DISTANCE FROM DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TO THE CITY CENTRE

The main airport serving Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania''''s largest city, is Julius Nyerere International Airport (IATA: DAR, ICAO: HTDA). It takes 42 minutes to get to the airport, which is located about 19.4 km from the city centre. Since the city is well-planned, transportation is available even if you arrive at odd hours of the day, such as late at night or early in the morning. Dar Es Salaam is a well-liked travel location for women and single travellers because of this attribute. Whether you are travelling in premium economy flights or first class flights, getting to the city from the airport will be easy.

DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT TRANSPORT

The nations of Africa are growing at a rapid rate. As a consequence, businessmen, traders and entrepreneurs from all corners of the globe are thronging their capitals. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania’s administrative headquarters is no different. Its planners have made astute efforts to ensure that people arriving at the airport face little to no difficulty in arriving in the city. Written below is a brief description of the different modes of transport which you can utilize:

Taxi: A popular option, taxis operate from the airport 24/7 and 365 days a year. It will take you roughly 15 to 25 minutes to reach the main city and the taxi fare will be roughly TZS 40,000 (£ 14).

Bus: An inexpensive way of travelling from the airport to the city. A bus ticket costs roughly TZS 400 (£ 0.17) and it will take you about 40 minutes to reach the main city from the airport.

Pick up and drop off Service: If you are travelling by first class flights, then the option of requesting the airline staff to pick you up and drop you at your chosen destination is feasible. All the airlines which operate cheap flights between Birmingham and Dar Es Salaam provide this service.

FLYING TIME FROM BIRMINGHAM TO DAR ES SALAAM

Due to the large distance between the two cities, no airlines operate direct flights. No matter which flight route you may select, there are bound to be 1-2 stops along the way and it will take you approximately 14-17 hours to fly from Birmingham to Dar Es Salaam. 

The exact time required depends on a variety of factors such as:-

Specific Route chosen

Airline Traffic

Weather Patterns along the route

Conditions at stopovers

The exact number of halts

Some of the most common halts are:-

Istanbul, Turkey

Doha, Qatar

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

You might wish to travel on business class flights or premium economy flights, your luggage will automatically be routed to the correct destination. As a result, you will be saved on a great deal of stress and anxiety.

ATTRACTIONS IN DAR ES SALAAM

Dar Es Salaam has grown from a fishing village to a thriving metropolis. Steeped in history, yet having embraced modernity with gusto there are many tourist attractions there. You might be a lover of history or an avid foodie, but you will surely find plenty to see and do in the city. Given below is a small list of the places which you can visit:-

Zanzibar Island: The Zanzibar Group of Islands, located in the Indian Ocean, about 20 kilometres off the Tanzanian mainland, are a spot of breathtaking natural beauty. The tropical island has some of the most beautiful white beaches and sights in all of Africa. Lovers of water sports like scuba diving, parasailing and snorkelling will have a merry time here. The experience of riding on a coastal ferry to Zanzibar Island is something which you should not miss out on when in Dar Es Salaam. 

Makumbusho/Village Museum: The museum, situated roughly 9 kilometres north of the city centre contains an extensive collection of dwellings depicting traditional life in rural Tanzania. The houses are constructed from traditionally available materials. You can also pick up mementoes in the form of items like weaving, pottery and carvings. Traditional tribal dance performances are also organized daily to entertain visitors to the village. You will find the Village Museum very interesting, informative and value for money.

National Museum and House of Culture: Home to copies of fossil discoveries of early hominids and another archaeological finds. Here, you will get detailed insights into Tanzania’s past and how its numerous communities co-exist. All those interested in history can also learn about the Zanzibar slave trade, German and British Colonial Periods. The attached House of Culture, provides an educational resource centre, a contemporary concert venue and an arena displaying works of modern art. 

Dar Es Salaam Marine Reserve Centre: Situated just a few kilometres north of Dar Es Salaam, the uninhabited islands of Bongoyo, Pangavini, Mbudya and Fungu Yasini form this marine reserve. As a nature lover, you will have a memorable time here as the islands are home to marine species like coconut crabs, and dolphins. There are several dive sites nearby, where swimming is possible at any time of the day, in contrast to the beaches on the mainland. These islands must be visited by everybody coming to Dar Es Salaam.

