Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The home of Tanzania's parliament is an African-influenced round building. It's only open
to visitors during sessions (bring your passport) but well worth a gander from the outside
at other times. Photography is strictly prohibited.
Lion Rock
HILL
The rocky hill overlooking Dodoma from the north makes a decent hike (about 45 minutes
to the top). There have been some muggings there in the past, but it's a popular spot on
weekends and busy enough that it should be OK; still, don't take any valuables and go in
a group just to be sure. Dalla-dallas (pick-up trucks or minibuses; Tsh300) from Jamatini
to Area D pass the base; tell the conductor you're going to Mlimwa. A prime minister's
residence was under construction on the hill, so access may be restricted in the future. The
enticing-looking hill west of town is definitely off-limits because of the nearby prison.
Museum of Geosciences
MUSEUM
(Kikuyu St; adult/child US$20/US$5; 8am-3.30pm Mon-Fri) Even at the old price of
Tsh500, this rather forlorn collection of rock samples and geological information wasn't a
big draw. If you're a fanatical rock hound, inquire at the Geological Survey of Tanzania
Laboratory behind the post office.
TANZANIA'S WINE INDUSTRY
Dodoma is the centre of Tanzania's tiny wine industry, originally started by
Italian missionaries in the early 20th century. Most of what is produced is for
church use, and the commercially available vintage won't win awards any time
soon, but you can sample it at Leone l'Africano, New Dodoma Hotel and the
three mini-markets listed under Eating. Fresh grapes are sold by street vendors
throughout the city.
It's possible to visit some of the wineries.
Tavico
(Tanganyika Vineyards
Company) is right in town, just southwest of Parliament. If the manager is
around he'll have someone show you the ageing facility. If you're willing to
make a day of it, you can visit the vineyards at the Italian-owned
Cetawico
(Central Tanzania Wine Company; 0786-799010;
www.cetawico.com
)
,
which bottled its first product in 2005 and is now one of Dodoma's most suc-
cessful vintners. It's 50km northeast of Dodoma at Hombolo.
