Dodoma is the political capital of Tanzania since 1973, even if it is certainly still not well known by tourists.
Although Dar Es Salaam remains the economic and commercial centre of the Country, Dodoma does not shrink from having personality and, after the National Assembly settlement, there are encouraging growth indications.
Surrounded by fertile lands, on a 1100 meters of altitude plateau, Dodoma is connected to the principle Tanzanian cities by a functional bus network, a not so much reliable railway line and a small airport where usually tiny airplanes land.
In the city, you can use taxis, the traditional daladala, low-priced minibuses, or the bicycles. Dodoma offers also some interesting examples of religious and civil architecture, even if we have to point out the difficulty in gaining access to the Bunge, Parliament’s seat and recent building, made with a typically African style. Indeed, the visits are possible only during the parliamentary sessions (only four times a year) and with the authorities’ agreement, while photos are absolutely forbidden. The different places of worship are easier to visit: in the central area there are the Jama Khana mosque (close to the daladala station), the Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran church.
Near the airport stands the biggest mosque of the Country, the Gaddafi mosque, a recent pink building.
In the North-East part of the city, there is the Lion Rock, a rocky hill that offers a beautiful view of Dodoma just 45 minutes away. It’s better to plan this excursion on weekends and to be accompanied by a local guide.
In addition to being a famous area for agricultural products as beans, nuts, coffee, tea and tobacco, the region of Dodoma is also the centre of the Tanzanian wine-producing activity, with two grape harvests a year and a production of excellent wine, mostly intended for local consumption. Some companies, as Cetawico, in the North-East of Dodoma, open their wine cellars to the public, to publicise world-renowned wines.
From local cuisine (Ugali, Nyama choma, Chips Mayai, Pilau), to international one (Asiatic, Indian and European), from restaurants to fast food, by way of well-stocked convenience stores, in Dodoma you can eat anything you want at any price.
Food and local handcrafts are sold in large quantities and moderately priced at the Majengo Market, the most important and picturesque market of Dodoma.
You will find full comfort hotels, modest guest houses and some lodge to sleep. Although Dodoma is not a very attended tourist destination, you need to consider that, during the Parliament’s sessions, life becomes more chaotic and hotels are more crowded.