Bongoya Island: Your visit to Dar Es Salaam will surely be incomplete without a journey to Bongoyo Island. The leisure island, famous for relaxation, swimming and snorkelling is easily accessible from Dar Es Salaam. The easiest way to get here is to take a ferry. Are you an avid gastronome? Then, you can also dine in shacks. The one thing to be mindful about is that people prone to seasickness should be extra careful because the sea can be rough at times.

The memories that you make while touring here will be cherished for a lifetime. Thanks to the farsighted vision of the country’s planners, the city is well on the way to becoming a prominent tourist destination in Africa.

SHOPPING IN DAR ES SALAAM

The capital of Tanzania, Dar Es Salaam, has a wide selection of goods that showcase the dynamic market scene and rich cultural legacy. In Dar Es Salaam, some of the most well-known shopping districts are:

The Slipway Shopping Centre: This is a stylish shopping complex inspired by Swahili culture. The slipway is a premier waterfront shopping and leisure centre. You will be able to go shopping here while enjoying the breeze off the Indian Ocean and enjoying the view of Msasani Bay. Unique features of this mall are the in-house supermarket, jewellers, the attached bookshop and the variety of shops selling quality crafts.

The Kariakoo Market: A busy and fast-moving market in Dar Es Salaam, this market is the place to go and visit if you wish to see how locals shop for their daily needs. From clothes, foodstuff, and electronics to kitchenware, a lovely place where you will be finding all that you need, that too at very reasonable prices. Advisable to learn some Swahili language basics if you want to communicate with vendors and get good bargains. Original Tanzanian cultural experiences and products are guaranteed here.

Kivukoni Fish Market: A vibrant typical market, this is a place where you can find a bewildering variety of fish at reasonable rates. A great way to experience how the average Tanzanian leads their life. A beautiful market within the heart of the city, employing a large number of people. The best time to visit it is early morning when the boats come and unload their daily catch. Shrimp, Kingfish, Cuttlefish and lobster are some of the most popular varieties of fish available in Dar Es Salaam.

Sea Cliff Village: Innumerable visitors have spoken highly about the views of rough sea waves crashing against rocks, the prime attraction of this area. While in Sea Cliff Village, you must try out seafood items cooked from fresh catch and made using local flavours. With a multi-cuisine restaurant serving delicious cuisine, and shops selling a wide variety of unique Tanzanian merchandise you will definitely have a lovely time here. 

Nafasi Art Space: A leading art centre and creative hub in the city. Some of the events organized here are exhibitions, film screenings, and concerts to provide a platform for local talent to come and showcase their work. The people here are friendly, passionate and enthusiastic about what all they do. Popular with both expats and local Tanzanians alike, this is a wonderful place to come and chill out and enjoy your weekends and holidays.

Dar Es Salaam provides a variety of options to suit a range of shopping inclinations, whether you''re seeking niche shops, modern malls, or traditional marketplaces. You will have a memorable time while you come and shop here.

NIGHTLIFE IN DAR ES SALAAM

Dar Es Salaam has a friendly, raw energy which makes its nightlife scene worth exploring. The city by night can be a lot of fun. Some of the places in the city which you can visit to have a gay time are:

Garden Bistro: The Garden Bistro restaurant, located at the far end of the Msasani Peninsula is popular with everybody looking for a venue to spend time their evening. With a variety of alcoholic drinks served, this nightclub is exceedingly popular with tipplers from across the Dar Es Salaam. The tasty slabs of barbequed meat available are additional draws. The bar also follows a dress code, being mandatory for visitors to don formals if they wish to enter here. The bistro is an pleasant place to lose yourself in the evening.

Level 8: Located in Hyatt Regency Kilimanjaro, the roof terrace bar is one of Dar Es Salaam''s favourite nighttime places to visit. Thanks to the diligent and intelligent efforts of the staff, a diverse crowd of well-heeled locals and expatriates who have come to the city for official purposes gather here regularly. With live music and excellent views of central Dar and the harbour, this is the perfect venue to enjoy yourself while drinking cold beer as the sun goes down.

