London to Dar es Salaam flights

No airline flies non-stop between London and Dar es Salaam, so the journey usually means a single stop in Dubai, Istanbul or Nairobi. Most departures leave Heathrow or Gatwick. With the connection included, flights from London to Dar es Salaam take 12 to 19 hours, and the length of the layover makes most of the difference. Fares start from £391 for a trip ending in Tanzania's largest city, a major port for East Africa.

London Heathrow and London Gatwick handle most departures for Tanzania. Qatar Airways, Emirates and Ethiopian Airlines fly from Heathrow, while Turkish Airlines frequently uses Gatwick for its connecting services.

Free shuttle trains and the Underground connect Heathrow's terminals, and Gatwick's North and South terminals are linked by a 24-hour monorail. Both airports provide duty-free shops, restaurants and lounges, with currency exchange and charging stations airside.

Heathrow is accessible via the M4, while Gatwick is located off the M23.

When you land at Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), you will typically arrive at Terminal 3, the modern international terminal, which handles the majority of international traffic. The airport is located approximately 8 miles south-west of the city centre. Taxis are the most common way to reach the downtown districts. They wait outside the terminal but are not metered, so agree on a fee before departing. For those preferring private hire vehicles, these can be booked via mobile apps to designated pick-up points.

A local bus stop is located about half a mile from the terminal, with services heading toward the Kisutu district. Many travellers prefer the convenience of car rentals available at the airport, with the drive into the city taking roughly 25 minutes. Once in the city, you can also access the Azam Marine ferry terminal for onward travel to Zanzibar.

Entry requirements for Dar es Salaam

British passport holders require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for an e-visa online before you travel or obtain a single-entry tourist visa upon arrival at the airport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months from your date of entry and has at least one blank page for stamps.

When arriving from the UK, you may be asked to show proof of a return or onward ticket. While yellow fever vaccination is not typically required for travellers arriving directly from Europe, you must present a certificate if you have transited for more than 12 hours through a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

Dar es Salaam serves as a gateway to East Africa's natural wonders and coastal retreats. You can spend a day at Bongoyo Island or Mbudya Island for snorkelling and white sand beaches, or explore the National Museum of Tanzania to learn about the region's history. For those seeking local culture, the Mwenge Woodcarvers Market and the bustling Kariakoo Market offer a chance to see traditional crafts and experience the city's daily rhythm.

While the city is a destination in itself, it is also the starting point for wildlife adventures. You can arrange trips to Mikumi National Park or Saadani National Park, which are much more accessible for short excursions than the distant Serengeti. After a day of exploring, enjoy the local cuisine which features a unique blend of African, Indian, and Arabic influences.