Located in Central Tanzania, Dodoma is the political capital of Tanzania.
In 1973, Dodoma was designated as the new political capital of Tanzania. New Parliament buildings were erected and plans were drafted to shift all government ministry offices to Dodoma by the early 1980s. However, due to limited water supplies and other environmental factors, this proved difficult and the plan was all but forgotten for several decades. However under the presidency of John Magufuli, the government move has been stepped up. Most ministries have now moved to Dodoma (or are in the process of moving) and most government meetings now take place there. Embassies as well as UN agencies remain in Dar es Salaam.
Commercial flights between Dar es Salaam and Dodoma are available with the national carrier Air Tanzania, with Precision Air, and (at a higher price) with Auric Air. Flights can book up quickly so it is advised to buy tickets online in advance. Mission Aviation Fellowships' (MAF) small planes fly throughout the country; they have a regular shuttle between Dodoma and Arusha every Monday and also fly regularly to Nairobi and Mbeya. It is also possible to join other flights; for more information see their website and subscribe to their Joiner List.
- Bunge la Tanzania. The earthquake-proof Parliament buildings are a must, although access may be restricted. The building may only be photographed with permission from Dar es Salaam, so consider photography to be forbidden. To get permission to visit, write a letter to: Katibu wa Bunge, S.L.P 941, Dodoma; or to Katibu wa Bunge, S.L.P 9133, Dar Es Salaam
- Ismaili Mosque.
Bunge la Tanzania. The earthquake-proof Parliament buildings are a must, although access may be restricted. The building may only be photographed with permission from Dar es Salaam, so consider photography to be forbidden. To get permission to visit, write a letter to: Katibu wa Bunge, S.L.P 941, Dodoma; or to Katibu wa Bunge, S.L.P 9133, Dar Es Salaam
Ismaili Mosque.
- Lion Rock. Hike the Lion Rock (also called Simba Hill) in the north of the city to have a nice view of the surroundings. However, do it in a group of at least 4 people as there have been reports of muggings.
- Excursions. On request, Dodoma Travel Cafe offers trekking and excursions.
- Swimming Pool. There are two places with a swimming pool: the New Dodoma Hotel (TSh 4,000 for non-guests), and Climax Club, near the prison, where you can buy food, watch TV, and spend the day.
- Gym. The New Dodoma hotel also has a gym, 7AM-9AM and 5PM-7PM, closed Sundays, TSh 4,000 for non-guests.
Lion Rock. Hike the Lion Rock (also called Simba Hill) in the north of the city to have a nice view of the surroundings. However, do it in a group of at least 4 people as there have been reports of muggings.
Excursions. On request, Dodoma Travel Cafe offers trekking and excursions.
Swimming Pool. There are two places with a swimming pool: the New Dodoma Hotel (TSh 4,000 for non-guests), and Climax Club, near the prison, where you can buy food, watch TV, and spend the day.
Gym. The New Dodoma hotel also has a gym, 7AM-9AM and 5PM-7PM, closed Sundays, TSh 4,000 for non-guests.
- Shabibi Supermarket. Small supermarket on the second floor of the Shabibi gas station.
- Yashna's Supermarket. The biggest shop in the centre (that does not mean much) with pasta, canned vegetables, chocolates, biscuits, frozen cheese, ground coffee and some cosmetics.
- Two Sisters, Hatibu Avenue (near the central roundabout in the pink zain building. Cheese, dark bread rolls (sometimes), homemade delicious yoghurt, frozen foods, canned goods, pasta, wine,chocolates, candies, crisps, Indian snacks and very friendly owners.
- Barclays Bank. Has a Mastercard/Visa ATM.
Barclays Bank. Has a Mastercard/Visa ATM.
Shabibi Supermarket. Small supermarket on the second floor of the Shabibi gas station.
Yashna's Supermarket. The biggest shop in the centre (that does not mean much) with pasta, canned vegetables, chocolates, biscuits, frozen cheese, ground coffee and some cosmetics.
Two Sisters, Hatibu Avenue (near the central roundabout in the pink zain building. Cheese, dark bread rolls (sometimes), homemade delicious yoghurt, frozen foods, canned goods, pasta, wine,chocolates, candies, crisps, Indian snacks and very friendly owners.
Chef Asili provides Tanzanian food as well as European options such as steaks and pizzas. Prices are reasonable and the restaurant is popular with government officials and MPs. Serves food only after sunset during Ramadan.
New Dodoma Hotel has excellent European, Tanzanian, and Asian food. There is also a Chinese restaurant of excellent quality (the owners are Chinese). Meals begin around TSh 3000 at the snack bar and go up to TSh 12,000. Drinks are unreasonably expensive, at TSh 2,000 for a Kilimanjaro domestic beer.
VETA has good food, when they eventually bring it to you, but choice can be limited unless you are there during Parliament sessions. Prices are reasonable.
Nam Hotel also has excellent food, at reasonable prices. It's on the other side of the airfield.
Aladin's Cave Market Street near Victory Bookshop, good milk shakes, home made ice cream, yoghurt, pizza and burgers. Opening hours 9:30AM-1PM and 3PM-6PM.
Roses's Cafe next to Cana Lodge, good and cheap Indian food (from TSh 2,000, Thali TSh 5,000), popular with expats, M-Sa 8AM-4PM and 6PM-10PM.
Leone l'Africano Area C north of the airfield, great original Italian pizza and pasta in very atmospheric setting, playground for kids. midget golf. Closed on Mondays. Once in the two weeks at Wednesday there is movie night (see: http://www.dodomacineclub.info )
There are two great places for ordering traditional grilled pork (kiti moto). One is down the road from VETA at the highway junction. A kilo of meat with kachumbari salad will cost about TSh 2500. The other is on the other side of the air field at Jacana Park. Prices comparable. If you are fond of animals, hold your ears when they slaughter the pig.
There are also more atmospheric places, fresh and tasty on the Uhindini Road, across from Victory Bookshop, at reasonable prices.
- Acacia Bar and Restaurant, PO Box 1521 (7.5 Km from Airport roundabout on Arusha Road, +255 718 667 676. 7AM to 11PM. Acacia Bar and Restaurant is located at Twiga Hotel in Miyuji - 7½ km from Dodoma town. The restaurant serves local cuisine such as chips mayai and nyama choma as well as wonderful dishes of lamb, beef, fish, chicken, pork and many others. TSh 3,000-8,000.
Acacia Bar and Restaurant, PO Box 1521 (7.5 Km from Airport roundabout on Arusha Road, +255 718 667 676. 7AM to 11PM. Acacia Bar and Restaurant is located at Twiga Hotel in Miyuji - 7½ km from Dodoma town. The restaurant serves local cuisine such as chips mayai and nyama choma as well as wonderful dishes of lamb, beef, fish, chicken, pork and many others. TSh 3,000-8,000.
NK Disco operates on Friday nights and is popular with the younger set. A nice place to have a quiet drink and watch TV is at VETA.