The Slipway: The location on Msasani''s Western Coast means that it is the best place in Dar Es Salaam to go and take in breathtaking views of the sun going down over the ocean water. An additional reason for its popularity is the small shopping complex located nearby where tourists coming to Dar Es Salaam can visit to shop for items required for their stay. The ideal spot place to enjoy a cocktail, get beautiful views of the ocean and do some local shopping.

Club Bilicanas: Dar Es Salaam''s most popular nightclub, you will find it packed all seven days a week. Here you will be obtaining constant up-to-date entertainment, all five days a week and twelve months a year. Charmingly eclectic music is played here, ranging from the latest in Afrobeats to Euro Cheese. Locals dress up to the nines and hit the glass-panelled dance floor. About 30 years old, this is the most well-known nightlife hot spot in Tanzania. This club is brash, unassuming and fun.

Mango Garden: The night shows which are hosted in Mango Garden, make it one of the best places to listen to live music in Dar Es Salaam. The most popular genre which is played here is Taarab Music, a music style which is a combination of Swahili and Arabic tunes. Some of the key sounds to look out for are the Bongo Flava and Mchiriku a fast-paced tuneful street style which is more raw and down to earth. With the nightclub packed with a largely local crowd, this is a place where you can dance till you drop.

If you are a night owl, then a visit to this East African metropolis should be on the cards.

WHERE TO GET FOREX CONVERTED IN DAR ES SALAAM

Being a former colony of Britain, English along with Swahili is one of the official languages of Tanzania. As a result, if you are fluent in the language, you will not have much difficulty in communicating with the locals in Dar Es Salaam. If you wish to tour the country in a carefree manner, some copies of the local currency, Tanzanian Shilling need to be kept with you. The places where you can go for currency exchange in the town are:

ATM Machines: If you have international credit cards like Visa, Mastercard or those issued by African banks like CRDB, then you can withdraw money from ATM Machines in the terminals.

Airport Exchange counters: When you land at the airport, then you can easily change the currency of your home country for the Tanzanian Shilling. 

Banks: The I&M Bank and CRDB Bank are leading institutions where you can go have your money exchanged in the city. They will be charging you a transaction fee of about 2-3%.

Currency Exchange Agencies: Some of the popular currency exchange agents in the city are:

GREAT EATING PLACES IN DAR ES SALAAM

Dar Es Salaam is a city which has developed a solid reputation amongst tourists as a place where you will be able to savour a large variety of tasty African dishes. From high-quality restaurants to small eateries, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to zeroing down on eateries to go and enjoy delicious food:-

Chef''s Pride: One of the city''s most famous restaurants, you can enjoy an amazing mix of Asian and European dishes here. When in town, you should try tasting local delicacies like Ugali, Ndizinyama and Matembele. Another trademark dish served here is Kababs, cooked by making use of East African and Middle Eastern Techniques. Surely a place to go and taste haute cuisine. Also popular with customers coming for official purposes due to additional features like outdoor seating. This is a place where you will be able to enjoy a productive afternoon with your colleagues.

Jahazi Restaurant: Meaning ''fishing dhow'' in native Swahili, the decor and style of the restaurant has been inspired by Arabic styles. This restaurant is located in the Serena Hotels locality and delivers an exceedingly high standard of food. The a la carte menu featuring fresh regional delicacies prepared using freshly caught produce, is extremely popular with the local populace. In Dar Es Salaam, this restaurant is synonymous with quality food. Thanks to the diligence of the administration the restaurant has obtained top ratings on platforms covering developments in the food and beverage scene of the city.

George and Dragon:  An English pub located right in the middle of Africa, this is a friendly and welcoming location for coming and enjoying Sunday roast meals for all who might be looking for delicacies of the home country. If you are on the lookout for Western dishes like beers, steak, fish and chips then by all means this is the restaurant to go and pay a visit to. Here visitors and ex-pats come to carry out a large variety of activities like watching football games, to finalizing business deals in a conducive environment. 

Serengeti Restaurant:  In this restaurant, you will be able to dine on sumptuous meals in a relaxed and comfortable setting. The unique selling point of this outlet is that you can have a gala time on certain days of the week like Wednesdays and Fridays when theme events like Seafood Night and Barbeques are organized. This outlet has carved a niche for itself by serving dishes from all corners of the globe - East Asia, Italian to East Africa. With an inviting ambience and beautiful decor, you will feel at home when you visit here.

