Tanzania Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center

The Tanzania Buddhist Temple and Meditation Center is a religious site in central Dar es Salaam that combines traditional Buddhist architecture with spaces designed for meditation and study. The grounds include prayer halls, learning areas, and open spaces where visitors can observe or join in various practices.

This site was founded in 1915 by Sri Lankan settlers and stood as the first Buddhist temple built on the African continent. Its creation marked the beginning of organized Buddhist religious leadership in the East African region.

The space serves the local Buddhist community as a place to practice and share traditional teachings with the wider city. People gather here to meditate and participate in ceremonies that reflect their spiritual values.

The site is easily accessible and welcomes visitors during daylight hours, with open areas you can explore at your own pace. Dress respectfully when visiting and expect a calm, reflective experience in the meditation spaces.

A Bodhi tree seedling brought from Sri Lanka was planted in 1919 and has since grown into a large tree that produces seedlings distributed throughout Africa. This living connection underscores the deep bond between the temple and Sri Lankan Buddhism.