture, and were initially used as a testing ground for cash crops. They're still home to the Horticultural Society, which tends the indigenous and exotic plants, including scarlet flame trees, several species of palm, cycads and jacaranda.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dar es Salaam attractions

1. National Museum & House of Culture

0.11 MILES

The National Museum houses a copy of the famous fossil discoveries of zinjanthropus ('nutcracker man') from Olduvai Gorge, plus other archaeological finds…

2. State House

0.39 MILES

An imposing complex set amid large grounds, the State House was originally built by the Germans and rebuilt after WWI by the British.

3. Azania Front Lutheran Church

0.42 MILES

A striking edifice, with a red-roofed belfry overlooking the water, a rather stern Gothic interior and a marvellous, new handmade organ, this is one of…

4. Askari Monument

0.43 MILES

This bronze statue, dedicated to Africans killed in WWI, is now a favourite haunt of street touts and dubious moneychangers.

6. Fish Market

0.64 MILES

Head down to the Kivukoni fish market in the early morning to see fishers flog their catch to restauranteurs and homemakers with all the zeal of Wall St…

7. St Joseph Cathedral

0.64 MILES

This spired, Gothic-style, Roman Catholic cathedral was built at the turn of the 19th century by German missionaries. In addition to the striking stained…

8. St Peter's Church

2.54 MILES

In addition to being almost always packed to overflowing during services, St Peter's is a helpful landmark showing the turn-off from busy Ali Hassan…