Sombre Easter holidays at Dar es Salaam’s beaches
Friday April 02 2021
Mikadi Beach. The South Beach Zone is counted to be an upcoming attractive site for beach holidaymakers from all corners of the world. PHOTO | APOLINARI TAIRO
It is a grim Easter as the people mourn the death of President Magufuli, an ardent Christian and a never-miss Catholic Church attendant or participant.
Christians and non-Christians alike are thus celebrating Easter silently in honour of the immediate former president who passed away during Lent.
This follows an order by Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Aboubakar Kunenge that people shun all festivity during the official 21-day mourning period which ends on April 7.
Still, holidaymakers can enjoy the holiday in a serene environment with relaxation and excitement for family, friends and workmates.
Beach hotels offer recreational facilities away from the gloom. Southern Beaches on the Indian Ocean coast are rated as the “New Tourist Corridor”.
Kigamboni suburb in the area is now an upcoming tourist and luxury satellite city in Dar es Salaam.
Known as the “South Beach Zone,” Kigamboni hosts a number of high-class tourist accommodation and recreational facilities on its long beach stretch south of the Dar es Salaam CBD.
Sand and watersports
There is a wide variety to choose from for the ideal Easter getaway.
Mkadi Beach Lodge is three kilometres from Kivukoni Fish Market, and an ideal place for both day recreation and night stays.
At Mikadi there is snorkelling, swimming in warm, shining waters of the Indian Ocean, basking on the soft sands and other water sports.
An outdoor swimming pool and outdoor barbecue service are also available.
Visitors can cycle from the lodge through Mji Mwema’s streets covered with green trees with picturesque view of the ocean.
Cultural and traditional dances are organised by a neighbouring orphanage where lodge guests can make donations to the children.
Kijiji Beach Hotel is located in Maweni in Kigamboni, seven kilometres from the Kivukoni Fish Market and 17 km from Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Kijiji operate a private beach area and water sports facilities, while guests can enjoy a meal at the restaurant or a drink at the bar, overlooking blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Island refuge
The hotel offers tourist recreational services and is popular for snorkelling, beach excursions, and specialised visits to attractive sites in Dar es salaam city, including the National Museum, Botanical Garden and Kariakoo market.
Barracuda Beach Resort is a small but attractive recreational facility and an ideal place to view the amazing Indian Ocean’s southern beaches. Barracuda is often packed with local guests from other parts of Dar es Salaam most weekends and holidays.
Barracuda has foods and drinks and for beach holidaymakers, the best view of the Indian Ocean’s blue waters, through swimming and water sports.
Day guests can enjoy their meals at the on-site restaurant, as well as cold drinks at the bar, overlooking the ocean. Rates include breakfast.
Sinda Island is located 10 km from Mji Mwema. It provides sun bathing, water sports, swimming in the ocean and picnics for holidaymakers. Sinda is a refuge to anyone wanting to spend their day outside the busy and noisy city of Dar es Salaam. Indeed, African Tourism Board chairman Cuthbert Ncube was spotted enjoying the warm ocean water on the island’s soft sands.
“This island is ideal for solo visitors, family groups and school children to refresh after terminal and annual examinations,” Mr Ncube told The EastAfrican.