Mediterraneo: One of the most famous places where you can come and dine in style. This bar is exceedingly popular with the residents of Dar Es Salaam, as you will be able to have a gala time getting beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. The enchanting lights spilling out onto the beach create a relaxing atmosphere where you can dine on continental dishes like avocado salad, cocktails and squid ink pasta. The menu comprises classic Mediterranean dishes prepared using an African twist.

Whether you want to enjoy traditional East African cuisine or international dishes, you will find everything of your liking here. 

HOTELS STAY IN DAR ES SALAAM

Dar Es Salaam is the largest city in Tanzania and the gateway to East Africa. As a result it is frequented by traders, businessmen and entrepreneurs from all corners of world. No matter what your budget might be, you will definitely be able to find suitable accommdation. Some of the hotels where you can go and live while touring the city are:-

Dar es Salaam Serena Hotel (5 Star)

Address:- Ohio St, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

An oasis of luxury, situated right in the very heart of the city, the hotel enjoys high-profile clients and regularly hosts regional and international events. Equipped with all the necessary facilities for hosting corporate and social events, this resort is popular with travellers coming to the city for official purposes.

Ledger Plaza Bahari Beach Hotel (5 Star)

Address:- 9623+MWV, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

If you are looking for a good hotel to come and put up in Dar Es Salaam, then look no further. Featuring a wide variety of award-winning features such as concierge and room service, this is one of the best 5-star hotels in the city.

The Oyster Bay Suites (5 Star)

Address: 344 Ghuba Road, Oyster Bay Corner Toure Drive, Dar es Salaam Tanzania

Designed with facilities like valet parking, ocean-facing suites as well as in-house dining facilities this hotel is by all means the perfect place for all looking for the perfect place to live, work and sleep. Some of the most notable features of this hotel are that it is spotlessly clean, has huge rooms and has a quiet, calm and inspiring atmosphere. 

CBD Hotel (4 Star)

Address: Nkurumah Street Plot 2246/201, Dar es Salaam 2585 Tanzania

Looking for a good hotel while visiting Dar Es Salaam? Well now your search is over. Visitors on vacation or on business who like to stay in luxury befitting royalty can do so here. The romantic atmosphere of the hotel and restaurant, which serves a range of cuisines from around the world, is one of the outlet''s unique selling points.

Four Points by Sheraton Dar es Salaam New Africa (4 Star)

Address: Azikiwe Street Sokoine Drive Mchafukoge, Dar es Salaam 10000 Tanzania

Built with traditional colonial architecture, this hotel exudes elegance and spaciousness. The hotel accommodates a wide range of guests, including business and leisure travellers. The Julius Nyerere International Airport is about ten minutes away by car, and it has all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

Coral Beach Hotel Dar Es Salaam (4 Star)

Address: Coral Lane, Masaki, Dar es Salaam 2585 Tanzania

A true treasure of a tourist attraction, with spotless, cosy accommodations, a welcoming, amiable, and energetic staff, and a gorgeous lakefront setting. The biggest benefit of staying at this hotel is the complimentary shuttle service that picks you up from the airport. As the favoured getaway for somebody looking for a comfortable yet affordable accommodation, you will treasure every moment spent here. 

Peninsula Hotel Dar Es Salaam (3 Star)

Address: 4 And 6 Haille Sellasie Road Oyster Bay, Dar es Salaam 2585 Tanzania

Located in the affluent suburb of the city, this is the best combination of hospitality, professional service and modern amenities. Numerous award-winning features such as Spa, Airport Transportation, Free Valet Parking and high-speed internet will ensure that you have a memorable stay.

Jangwani Seabreeze Resort (3 Star)

Address: Africana Road Plot 95, Mbezi Beach, Dar Es Salaam 00100 Tanzania

Popular with visitors coming to Tanzania for providing clean and affordable no-frills accommodation. Surely the ideal place for travellers arriving late at night or departing early morning. Some popular draws here are free Wifi, complimentary breakfast and transportation to the airport.

The city is home to a large number of hotels where you can stay while visiting. Because of this lovely city''s appeal, you will undoubtedly have a lot of memorable events to remember. What then are you awaiting? Just travel to Dar Es Salaam for an unforgettable experience.