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Scenes From Dodoma
Extraordinary African Safaris
Tanzania's planned capital in the heart of the country — seat of parliament, centre of the national wine industry, and gateway to the Kondoa rock art.
Dodoma sits almost exactly in the middle of Tanzania, on the dry central plateau, and has been the country’s official capital since 1973 — the seat of the National Assembly and, increasingly, of government. It is a calm, spread-out city of wide avenues and modern institutional buildings, with a very different feel from the coastal bustle of Dar es Salaam.
It is not a conventional tourist destination, but it has its draws. Dodoma is the centre of Tanzania’s small but growing wine industry, and vineyard visits and tastings are a genuine surprise on the central plateau. Landmarks include the striking Bunge (parliament) building, the Gaddafi Mosque, and the hilltop Lion Rock, while the local markets give a taste of central Tanzanian life.
Dodoma’s greatest appeal for travellers lies nearby: the Kondoa Irangi rock-art sites, a UNESCO World Heritage collection of ancient paintings in rock shelters to the north. Dodoma suits travellers crossing the heart of the country, interested in its political life, wine, or the prehistoric art of Kondoa. It is reached by air, road, or the central railway.
Dodoma is reached by scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam, by road from several directions, or by the central railway. The city has business and mid-range hotels. Most travellers pass through while crossing the country or visiting on business; the main leisure draws are the wineries and the Kondoa rock art to the north. The dry season is most comfortable on the hot central plateau.
We didn’t expect vineyards in the middle of Tanzania, but a wine tasting in Dodoma followed by the ancient Kondoa paintings made for a surprisingly memorable detour. — Guest review, TripAdvisor
Hot but dry and settled, the easiest time for travel, wine tours, and visiting Kondoa. The most comfortable window.
Best overallThe coolest part of the dry season on the plateau, pleasant for sightseeing and excursions.
Best weatherBrief showers green the dry landscape; travel remains easy. A quieter, fresher time.
Best for valueThe wettest stretch on the plateau, when roads to Kondoa can become difficult. The quietest months.
Quietest months
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