Flights to Dar es Salaam
Discover Tanzania's vibrant commercial capital on the shores of the Indian Ocean
About Flights to Dar es Salaam
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's largest city and former capital, serves as the country's economic powerhouse and gateway to East Africa. This bustling metropolis combines modern skyscrapers with traditional Swahili culture, creating a unique urban experience on the Indian Ocean coast.
From the historic Stone Town influences in the city centre to the pristine beaches of Msimbazi Peninsula, Dar es Salaam offers an authentic taste of Tanzanian life. The city's vibrant markets, including the famous Kariakoo Market, showcase local crafts, spices, and textiles that reflect the region's rich cultural heritage.
As your launching point for Tanzanian adventures, Dar es Salaam provides easy access to Zanzibar, the Serengeti, and Mount Kilimanjaro, whilst offering its own compelling attractions including world-class seafood restaurants and fascinating museums documenting Tanzania's independence struggle.
Airlines Flying to Dar es Salaam
Qatar Airways
1 stop · Daily via Doha
£549
return
Emirates
1 stop · Daily via Dubai
£589
return
Turkish Airlines
1 stop · Daily via Istanbul
£569
return
Ethiopian Airlines
1 stop · Daily via Addis Ababa
£529
return
KLM
1 stop · Daily via Amsterdam
£619
return
Swiss International
1 stop · 6 weekly via Zurich
£639
return
Top Attractions in Dar es Salaam
National Museum of Tanzania
cultureExplore Tanzania's rich history from prehistoric fossils to independence, featuring the famous Olduvai Gorge discoveries and cultural artefacts spanning centuries of East African civilisation.
Kivukoni Fish Market
cultureExperience the authentic hustle of Dar es Salaam's largest fish market, where local fishermen bring their daily catch from the Indian Ocean in a colourful display of maritime commerce.
Askari Monument
landmarkVisit this bronze memorial commemorating African soldiers who fought in World War I, standing proudly at the heart of the city centre as a symbol of Tanzanian history and sacrifice.
Coco Beach
beachRelax at Dar es Salaam's most popular urban beach, offering golden sands, local food vendors, and stunning sunset views over the Indian Ocean, perfect for evening strolls.
Kariakoo Market
shoppingNavigate through East Africa's largest market, a maze of stalls selling everything from colourful kangas and spices to handcrafted souvenirs in an authentic local shopping experience.
St. Joseph Cathedral
religiousAdmire this stunning Gothic Revival cathedral built by German missionaries in 1902, featuring beautiful stained glass windows and serving as an important landmark of Dar's colonial architecture.
Village Museum
cultureStep into authentic traditional huts representing Tanzania's 120+ ethnic groups, showcasing diverse architectural styles, cultural practices, and traditional crafts in an open-air setting.
Msimbazi Peninsula
natureEscape to this peaceful peninsula offering pristine beaches, seafood restaurants, and boat trips, providing a tranquil retreat from the city's bustling atmosphere.
Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam
The Kempinski Hotel Das es Salaam
Luxury waterfront hotel offering spectacular harbour views, world-class amenities, and proximity to the city's financial district and major attractions.
Hyatt Regency Dar es Salaam The Kilimanjaro
Iconic downtown hotel providing easy access to government offices, shopping centres, and cultural attractions with comprehensive business and leisure facilities.
Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam
Contemporary hotel in the heart of the business district, offering reliable comfort and convenient access to Dar es Salaam's commercial and shopping areas.
Golden Tulip Dar es Salaam
Beachfront hotel in the upmarket Oysterbay area, combining business facilities with leisure amenities and easy access to diplomatic quarters.
Protea Hotel by Marriott Dar es Salaam Courtyard
Comfortable hotel set in landscaped gardens, offering a peaceful retreat whilst maintaining proximity to beaches, restaurants, and business centres.
Sea Cliff Hotel
Dramatic clifftop hotel overlooking the Indian Ocean, perfect for leisure travellers seeking stunning views and beach access away from city centre bustle.
Local Tips for Dar es Salaam
- Use registered taxis or ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt rather than local daladalas for safer transport around the city centre.
- Carry small denomination Tanzanian shillings for local markets - many vendors don't accept large notes or credit cards.
- Visit Kariakoo Market early morning for the best selection and cooler temperatures, but keep valuables secure in crowded areas.
- Try local specialities like ugali (maize staple), nyama choma (grilled meat), and fresh seafood at beachfront restaurants.
- Dress modestly when visiting religious sites and local markets - long trousers and covered shoulders are respectful and required.
- Negotiate taxi fares in advance or insist on using the meter to avoid overcharging, especially from the airport.
- Book restaurant reservations at upmarket establishments like The Kempinski or Hyatt, as they're popular with business travellers and diplomats.
- Exchange money at banks or authorized forex bureaus rather than street vendors for better rates and security.
- Download offline maps before exploring as internet connectivity can be patchy in some areas outside the city centre.
- Bring high-factor sunscreen and insect repellent - the tropical climate and coastal location mean strong sun and mosquitoes year-round.