Late in the 19th century, Sultan Sayyid Majid of Zanzibar set off the transformation of what was then a simple, nondescript fishing village, a “Haven of Peace” as he called it, into what, over two hundred years later, is now Tanzania’s most important administrative and commercial city- Dar es Salaam.

Despite its current size and population of over 3 million, Dar has managed to retain its laid-back and casual atmosphere, displaying its charm through its relaxed fusion of African and Oriental cultures.

Narrow winding streets and low, shuttered buildings dating back to the Arab period give way to colourful and lively traditional African roadside markets offering spices, tropical fruits and handicrafts; skyscrapers stand side by side with the ``Hall of Man``- a museum housing several of the first finds from the Olduvai Gorge, including the skull of Australopithecus Boisei and other archaeologically important fossils such as displays of the centuries-old Shirazi civilisation of Kilwa. Modern Tanzanian art, especially Tingatinga paintings, can be obtained at several of the open-air markets.