I’ve spent a week working in Dar es Salaam, beautifully translated from Arabic as “Abode of Peace”. With an estimated population of over six million people, Dar is the financial hub of Tanzania. Nestled along a natural and quiet harbour on the Indian Ocean, Dar is a multicultural city – home to African Tanzanians, Arabic and South Asian communities, several expatriates, as well as Catholics, Lutherans and Muslims, among others. This diversity is reflected in its culture, food and music, and even buildings which display a remarkable mix of architectural styles, influenced by Swahili, British, German, and Asian traditions. I’ve been to Dar a few times before but never as a runner. So, I was excited to rediscover the city from a runner’s perspective.
On previous visits we had stayed downtown or in Oyster Bay but this time the workshop we were running was held further out at the luxurious White Sands Resort.
On the one hand, this was ideal as it meant we were away from the hustle and bustle of city life, but on the other hand, this hustle is what I love about city running! When I asked whether it was safe to run on the streets, many said it was okay but probably better if I had a partner. This left me torn as I desperately wanted to run outside but also didn’t want to go against local advice which is something I always recommend. Erring on the side of caution, I chose to run on the paved path lining the pristine White Sands Beach. The path was about 600 metres one-way, so I ran up and down for a total of 5km each run, taking in the spectacular view and ocean air.
For each run, I set off before 6am, just as the sun was rising, and before it got too hot and humid, giving me ample time for a shower and breakfast, before work.
It was still a lot more humid than I’m used to, but I found it less humid than running in Ghana. Yes, it was less adventurous, but I’m not complaining…
On my first full day in Dar (Monday), I discovered there was a trail race close to Dar, to be held in the Pande Game Reserve on Saturday. I immediately contacted Jazzy who I once featured on my “We Run the World” blog series. Jazzy was incredibly generous and helpful – she registered and paid for my race entry as I couldn’t use the local payment system and volunteered to collect my race bib for me. She also connected me with a taxi driver Brian who gave me a great transport deal – he would pick me up before the race, drive the hour or so to the venue, wait for me to finish the 10km trail run, and then drive me back to the hotel. With all this organised, I was so excited for the race. But on Thursday, the race was postponed. I was gutted, but at the same time I had an overwhelming sense of gratitude for both Jazzy and Brian (both of whom I’ve never met) who went above and beyond, to help me with all the logistics.
I didn’t let this get me down for long – ever the Queen of Plan B, I spent the evening searching for a hiking adventure and eventually found a great tour company, Safari 56, owned and run by Yonafika Akida who agreed to take me for a hike in Pugu Forest Nature Reserve on Saturday! It was an AMAZING experience, and I cannot wait to share this adventure with you…
I hope you enjoyed running with me on White Sands Beach in Dar es Salaam! What do you enjoy about running near the ocean? Are you from Tanzania or have you visited this beautiful country?
I’m joining two fabulous runners, Kim from Running on the Fly and Deborah from Confessions from a Mother Runner for their link up – the “Weekly Run Down”.
The Gaborone Runner 
Wow, what a beautiful spot! I am so glad you shared this with us. Looking forward to the next installment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Wendy! Next instalment is up!
LikeLike
Queen of Plan B!! I love it!
What a shame it didn’t work out with the trail run, especially after all that prep with Jazzy and Brian. But now you know the ropes and for your next visit, everything will fall into place.
Looking forward to the Plan B report. 🙂
Dar looks incredibly beautiful, I had no idea. Thanks for introducing us to this beautiful place, Shathiso!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Dar is such a beautiful city full of contrasts – definitely one of my favourite cities. And Running by the ocean all week, now that was something!
LikeLiked by 1 person
How lovely! I’m on holiday myself in Spain and had a sunrise run along the paved paseo between the beach and the strip of restaurants and shops this morning, absolutely lovely (though still being careful of my back and only walk-ran 2 miles).
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds amazing!! I can imagine running there and then grabbing a cappuccino at one of the cafes afterwards! So happy you were able to run, even if it wasn’t long. Hope your back continues to get stronger.😘
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nothing was open, sadly, but I did shower and then take advantage of the massive hotel breakfast buffet ….!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lovely!!! 😋 Those are the best!
LikeLike
That looks beautiful! It reminds me of running along the beach here in Florida. I don’t like the humidity, but the ocean breeze is nice. I’m looking forward to the recap of the hike!
LikeLiked by 1 person
The humidity was tough but definitely helped by that ocean breeze!!! And coming from a landlocked country, I’m also taken aback by the beauty of the ocean 🥰
LikeLike
oh wow, what a beautiful spot for a run and a visit. Thanks for sharing your photos with us
LikeLiked by 1 person
Couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful spot to enjoy my morning runs! And these were also my views from my room!
LikeLike
Oh, I wish I could have been there with you. I’d gladly have been your partner for street running! Your pics look beautiful…looks like a fabulous place!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know you would have!!! When we drove for the hike on Saturday, I spotted sooo many runners on the road so I definitely feel I could have ventured out on my own. Maybe there will be a next time!
LikeLike
Maybe staying on the property wasn’t adventurous, but it still looks gorgeous! Bummer the race didn’t work out, but it is wonderful how kind people were. Glad you found another activity to do.
LikeLiked by 1 person
As I ran up and down with those views, I thought, I can’t really complain 🤣🤣 They were incredibly kind and this kindness came through again in the hike I did.
LikeLike
Oh my goodness this looks like a beautiful spot – it looks so peaceful and gorgeous there! I’m sorry that the race didn’t happen but it sounds like you still had a great time there. As always, thanks for sharing your photos.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a stunning spot! And even if the race didn’t happen, I had an incredible hike on Saturday so it worked out beautifully in the end!
LikeLike
What a beautiful beach and your photos are stunning! I do love running by the ocean. Unfortunately the ocean is far, far away from us.
I’m so sorry about the canceled race. But going for a guided hike instead sounds amazing! Can’t wait to read about that.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You and me both! The ocean is very far from us so this was a real treat! The guided hike was so lovely.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We did one once on vacation — with a private yoga class — it was so awesome. Glad you enjoyed yours!
LikeLike
Bummer about the 10K, but what gorgeous photos of a beautiful place! You pivoted beautifully and made the most of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved my morning runs! And the hike ended up being a great alternative to the race.
LikeLike
So so beautiful!!
I love running along the ocean… I wish I lived closer…
One of the reasons I go to Florida in Feb… that to escape the cold weather.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And even if it was humid, that ocean breeze was so refreshing. Views like that are so motivational!
LikeLike