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Askari Monument
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Historical site
The Askari Monument is one of Dar es Salaam's most iconic landmarks, located in the heart of the city at the intersection of Samora Avenue and Maktaba Street. The bronze statue was unveiled in 1927 to commemorate the Askari soldiers who fought in World War I as part of the Carrier Corps for the British military in East Africa. The monument depicts an African soldier in uniform holding a bayonet rifle, with his gaze fixed toward the harbor. It was designed by the British sculptor James Alexander Stevenson. The inscriptions on the pedestal are written in English and Swahili (using both Arabic and Latin scripts), honoring the bravery and sacrifice of the African troops. The monument stands on the site where a statue of Major Hermann von Wissmann, a German colonial administrator, previously stood. Today, it remains a central landmark and a significant historical reminder of Tanzania's colonial military history.
- Location: Tanzania
- Nearby: Dar es Salaam (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 |
| Rain mm | 90 | 80 | 155 | 258 | 151 | 24 | 12 | 14 | 24 | 68 | 128 | 127 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
As a prominent public statue, the monument can be freely viewed entirely from the outside at the center of a bustling traffic roundabout. There are no interior sections to visit, but pedestrian crossings allow you to approach the base closely for a more detailed inspection of the bronze cast.
Typical hours
Since it is situated in a public intersection, the monument is accessible 24 hours a day and never closes to the public. However, the most practical time for viewing and photography is during standard daylight hours when the surrounding city traffic is slightly less chaotic.
Photography
Taking pictures is freely allowed, and capturing the historic bronze soldier against the backdrop of modern downtown buildings provides a great contrast. Be extremely cautious of the heavy, continuous traffic when stepping into the street to frame the well-suited wide-angle shot.
Time needed
A visit here is quite brief; spending about ten to fifteen minutes is generally sufficient to admire the sculpture and read the inscribed plaques. It serves more as an interesting historical waypoint during a city walk rather than a full destination requiring significant time.
Combine with
Combine this quick stop with a visit to the nearby National Museum of Tanzania to dive deeper into the country's complex wartime history. The bustling harbor front and the beautiful botanical gardens are also within easy walking distance from this central roundabout.
Getting there
The monument stands at one of the main intersections in the heart of downtown Dar es Salaam, making it incredibly accessible by foot if you are already in the city center. Local taxis and public Dala-Dalas frequent this major traffic hub constantly throughout the day.
Insider tip
Take a moment to read the inscription on the base, which is elegantly presented in Swahili and English, highlighting the poignant history of the carrier corps. To avoid the intense fumes of rush hour traffic, try to swing by early on a quiet Sunday morning.
Geography
Facts
- The bronze monument was officially unveiled in 1927.
- It honors the soldiers and porters of the WWI Carrier Corps.
- British sculptor James Alexander Stevenson designed the statue.
- The commemorative plaque features text written by Rudyard Kipling.
- It replaced a 1911 statue of German Major Hermann von Wissmann.
- The inscriptions include Swahili written in both Arabic and Latin script.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Askari Monument (1)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the monument?
In downtown Dar es Salaam.
Who is it depicting?
An Askari soldier.
Is it a photo spot?
Yes, very popular.
Do I need time?
Just a short stop.
Does it cost anything?
No, it is public.
Askari Monument: where is it located?
Askari Monument is located in Tanzania.
Askari Monument: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Askari Monument: why is it worth visiting?
The Askari Monument is one of Dar es Salaam's most iconic landmarks, located in the heart of the city at the intersection of Samora Avenue and Maktaba Street.
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