Dodoma - The Capital City

It is the epicenter of Tanzania's burgeoning wine industry, with the Tanganyika Vineyards Company actively advertising its offerings.Dodoma served as a stopover on the overland trade route that ran from the Swahili Coast to Lake Tanganyika in the past.

Early in the twentieth century, the city became a key stop on the Central Line railway, which transported agricultural commodities to Dar es Salaam's port. The town's economic basis has deteriorated in recent years in favor of the coastal metropolis, but there was a common political push in the early days of Tanzanian independence to shift the entire administration to the town in the southern highlands. The government legislature now meets in Dodoma, dividing its time between the interior city and the coastal city of Dar es Salaam.

Tanzanian Parliament Buildings (Bunge). Tanzania's parliament is housed in a spherical edifice with African influences. It's only open to visitors during sessions (bring your passport), but it's certainly worth a look from the outside during other times. Please keep in mind that photography is completely illegal.

Mosque of Gaddhaffi, The pink Gaddhaffi Mosque, which is located north of the city center and was funded by the deposed Libyan ruler and opened in 2010, is one of East Africa's largest mosques. It has a capacity of 4500 worshippers.

Mosque of Jamatkhana (Ismailis). The Anglican Church is across the street from this mosque. It has a distinctly British neoclassical style and was erected in 1954 specifically for Dodoma's Indian community.

Anglican Church, The domed Anglican church in the town center appears like something out of the Mideast, in an unusual juxtaposition of designs.

Cathedral of the Catholic Church, The massive Catholic Cathedral, located west of the city center, includes Roman-style mosaics depicting some saints, especially the Ugandan Martyrs.

Cathedral of the Lutherans The Lutheran Cathedral, located next to the Jamatkhana (Ismaili) Mosque, is Dodoma's best demonstration of modernist architecture.

Nyerere Square is located in the middle of Dodoma's CBD. Nyerere Square was named after Mwl. Julius K. Nyerere, the Republic of Tanzania's first president, and it holds a lot of historical significance. It's worth making a pit stop and spending your lunch break there taking a few pictures.

They're carved into the side of a hill and stare out over the steppe. Within Dodoma Region, they are about nine kilometres east of the main route (T5) connecting Dodoma to Babati, and about twenty kilometers north of Kondoa town. Other drawings found in the caves stretch back more than 50,000 years, according to the Tanzania Antiquities Department (TAD). There are now uncertain figures for the precise number of rock art sites in the Kondoa area, but estimations are between 150 and 450 of the decorated rock houses.

Lion Rock (also known as Simba Hill or Mlimwa in Swahili) is a steep climb up a hill, but once at the top, the place provides an unrivalled aerial perspective of Dodoma from the northeast side of the region. Lion Rock is one of the few landmarks in Dodoma that you must not miss during your visit. Hike the steep trail for a stunning view of the entire city of Dodoma. On weekends, the Lion Rock Dodoma is a popular hangout for groups of friends and families.