The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma. It has been the capital by government decree since 1973; Parliament has met there since 1996, and since 2019 it has also been home to the Presidency and the ministries. Many people, however, still think of Dar es Salaam, and it’s easy to see why: Dar remains the largest city, the main port, and the economic heart of the country. In short, Dodoma is the political and administrative capital, while Dar es Salaam is the economic capital.
Dodoma or Dar es Salaam: Who Does What
?
| Dodoma | Dar es Salaam | |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Official capital: Parliament, Presidency, ministries | Economic capital, port, and home to embassies and major corporations |
| Location | Town center, plateau at approximately 1,120 m | Indian Ocean coast |
| Population (2022 census) | Approximately 765,000 in the municipality | Over 5.3 million in the region |
| Climate | Semi-arid, dry, and breezy | Hot and humid tropical |
| For Travelers | A stopover on the way south or to see the Kondoa rock paintings | Main international airport; departure point for Zanzibar and the southern national parks |
Some embassies have already moved or opened an office in Dodoma, but most—including the Italian embassy—are still based in Dar es Salaam. We describe what the coastal metropolis is like today in our guide to Dar es Salaam.
Why Was the Capital Moved to Dodoma
When, in 1973, an internal referendum within the ruling party, TANU, designated Dodoma as the new capital, there were two main reasons:
- Central location. From Dodoma, the outlying regions are closer to the seat of power than from Dar es Salaam, which is located in a corner of the country. In Julius Nyerere’s Tanzania, where national unity was fostered in part through the Swahili language, geography held political significance.
- Room to grow. The plateau offered open land for a planned city, far from the congestion of the coast.
The move, however, took nearly fifty years:
- 1973: The government chose Dodoma as the capital.
- 1996: Parliament (Bunge) held its sessions in Dodoma, which formally became the capital.
- 2016–2019: President John Magufuli accelerates the relocation of the ministries. In 2019, the Presidency moves into the new State House in Chamwino.
- 2020s: Mtumba, the “government city,” is established—a neighborhood that brings together the ministries on the outskirts of the city.
The broader context—from independence to the union with Zanzibar in 1964—is covered in our history of Tanzania.
What is Dodoma like today
?
Dodoma is a young, orderly, and rapidly growing city. It has wide streets, new public buildings, and many students: the University of Dodoma (UDOM) is among the largest campuses in East Africa. It lacks the charm of Stone Town or the hustle and bustle of Dar es Salaam. The city center is quiet and empties out early in the evening. Surrounding it is a landscape of dry savanna, with granite hills and baobab trees.
The city is also the center of the Tanzanian wine industry. The dry, sunny climate of the plateau allows for grape cultivation, with two harvests a year. The wineries in the area mainly produce reds and sweet wines, which are available throughout the country.
What to See in Dodoma
Dodoma isn’t a destination worth traveling to specifically, but if you happen to pass through, it has more to offer than you might think.
- Gaddafi Mosque. It was inaugurated in 2010 with Libyan funding and is one of the largest mosques in East Africa, with a capacity of about 3,000. It is open to visitors outside of prayer times, provided visitors wear clothing that covers their shoulders and legs. We’ve written an in-depth article on religion in Tanzania, focusing on interfaith coexistence in the country.
- Parliament Building (Bunge). It is the symbol of the capital. During sessions, you can request to observe the proceedings from the public gallery, provided you have your passport and are dressed in formal attire.
- Lion Rock (Simba Hill). This is a hill of granite boulders offering views of the entire city. The climb takes about half an hour; it’s best to go at sunset with a local guide.
- Nyerere Square and the cathedrals. In the city center, just a short walk from one another, you’ll find the square dedicated to the father of the nation, the Anglican cathedral, and the Catholic cathedral.
- Wineries and vineyards. Some wineries on the outskirts offer tours and tastings by reservation. It’s the most unusual experience the city has to offer an Italian visitor.
- The Kondoa Rock Paintings. They are located about 160–180 km north, in the direction of Arusha. There are over 150 rock shelters painted over the course of millennia by hunter-gatherers and later by pastoralist populations. They have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006. They are the best reason to stop in the area, provided you set aside a full day to explore them with a guide.
