Museums in Tanzania

The National Museum and House of Culture in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, opened in 1934 and is the country's largest museum. It highlights history through art, human evolution, rock art, and more, including outdoor displays and vintage cars, such as President Julius Nyerere's Rolls Royce, preserving Tanzania's cultural heritage

Address: 5 Shaaban Robert St, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Adults - $6, Child - $3

The Village Museum in Dar es Salaam, established in 1967, is a living showcase of traditional Tanzanian life. With around 20 huts representing different tribes and regions, it offers a glimpse into traditional architecture, crafts, and tribal dancing. Particularly popular with kids, visitors can enter each house for an interactive experience of how people lived in the past.

Address: 66FW+WG8, Dar es Salaam
Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Citizens/Residents - $1.50, Child - $5

The Arusha Declaration Museum, part of the National Museum of Tanzania since 1977, explores the country's political history, including President Julius Nyerere's 1967 declaration. The museum also features a small photo exhibit on Maasai culture, offering a glimpse into Tanzania's rich heritage.

Address: Arusha Declaration Museum, Arusha
Timings: 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: $5
Parking: Yes
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
Facilities: Restrooms and restaurant

The Olduvai Gorge Museum, near East Africa's famous archaeological site, is nicknamed the "Cradle of Mankind." It educates visitors about the area's archaeological discoveries, featuring interactive exhibits on human evolution, replicas of important finds, and displays of historical artifacts and excavation processes. It's a fascinating glimpse into early human history.

Address: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Timings: Weekdays - 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM, Weekends - 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM
Entry Fee: Adults - $35.40, Child - $11.80

The Princess Salme Museum in Stone Town, Zanzibar, is a small two-room museum that focuses on the life of Princess Salme, the Sultan of Oman's daughter. Guided tours by Mr Said Al Gheity, the curator, showcase her clothes, photos, and memories. The museum offers a glimpse into Princess Salme's fascinating story and the culture of Zanzibar during her time.

Timings: 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Entry Fee: $5 (by self) | $10 (guided tour)
Landmark: Next to the Hotel Emerson on Hurumzi Street
Time Required: 1-2 hours

The Tanzanite Experience in Arusha is a museum that teaches about Tanzanite, a rare blue gem found only in Tanzania. It's 1,000 times rarer than diamonds, delicate (ranking 6 to 7 on the Mohs scale), and prone to breaking when struck. The museum explains its mining process, making it an interesting visit for gemstone enthusiasts.

Address: Blue Plaza, India St, Arusha
Timings: Monday to Saturday - 08:30 AM to 05:30 PM, Sunday - 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Entry Fee: Adults - $10, Child - $5
Facilities: Restroom available

The Old Fort of Zanzibar is one of the oldest buildings in Stone Town in Zanzibar. The historical fort's courtyard now hosts curio shops selling tinga-tinga paintings, an open-air amphitheatre for dance and music shows, a restaurant, and a tourist information desk. It is a key venue for events like the Festival of the Dhow Countries, Sauti za Busara, and Zanzibar International Film Festivals.

Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Time Required: 1-2 hours

Located in Shangani, Stone Town, Zanzibar, the Freddie Mercury Museum is the world's first dedicated to the iconic Freddie Mercury. The museum shows stuff like memorabilia, photos, and personal items from the musician's life and career. Situated in the historical Zanzibar Gallery, once his home, the museum is a must-visit for Queen fans.

Timings : 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee : $10 per person
Time Required : 1-2 hours

Established in 1987, the Arusha National Natural History Museum in a historic German compound is Tanzania's main place for natural history. It has three parts on human evolution, Tanzanian palaeontology, and Arusha's natural history, with exhibits on insects, colonial history, wildlife, and human evolution. It's an engaging and educational experience with interactive displays.

Address: JMJW+5CW, Arusha
Timings: 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: $6 per person
Wheelchair Accessible: Yes
Parking: Yes

Established on July 2, 1999, the Mwalimu Nyerere Museum in Tanzania honours the country's first president. It's in the village where he was born and buried, showcasing his items and allowing visitors to explore his house and grave. The museum also has a library for those wanting to learn more about his significant legacy.

Address: 6XP6+X3C, Butiama, Tanzania
Timings: 08:00 AM to 05:00 PM
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
Parking: Available
Facilities: Restrooms and restaurant available

The People's Palace Museum (originally called the Sultan's Palace), or Beit al-Sahel, is found on Mizingani Road in Stone Town, Zanzibar. Originally the Sultan's official residence in the 19th century, this three-story building is now a museum showcasing the history and culture of the Zanzibar Sultanate. Inside, you'll discover furniture, photographs, and personal items from the royal family.

Timings : Monday to Friday - 09:00 AM to 06:00 PM | Saturday, Sunday, and holidays – 09:00 AM to 03:00 PM
Entry Fee : $3 per person
Guide Fee : $5
Time Required : 1-2 hours
Best Time to Visit : 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Iringa Boma, a museum in Tanzania's Southern Highlands, was once a German military hospital and now showcases the area's history, including Iringa's start as a German military base in 1896. Visitors can also learn about the contributions of African Askari troops and their families.

Address: 6M9X+V8W, Iringa, Tanzania
Timings: 09:30 AM to 06:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Wheelchair Accessibility: Yes
Parking: Available
Facilities: Restaurant, gift shop, and restroom.