Tanzania Dar es Salaam Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

The culture of Dar es Salaam is a rich blend of African, Arab, and European influences, reflecting its historical significance as a major port city. The local cuisine includes dishes like ugali and chipsi mayai, showcasing the diversity of flavors. Traditional music and dance, such as ngoma, are integral to local celebrations and cultural expressions. Festivals like the Sauti za Busara music festival highlight the vibrant artistic heritage of the region.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region's topography includes the coastal plains along the Indian Ocean, the Serengeti plains to the north, and the Mount Kilimanjaro to the northeast.

CLIMATE

Dar es Salaam experiences a tropical savanna climate with average temperatures ranging from 70°F (21°C) in winter to 88°F (31°C) in summer, and has two rainy seasons, from March to May and October to December.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken in the area are Swahili and English.

RELIGIONS

The three largest religious denominations in the area are Christianity, Islam, and Traditional African religions.

INDUSTRIES

Agriculture: The agricultural industry, with major employers like Tanzania Plantations, is known for its production of coffee, tea, and sisal.

Mining: The mining sector, led by companies like Acacia Mining, contributes significantly to the economy with gold and gemstone production.

Manufacturing: The manufacturing industry, with key players like MOFA, excels in producing consumer goods and construction materials.

LOCAL EVENTS

The largest local celebrations include the Saba Saba Day, the Nane Nane Day, and the Swahili Fashion Week.

TOURISM

The most common tourist attractions are Serengeti National Park, Zanzibar Island, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

RECREATION

Favored recreational activities include visiting the Mikumi National Park and the Selous Game Reserve.

MISSION HISTORY

Two families from the United States and Canada living in Dar-es-Salaam began holding meetings in 1991. Tanzania was included in the newly formed Kenya Nairobi Mission, which was created in July 1991, and in 1992 the Church was legally recognized in Tanzania.

In February 1992 the first missionary couple arrived, and in December of that year a branch (a small congregation) was created in Dar-es-Salaam. Today there are three branches there. Members from Tanzania traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, in February 1998 to hear President Gordon B. Hinckley speak.

In March 2002 members of the Church in Tanzania made a 68-hour bus trip to the Johannesburg South Africa Temple, a trip that had been in the planning stages since July 2001.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!