Attraction
National Museum and House of Culture
Tanzania's first modern museum, on Shaaban Robert Street beside the Botanical Gardens, covering human origins, ethnography, colonial history, art and natural history.
Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens
Shady colonial-era gardens on Samora Avenue, laid out in 1893 by Franz Stuhlmann, with indigenous and exotic plants including the Seychelles coco-de-mer palm.
At a glance
- Type
- Botanical garden
- Area
- City Centre, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Good to know
- Shaded paths
- Lawns
- Next to National Museum
Why we recommend it
The Botanical Gardens are one of the few green spaces in central Dar es Salaam. They were established in 1893 by Professor Franz Stuhlmann, the first director of agriculture during the German colonial period, and were once considerably larger than they are today. The gardens are now home to the Dar es Salaam Horticultural Society.
The planting mixes indigenous and exotic species. Expect bougainvillea, jacaranda, flame trees and hibiscus, which flower at different times of year, alongside a coco-de-mer palm, a species native to the Seychelles that is rarely grown elsewhere. Shaded paths run between manicured lawns, and the mature trees make the gardens noticeably cooler than the surrounding streets.
This is not a large or formal botanical garden with glasshouses and visitor facilities, so set your expectations accordingly. It is best treated as a pleasant pause in a walking tour of the city centre: a place to sit in the shade for half an hour, look at the trees and escape the traffic. It is also a calm spot for families with young children who need a break from sightseeing.
The gardens sit on Samora Avenue, immediately next to the National Museum and House of Culture, so the two are easily combined. The Southern Sun hotel on Garden Avenue overlooks them, and the Askari Monument, St Joseph's Cathedral and the Kivukoni waterfront are all within a short walk. Further along Samora Avenue is the Clock Tower, built in 1961 to mark Dar es Salaam's elevation to city status and used as the point from which road distances from the city are measured. A natural route is to start at the museum when it opens, step out into the gardens before lunch, and then continue down to the harbour.
The gardens do not have a published visitor timetable, so plan to visit in daylight. Morning and late afternoon are the most comfortable times, as the midday sun is strong even in the shade. Bring water and insect repellent, particularly after rain, wear comfortable shoes, and keep bags closed as you would anywhere in a busy city centre. Anyone with a specific interest in plants may find it worth contacting the Horticultural Society, which is based in the gardens, before visiting.
Dar es Salaam Botanical Gardens FAQs
Where are the Botanical Gardens?
On Samora Avenue in the city centre, next to the National Museum and House of Culture.
When were they founded?
In 1893, by Professor Franz Stuhlmann, the German colonial director of agriculture.
What plants can I see?
Indigenous and exotic species, including bougainvillea, jacaranda, flame trees, hibiscus and a Seychelles coco-de-mer palm.
How long should I allow?
Around thirty minutes, or longer if you want to sit in the shade.
Can I combine it with other sights?
Yes. The National Museum is next door, and the Askari Monument and St Joseph's Cathedral are a short walk away.
When is the best time to visit?
Morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. The lawns and shade make it a good break for families.
Who manages the gardens?
They are home to the Dar es Salaam Horticultural Society.