Travel tips
Everything You Need to Know About Dar Es Salaam Airport
While more and more international carriers are now flying in to Kilimanjaro Airport on the outskirts of Arusha, many visitors to Tanzania will still find that Dar Es Salaam (or Nairobi in Kenya) are their likely landing point.
Dar es Salaam Airport (DAR) is Tanzania's main airport, and sees more than six million people per annum touch down. Despite this, it is a reasonably small airport without the amenities that well-travelled visitors might be used to.
Nevertheless, landing in a new country can be a frightening experience.
Never fear! We've put together a few helpful tips to ensure your landing and transfer is a smooth one.
Getting a Visa on Arrival on Dar Airport
Getting a visa on arrival at Dar Es Salaam Airport couldn't be easier. As the country's #1 airport, Dar is well set up to process visas on arrival.
Despite this, it can take quite a bit of time on busier days, so budget up to two hours for immigration in case anything goes wrong.
Some airlines will hand out the arrival form on board, but more often than not, you'll have to start filling out your paperwork at immigration. It's definitely handy to have your own pen in this case, as the airport will not always have them available.
When it comes time to pay for your visa, be sure to have the exact amount in USD. It is especially important to bear in mind that Tanzania does not accept US currency printed before 2006 due to a past counterfeiting problem.
Learn more about how to apply for a Tanzanian visa on arrival.
Waiting at Dar es Salaam Airport
As a smaller airport, Dar Es Salaam Airport does not have a huge variety of amenities. In fact, the majority of African airports are relatively sparse in this regard.
For this reason, if you're expecting a long wait at the airport, it pays to bring along your own drinks and snacks. What few shops are in the terminal are not open outside of normal business hours, which can be a problem if you've got a night layover.
That's not to say the airport is without amenities. There are some food and drink options within the departures terminal, as well as the obligatory Duty Free stores.
Currency exchange is available, but it's important to note that there are no ATMs once you clear security. If you're going to need money, take it out on the land side of the airport.
The airport is heavily air-conditioned, so it might be worthwhile bringing a coat.
Parking and Taxis on Dar Airport
Dar es Salaam Airport is located 12km outside of Dar Es Salaam proper.
While there is rarely a shortage of taxis eager to take you into the city, it's generally safer to have us arrange something for you. Taxis from the airport run in the range of $25 to $40 USD one way.
Traffic jams are a big problem in Dar Es Salaam so, if you're planning on heading into (or out of) the city, be sure to budget extra time in the morning and in the afternoon.
Flying to Kilimanjaro or Arusha from Dar Es Salaam
Unless you have a special interest in exploring Tanzania's largest city, it's often easier to simply arrange a connecting flight to either Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.
A number of airlines provide cheap domestic flights, including Precision and FastJet. Alternatively, ask your Shadows of Africa tour agent to arrange a flight for you.
Your Guide to Additional Things to Do on Tanzanian Safari
Safari Add Ons In Tanzania Safari add ons are activities that you can add to all our itineraries. There is much more than just safari from the vehicle. There are interesting and exciting activities for curious, active guests that want to upgrade safari with additional exciting activities from ballooning to hiking and more. When you are booking a safari in Tanzania, you probably know there is much more to do besides game drives. Since we have lots of questions from our clients, we have created a simple review of things you can do in each Tanzanian main National park.How to Get Most of Your Safari in Tanzania and Kenya?
Everybody wants to have an unforgettable experience when it comes to safaris in Africa. Booking a safari is first step to do so, but many people don’t know or don’t think of all possibilities! To truly enjoy and experience African landscape and wildlife from all possible angles, we have compiled ideas to consider when planning safari to Tanzania and Kenya.
Chose mobile tented camps.
If you are after specific event then make sure you will book your safari in right season and time of the year. Although safaris are without a doubt exciting all year there are certain times of the year that can deliver much more.
Great Migration is one of them. If you are after great migration in full swing, we recommend booking your safari stay in mobile camps.
Mobile camps have the best locations, primarily focused on superb viewing areas. They are usually found in more remote areas, which means less tourists and big chance to witness animals from the comfort of your safari tent verandah!
Book a lodge with elephant waterhole.
Alternative option for those who want to be close to animals and great views of wildlife is to book a lodge that has on site waterholes, one of them is Four season Serengeti Lodge and some lodges in Tarangire, while in Kenya you have properties where giraffes wander around in the backyard gardens! Contact us for more advice!
You can save on a night.
Look for offers we regularly publish, often times we have special deals for booking two nights and get on for free and similar. If you are lucky, you can get even more than a night for free. Some offers like recent; include many activities that are usually available for additional cost, for free. So, be flexible and you may end up with free night and additional freebies like free night game drive, free walking safari or free bush romantic dinner. Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about safari deals!
Go for hikes and trekking’s or walks.
To truly feel the nature, it is worth to book a walking tour during safari – available are short walks to several trekkings in Ngorongoro, which, will reveal an amazing scenes and panoramas not visible from safari vehicle.
Go for hot air balloon ride!
Fly over the plains in hot air balloon safari, available in Tanzania in Serengeti and Tarangire as well in Kenya (Masai Mara). This flight takes place in early morning hours before the breakfast at sunrise. To observe the wildlife from the air is real privilege!
Spend a night in Masai village and get an insight of daily routine and life. Or include a trip to Hadzabe tribe on Lake Eyasi region,where you spend a fair amount of time to learn hunting with spears, and how to make fire.
As you see there are exciting possibilities to enhance your safari. Once you are done with decision where to go and where to stay, all you have to do is bring you camera, for the rest Shadows of Africa takes care of.
South Africans Now Require Visa For Kenya
As of July 1st, 2014, South African visitors to Kenya will now require a visa.
The High Commission of the Republic of Kenya just announced new visa requirements for South Africans.
Ordinary Visa applicants travelling to or transiting through Kenya will be required to pay a service charge of R 750 ($70).
Holders of Official or Diplomatic Passports travelling on Government business are not affected by these changes and will continue to get visitor’s Passes on arrival at the ports of entry.
The High Commission further wishes to inform that the Visa Service Fees payments should be made at the Kenya High Commission/Embassy premises and Visas will no longer be issued on arrival in Kenya. It should be noted that the processing period for the visas is strictly five (5) working days.
As with other nationalities, South African nationals are now required to apply for their Kenyan visa in advance.
Read more about how to apply for a Kenyan visa online
All You Have to Know About Tanzania and Planning Safari
To ease you search when planning safari and holidays to Tanzania we have done homework fork you!
Below are useful links that will help you from understanding safaris to finding cheap flights in Tanzania.- Cheap Flights in Tanzania
- What to Pack for Safari
- Money tips for travel to Tanzania
- Joining a group safari in Tanzania
- Safari Vehicles
- All You Have to Know About Camping Safari in Tanzania
- 7 Tips on How to Save on Safari to Tanzania
Tips For Visiting Zanzibar During Ramadan
Ramadan Etiquette on Zanzibar for travelers. Read dos and donts during ramadan time.Safari Destination Ideas in Tanzania for Advanced Safari Goers
Have you already been to safari in Tanzania? Do you think you have seen it all? We have to tell you, you have seen only a fraction of Tanzanian natural gems.How it works
- 1 Describe your dream trip
- 2 A travel consultant will help curate your experience
- 3 Confirm & start packing
Let us plan your dream
African trip!Enquire now and a Shadows of Africa Safari Expert will be in touch within 24 hours!
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