Visiting the Askari Monument in Dar es Salaam

The Askari Monument stands at the high-traffic intersection of Samora Avenue and Maktaba Street in the city center of Dar es Salaam, marking the exact geographical heart of the urban district since its unveiling in 1927. This bronze figure serves as a memorial to the African soldiers and porters—known as Askaris and the Carrier Corps—who served during the First World War under British command. While many passersby see only a statue, the site holds deep historical weight as it commemorates the contributions of over one million men who provided the logistics and manpower for the East African campaign between 1914 and 1918.

Historical Origins and the Bronze Soldier

Before this specific bronze figure occupied the roundabout, the site belonged to a different empire. In 1911, German authorities had erected a statue of Major Hermann von Wissmann, a governor of German East Africa, to celebrate their colonial presence. When British forces entered Dar es Salaam on September 3, 1916, they eventually dismantled the German monument along with other symbols of the previous administration. The current statue was later commissioned to replace that colonial marker with a tribute to the African troops who had shifted the balance of the conflict.

The Sculptor and British Casting

The bronze soldier was designed by the British sculptor James Alexander Stevenson, who often signed his work with the pseudonym Myrander. Before arriving on the shores of Tanzania, the statue was actually exhibited at the Royal Academy in London where it earned critical praise for its detail and realistic portrayal of a colonial soldier. The figure was cast by the Morris Bronze Founders in Westminster, ensuring a level of craftsmanship that has allowed the metal to withstand the high humidity and salty air of the coastal environment for nearly a century.

Symbolism of the Soldier's Stance

The soldier is depicted in a marching pose, dressed in a full early 20th-century British military uniform including a pith helmet and ammunition belt. He holds a rifle with a bayonet that points directly toward the Dar es Salaam harbor—a deliberate orientation chosen to mark the direction from which the British troops originally entered the city. Many locals believe that touching the left boot of the statue brings good luck, which explains why that specific part of the bronze appears more polished and gleams under the equatorial sun compared to the darker patina of the rest of the figure.

Design Details and the Kipling Inscription

The stone pedestal beneath the soldier contains several plaques that provide context for the memorial. On the wider sides of the base, pictorial plaques show reliefs of African soldiers in combat and members of the Carrier Corps transporting supplies through difficult terrain. These visual records are essential because they acknowledge the labor of the porters who were described as the feet and hands of the army during the war in East Africa.

Reading the Pedestal Plaques

One of the most notable features of the monument is the inscription written in English and Swahili. The text was composed by the famous author Rudyard Kipling, who served as the literary advisor to the Imperial War Graves Commission. The Swahili version is particularly interesting for linguistics enthusiasts because it is presented in both the Latin alphabet and Arabic script, reflecting the diverse cultural and religious history of the coastal Swahili people at the time the monument was built. The English plaque reads: If you fight for your country, even if you die, your sons will remember your name.

Connection to Other Memorials

This specific statue is not a unique piece but rather one part of a triad of memorials commissioned for British East Africa. Two other similar monuments were erected in Nairobi and Mombasa during the same period in 1927. While each has slight variations to suit its specific urban setting, they all share the core purpose of recognizing the King's African Rifles and the native troops. Travelers who have visited the Kenyan capital might recognize the artistic style, though the Dar es Salaam version is arguably the most prominent due to its central position in the city's main traffic circle.

Practical Tips for Visitors

Visiting the Askari Monument is free and takes about fifteen to twenty minutes, but the logistics of reaching the center of the roundabout require caution. The intersection is one of the most active in Dar es Salaam, with a constant flow of cars, motorcycles, and daladalas—the local minibuses—swirling around the statue. Most experienced guides suggest staying on the sidewalk of Samora Avenue to take photos rather than trying to cross into the center of the circle, as the traffic rules are often ignored by local drivers during peak hours.

Best Times for Photography and Safety

For the best photographic results, aim to arrive between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM. During this early window, the morning light illuminates the soldier's face and the ammunition belt without the harsh shadows caused by the midday sun. Additionally, the traffic volume is significantly lower on Sunday mornings, making it the only time you can safely spend a few minutes reading the plaques without feeling the pressure of the surrounding vehicles. During the hottest months of January and February, be careful when touching the stone or metal as the equatorial heat can make the surfaces surprisingly painful to the touch.

Exploring the Surrounding Landmarks

The monument serves as an excellent starting point for a walking tour of the colonial district. Walking two minutes north will bring you to the century-old Clock Tower, which was built to commemorate the city's elevation to municipality status. Ten minutes to the southeast lies the National Museum and House of Culture, where you can see historical photographs of the Askari Monument from 1961 when the city celebrated independence. If you need a break from the heat, several bank buildings near the junction have shaded overhangs, and street vendors nearby often sell roasted cassava or cold water for a few hundred Tanzanian shillings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an admission fee to see the Askari Monument?

There is no fee to visit the monument as it is a public landmark located in the middle of a street intersection. You can view it at any time of day or night, though daylight is required to read the inscriptions on the pedestal.

Who designed the Askari Monument in Dar es Salaam?

The bronze statue was created by British sculptor James Alexander Stevenson, who signed the piece with the name Myrander. It was cast in London in 1924 and eventually unveiled at its current location in 1927.

Where exactly is the monument located within the city?

It sits at the junction of Samora Avenue and Maktaba Street in the Kivukoni Ward. This spot is widely considered to be the exact center of downtown Dar es Salaam.

What does the inscription on the Askari Monument say?

The pedestal features a tribute written by Rudyard Kipling that honors the soldiers and porters of the Great War. The text specifically mentions that the sons of those who died for their country will remember their names.

Why does the soldier point his bayonet toward the harbor?

The orientation commemorates the arrival of British forces in Dar es Salaam in 1916. By pointing the rifle toward the water, the monument marks the physical direction from which the troops entered the city during the First World War.