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Dodoma

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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

  • Parliament of Tanzania
    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.

  • Lion Rock

    A granite outcrop on the edge of town, worth the scramble for wide views over the city at sunset.

  • Gaddafi Mosque
    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

  • Taste Dodoma wine

    The region is Tanzania's main grape-growing area, and a few local wineries welcome visitors.

  • Day trip to the Kondoa rock paintings
    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.

  • Ride the new railway
    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.

  • Browse Majengo Market

    The main market for fruit, vegetables, spices and fabric, and a good place to see daily life.

Where to stay

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

Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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