Ikulu, Presidential residence in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Ikulu is the official residence of the president of Tanzania, a white-walled building with a central square tower and crenellated rooflines. Its facade has a ground-floor arcade of pointed arches and an upper row of recessed arched windows with dark balconies. A large arched entrance sits at the centre below a coat of arms, and the west doors are brass-studded, flanked by two giant drums. It stands in over 33 acres of grounds overlooking the Indian Ocean to the east and Dar es Salaam to the west.

The site was founded by Majid bin Said of Zanzibar in 1865. A German fort was built there in 1891 and served as the governor's stronghold until it was damaged in World War I. Under British rule the building was renamed Government House and rebuilt in 1922.

The name Ikulu comes from Kinyamwezi. State gifts are displayed inside: an Ethiopian shield with crossed spears from Emperor Haile Selassie, and a representation of the Republic of Tanganyika's coat of arms given by India's government in 1961, which hangs behind the President's seat in the Council Chamber.

The grounds extend across spacious terrain with clear sightlines to the Indian Ocean and the surrounding city. Public access is limited since this is an active government residence and restricted site.

The two male lions added in 2001 stand not at the brass-studded west doors but at one of the entrances beyond the car gates, facing guests as they arrive. The west doors themselves carry a replica of the Republic's Coat of Arms and are flanked by two giant drums.