Dodoma is the capital city of Tanzania, located in the central part of the country. It lies on a plateau at an elevation of around 1,100 meters and serves as a key administrative and political centre.
Historically, Dodoma was a modest market town inhabited mostly by the Gogo people, one of the many ethnic groups in Tanzania. It gained strategic importance in the early 20th century during German colonial rule when it was connected to the Central Railway line, linking it to Dar es Salaam and the country’s interior. After the First World War, when the British took over the territory under a League of Nations mandate, Dodoma continued to develop slowly.
The major turning point in Dodoma’s history came in 1973, when the Tanzanian government announced plans to move the capital from the coastal city of Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. This decision was made to encourage more balanced regional development and to position the capital more centrally within the country. The idea was inspired by a desire for national unity and better accessibility, similar to the motivations behind other planned capital relocations around the world.
Although the capital was officially designated as Dodoma, the actual relocation process took decades, with many government functions remaining in Dar es Salaam for years. Over time, infrastructure in Dodoma improved, and by the 2010s, a more concerted effort was made to complete the move. Today, Dodoma is home to Tanzania’s Parliament and many government ministries.
Culturally, Dodoma reflects the traditions and lifestyle of central Tanzania, particularly those of the Gogo people, who are known for their pastoralist heritage, music, and oral storytelling. The city’s identity is shaped by rural values and a strong sense of community, in contrast to the more cosmopolitan and commercial culture of Dar es Salaam. Traditional foods, dances, and festivals rooted in agricultural cycles and social rites are still important in daily life.
How to get there?
By Road
Dodoma is well connected by highway to major cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Mwanza. From Dar es Salaam, it’s about a 7-9 hour drive depending on traffic and road conditions. Long-distance buses operate daily between Dodoma and other urban centres, making road travel one of the most common ways to get there.
By Rail
Tanzania’s central railway line passes through Dodoma. The standard gauge railway (SGR) is a comfortable and very fast way of travelling (3-4 hours). Traditional trains still operate, but they can be slower and less predictable in terms of schedule.
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By Air
Dodoma has a regional airport that serves domestic flights. You can catch flights from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or other regional cities, typically with small carriers.
By Private Vehicle
Travelling by private car gives more flexibility. The roads leading to Dodoma have improved in recent years, especially the main arterial highways.
The best time to visit
The best time to travel to Dodoma is during the dry season, which generally runs from June to October. During these months, the weather is sunny, relatively cool, and stable, so ideal for road travel, sightseeing, and outdoor activities.
Dodoma has a semi-arid climate, so even in the dry season, it’s not as humid as coastal regions like Dar es Salaam. Temperatures are warm during the day but can be cooler in the evenings, especially in July and August.
The wet season, from November to around April, can bring heavy but short-lived rains, which may affect road conditions, especially in rural areas. However, the rains are usually not constant throughout the day, and some travellers prefer this period for the green scenery and fewer crowds.
Where to stay?
I stayed in the Kitemba Hotel, where I arrived and checked in without a reservation. The room was spacious and with AC. Slightly overpriced at 50.000 TZS per night, but prices are higher in Dodoma in general. It is perfectly located in the city centre.
My experience
I arrived by train from Morogoro and took a tuk-tuk to the hotel. After dropping my backpack, I started sightseeing by heading to the Gadaffi Mosque. It is one of the largest mosques in Tanzania, and its name is related to the fact that it was funded by Libya during Muammar Gaddafi’s rule.
Next, I took a tuk-tuk to Bunge (Parliament House). This is the centrepiece of Dodoma’s political life, where the National Assembly meets. It’s a prominent structure and symbol of Tanzanian democracy. Unfortunately, sightseeing inside is rarely possible, so I just walked around and saw the buildings from the street.
Back in the city centre, I explored the temples located near the Dodoma Roundabout: the Anglican Cathedral, the Lutheran Cathedral, and the Ismaili Mosque. They all reflect the city’s religious diversity alongside churches and mosques of various denominations.
A bit further away, following Amani Road, is the Dodoma Cathedral (St. Paul of the Cross). The principal Roman Catholic cathedral serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Dodoma. Established in 1937, it has been central to the region’s Catholic community and was elevated to archdiocesan status in 2014.
From there, I walked to see the old train station, which is worth a quick look.
To the north of the Dodoma Roundabout, you can find Nyerere Square. Named after Julius Nyerere, Tanzania’s founding president, this public square serves as a commemorative space and a gathering spot for events and parades.
Soko Kuu is the main market in Dodoma where you can find a variety of products: meat, vegetables, fruits, spices and many more. It’s a bustling space, so even if you don’t plan to buy anything, allow yourself to get lost in narrow alleys and look around.
