The Askari Monument is a bronze statue standing at the junction of Samora Avenue and Azikiwe Street in the centre of Dar es Salaam, near the former colonial commercial district and the Kivukoni waterfront. It was erected by the British colonial administration of Tanganyika Territory and unveiled in 1927 to honour the African troops and porters who served in the First World War campaign in East Africa between 1914 and 1918. The word askari is Swahili for soldier, and the figure represents a soldier of the King's African Rifles, shown in uniform with a rifle and fixed bayonet raised and pointing forward. It is the work of the British sculptor James Alexander Stevenson, who produced similar askari monuments elsewhere in East Africa. The statue stands on a stone plinth at the centre of a small traffic island, and plaques on the base carry inscriptions in English and Swahili, and relief panels depicting the carriers who moved supplies across difficult terrain. Historically, the East African campaign was fought between British Empire forces and the German Schutztruppe commanded by Paul von Lettow-Vorbeck, and it caused enormous loss of life among African soldiers and the hundreds of thousands of carriers drawn into service. The monument is therefore an outdoor memorial rather than a museum object, and there is no formal curation or interpretation beyond the inscriptions. Its architectural character is that of an inter-war commemorative sculpture, with a heroic, forward-looking figure on a simple base. After independence in 1961 the statue was kept in place, and the area around it has been regularly maintained as a roundabout and landmark. The bronze and plinth are in generally sound condition, though traffic fumes and the tropical climate leave surface staining. The monument is a short walk from the National Museum, the Old Boma, and the cathedral, so it commonly forms part of a walking itinerary through the historic core. Visitors should take care when crossing the busy roads around the roundabout and take photographs from the pavement.
| Admission | Free |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open 24 hours |
| Address | Samora Avenue and Azikiwe Street, Dar es Salaam |
Why it matters
The monument commemorates the African soldiers and carriers who served in the East African campaign of the First World War, a campaign in which African casualties far outnumbered European ones. It remains one of Dar es Salaam's best-known landmarks and a rare colonial memorial to African service.
Location
Samora Avenue and Azikiwe Street, Dar es Salaam
-6.8167, 39.2884 View on map
Highlights
- Bronze askari soldier with raised bayonet, sculpted by James Alexander Stevenson
- English and Swahili inscriptions commemorating African troops and carriers of the First World War
- Located on a central roundabout, a recognised landmark of the city centre
- Short walk from the National Museum and the Kivukoni historic quarter
Tips for visiting
- Take photographs from the pavement, as the junction carries heavy traffic and has no designated crossing on every side.
- Visit early in the morning for quieter streets and softer light.
- Read the base inscriptions to understand the memorial's dedication to carriers as well as soldiers.
- Combine with the National Museum, Old Boma and St. Joseph's Cathedral in a single walking route.
- Keep valuables out of sight when standing at street level, as in any busy city centre.
When to visit
Early morning offers lighter traffic and cooler air. Late afternoon light is good for photography, though the junction is busier.
Accessibility
The monument is viewable from the street at pavement level with no steps required. Crossing the surrounding roads can be difficult for visitors with limited mobility.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Askari Monument English-language friendly?
Yes, the inscriptions on the plinth are in English and Swahili, so no guide is needed to read the dedication.
How long does a visit take?
A visit takes about 10 to 15 minutes, since it is a single outdoor monument. It is usually part of a longer city centre walk.
Can the monument be visited with kids?
Yes, there is no entry fee or restricted access. Adults should supervise children closely because the monument sits on a traffic island.