The capital Dodoma is a small city that offers less then other parts of Tanzania. Still, it won't be boring spending a few days over there.
It is the capital of Tanzania, with definitely less tourism than Dar Es Salaam. Arriving there, we would go on the usual search for a guesthouse and find one quite fast on Tenth Street.
Mwalimu Julius Nyerere was a father to his family. To Tanzania he was a defender of a dream. ~ unknown
In General
Dodoma doesn't offer a lot for tourists. So we would stroll around the markets, local supermarkets, the streets, street food, and interact with the locals. Still, I enjoyed it a lot. However, you barely see tourists. It is super local and traditional, and surprisingly, this city was very Muslim. Women are wearing mainly hijabs, and every morning, you will listen to the mosque's sound.
Nyerere Square
One historical place shows the statue of the Tanzanian National Founder Julias Nyerere. Mostly it's crowded. But with good street food places around. You can sit down on the stairs and enjoy the sun on your skin. Or grab some meat sticks around the corner and have lunch at this place. You mainly meet families here, sitting and chatting or kids playing.
Gaddafi Mosque
As mentioned before, Dodoma is very Muslim, and this religion takes up around 80% of the city. This imposing and big mosque is right at the city center and worth a quick visit, and counts as the largest mosque in Tanzania. Up to 3000 worshipers have space inside! Walking around this area from the outside was impressive, with long hallways and pillars underlined by the wight sandstone.
Simba Hill/ Lion Rock
It is an attraction outside of the city, located in the northeast. Easy to reach, with a Boda it is accessible and offers a breathtaking view over the city and the surrounding. The track up to the top might be exhausting, it is steep, and the sun is hot, but as soon as you get there, the beauty of the place will have been worth it. On the weekends, families and groups of locals like to hang out there and spend some time together. On other days it will be mainly empty.
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