Cheap flights to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Dar es Salaam is often seen as a necessary stop-off on the way to a safari holiday. However, there are some interesting attractions in the city itself, including the National Museum, the Makumbusho Village Museum, Mawazo contemporary art gallery and the Askari Monument. Dhow cruises to the island marine reserve of Bongoyo are deservedly popular. Travelers seeking an authentic taste of city life may want to check out the busy fish market, Kivukoni Front and Kariakoo Market. Oyster Bay, meanwhile, is an upmarket enclave of glamorous mansions and the location of Coco Beach, a good spot for a swim, drink or lunch.

Best Time to Fly to Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Due to its proximity to the equator, the climate of Dar es Salaam is tropical with hot and humid weather all year round. The most popular time to visit is outside the rainy seasons which last from April to May and October to November. Months from December to March tend to be the hottest times.

Getting around Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

The public transport system in Dar es Salaam is limited. Dalla-dallas are small minivans with specific routes. They’re cheap and fairly easy to use, but a little geographical knowledge of the city helps. Taxis are privately owned (there are no official taxis) and prices should always be agreed before traveling.

Caution should be exercised, especially in busy areas such as Kariakoo Market, against pickpockets and bag snatchers. Muggings are not an infrequent occurrence in the city. Visitors should always keep money and valuables secure and out of sight, avoiding quiet areas and walking alone at night.

Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania airport overview

Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR) is also known as Julius Nyerere International Airport after Tanzania’s first president, and serves Tanzania’s largest city and capital Dar es Salaam.

While the airport is relatively small, a lot of travelers have reported that it is chaotic and disorganized, and the facilities on offer are very basic and often out of date. One complaint in particular is the lack of signage – it is difficult to know which gate you are meant to be at.

Standing in long lines at this airport should not come as a surprise, so make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the airport – Dar es Salaam is very hot, and the airport’s air-conditioning seldom works.

If you are flying into Dar es Salaam International, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to find your way around (and to get to the airport, as traffic in the area is also notoriously bad) – and try to avoid long layovers there, if possible.

A new terminal and taxiway are apparently under development.

What airport do you fly into for flights to Dar Es Salaam?

Booking a flight to Dar Es Salaam (DAR) is your only option if you intend on flying to Dar Es Salaam. It is only a 6.5 mi journey from Dar Es Salaam to Dar Es Salaam’s city center.