How to Get to Dodoma
Dodoma is located in central Tanzania, so it’s far from all the major tourist destinations: over 400 km from both Dar es Salaam and Arusha. Until a few years ago, it was precisely this distance that kept it off most itineraries, but the situation has changed.
| Vehicle | From where | Estimated travel times | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| SGR Electric Train | Dar es Salaam, via Morogoro | About 3.5–4 hours | In service starting in the summer of 2024. This is the most convenient option; tickets can be purchased online on the railway company’s (TRC) website |
| Airplane | Dar es Salaam and other cities | About 1 hour | Domestic flights to the city airport. The new international airport in Msalato is expected to begin operations shortly |
| Buses | Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Iringa | 6–9 hours | Frequent and affordable connections, but long trips |
| Car with driver | Arusha, Iringa | 6–7 hours from Arusha, about 4 from Iringa | It’s worth stopping in Kondoa along the way north |
The train passes through the Morogoro region, at the foot of the Uluguru Mountains. If you have time, it’s worth stopping there: we discuss this in our article on what to see in Morogoro. In the city, you can get around by taxi, bajaji (tuk-tuk), or dala dala—shared minibuses—all at very low prices.
Climate of Dodoma
Dodoma has a climate that differs from both the coast and the northern safari regions. It is semi-arid, with a single rainy season—from December through April—and just over 550 mm of rainfall per year.
- June through August: These are the coolest months. The days are sunny and breezy, with lows around 14–16 °C.
- October and November: These are the hottest months, with highs exceeding 30 °C.
The most comfortable time to visit is from June through October, the same as for safaris in the southern parks. For an overview of the entire country, region by region, check out our guide on when to visit Tanzania.
Dodoma on a trip to Tanzania
For those visiting Tanzania for a classic safari in the north or to enjoy the beach in Zanzibar, Dodoma is off the beaten path. It makes sense to include it in two cases:
- Long trips between the north and south. Those traveling from Arusha to Iringa and Ruaha National Park can break up the journey in Dodoma with a stop to see the Kondoa rock paintings.
- Curious travelers. For those who have already seen the most famous parks, Dodoma offers a glimpse of Tanzania at work and in government, far from the tourist trails. You can combine a train ride from Dar es Salaam, a wine tasting at a winery, and watching the sunset from Lion Rock.
Before you go, it’s helpful to learn a bit more about the country: its borders, regions, and major lakes are described in our article on where Tanzania is located.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Capital of Tanzania
What is the capital of Tanzania?
The capital of Tanzania is Dodoma, which was designated in 1973 and has been the seat of Parliament since 1996. Dar es Salaam, located on the coast, is the largest city and the main economic center, but it is no longer the capital.
Why do so many people think that Dar es Salaam is the capital?
Dar es Salaam was the capital until the 1970s, and the relocation of government ministries to Dodoma was not completed until 2019. Even today, Dar es Salaam is home to the main port, the main international airport, and most of the embassies.
Where is Dodoma located?
Dodoma is located in central Tanzania, on a plateau at an elevation of about 1,120 meters. It is more than 400 km from both Dar es Salaam and Arusha.
How do you get to Dodoma from Dar es Salaam?
The most convenient way is by the SGR electric train, which connects the two cities in about 3.5–4 hours via Morogoro. Alternatively, there are domestic flights that take about an hour or buses that take 6–8 hours.
What to see in Dodoma?
In the city, you can see the Gaddafi Mosque, the Parliament Building, Lion Rock, and the surrounding wineries. About 160–180 km north are the Kondoa rock paintings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is it worth visiting Dodoma during a safari?
For a classic safari in the north, it’s usually not, as the city is off the beaten path. It makes sense for trips connecting the north with Ruaha and the south of the country, or for those who want to see a side of Tanzania away from the tourist circuit.
Want to include Kondoa or Ruaha in your trip, or even just find out if Dodoma is a good fit? That’s the kind of question we prefer. Send us a message with your available days: our team in Arusha will give you a candid answer about what’s worthwhile and what’s not. If you’re looking for a starting point, browse our Tanzania itineraries .
