Dodoma
Visited
At a glance
- Country
- Tanzania
- Region
- Dodoma
- Population
- 765,000
- Best time to go
- May to October
- Main airport
- Dodoma (DOD)
- Coordinates
- 6.16°S, 35.75°E
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Overview
Dodoma, in the dry heart of Tanzania, was chosen as the official capital in the 1970s for its central location, and government has gradually moved here from Dar es Salaam. It is a calm, orderly city of wide roads and new ministries.
Few travellers come for the sights, but it is a pleasant stop between the coast and the northern parks, and the surrounding plains hide Tanzania's wine country and some of Africa's finest ancient rock art.
Things to see
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Photo: Hamisi Kigwangalla, CC BY 2.0 Parliament of Tanzania
The modern Bunge building, where the National Assembly sits, is the city's political centrepiece.
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Lion Rock
A granite outcrop on the edge of town, worth the scramble for wide views over the city at sunset.
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Photo: Mangapwani, CC BY-SA 4.0 Gaddafi Mosque
One of the largest mosques in East Africa, with tall minarets and a large white prayer hall.
Things to do
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Taste Dodoma wine
The region is Tanzania's main grape-growing area, and a few local wineries welcome visitors.
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Photo: D. Tamino Boehm, assent by email 9+10 June 2014, for license, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to the Kondoa rock paintings
Ancient paintings of people and animals in rock shelters along the escarpment north of the city.
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Photo: Johnragla, CC BY-SA 4.0 Ride the new railway
The electric standard-gauge railway links Dodoma with Dar es Salaam, a comfortable way to cross the country.
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Browse Majengo Market
The main market for fruit, vegetables, spices and fabric, and a good place to see daily life.
Where to stay
Town centre
Close to the market, restaurants and transport, with business hotels.
Hotels in Town centreNear the parliament
Quieter streets on the edge of town, with newer hotels used by visiting officials.
Hotels in Near the parliament
Getting around
The city is spread out, so use taxis, bajaj (tuk-tuks) or motorbike taxis; agree the fare first if there is no meter.
The airport is close to the centre, a few minutes by taxi. Trains and buses arrive from Dar es Salaam.
When to go
The long dry season from May to October brings warm days and cool nights. Rains fall mainly from December to April.
Plan your trip to Dodoma
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Flight and hotel dealslastminute.com
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld Nomads
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.
Over to you
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