Cheap flights to Dar Es Salaam from £280

Destination overview

Dar es Salaam is often a stop-off point for people on international flights who are on their way to a safari holiday. However, if you book a flight to Dar es Salaam, 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. Travellers 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.

Getting around Dar Es Salaam

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 travelling.

Caution should be exercised, especially in busy areas such as Kariakoo Market, against pickpockets and bag snatchers, as 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.

How to get from the airport to the city

Travellers can take a flight to Dar es Salaam by flying to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), located about 7 miles (12 km) from the city centre. When hotel pick-ups are available, they may be the best way to get into the city. Otherwise, there are taxis, where the price should be negotiated beforehand, or city buses – bus stops can be found a five minute walk from the airport.

Dar Es Salaam airport overview

Dar es Salaam International Airport 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of travellers have reported that it is chaotic and disorganised, and the facilities on offer are very basic and often out of date.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 under development.