- Njiro Hill, Arusha Tanzania
- +255612137284
Flying into Dar-es-Salaam International Airport (DAR) and eager to begin your wildlife journey? At Olaitoriani Expeditions, we make it easy to start your safari from Dar-es-Salaam Airport, connecting you directly from your arrival gate to Tanzania’s top southern and coastal national parks.
Despite its name, which means “abode of peace” in Arabic, Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest and busiest city. It is the country’s most important business and commercial hub and is situated right on the Indian Ocean.
Dar es Salaam is the main port of call for most visitors, as it is an ideal location from which to access both the wilderness areas and the beaches of Tanzania and Zanzibar.
Raised from the humble surroundings of a Fishing Village just over a century ago, Dar Es Salaam blossomed into one of the most beautiful seaside capitals. Many beautiful and unspoiled beaches are within easy reach of Dar Es Salaam, literally translated as “The Heaven of Peace”. Our most popular excursion in the city for tourists in transit en route to the game parks of the North or South, or for Business clients with some leisure time, is the half-day Dar Es Salaam City Tour.
Here is a sample of the sights and sounds you will experience during the tour:
This is near Jamhuri and Uhuru Streets. On one side is seen the Uhuru Torch Monument erected to symbolise the Freedom Torch placed at the peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro upon Tanzania’s attainment of independence. On the other side of the park is the Republic Fountain, which commemorates the foundation of the republic in 1962.
This beautiful main market has an interesting local colour and a diversity of peoples as well as exotic fruits, fresh fish, food products, handicrafts, local textile material and many other locally made products. The market’s colour, charm and character makes it a must for every visitor.
The University is superbly laid out amidst lawns and gardens on the Ubungo Observation Hill, some 14 kms. Away from the city. The hill offers a magnificent open view of Dar Es Salaam city. The main campus area is built on three low hills, well wooded with cashew trees.
This is 10 km. Along Bagamoyo Road, and has a collection of authentically constructed traditional houses of various Tanzanian tribes. It displays several distinct architectural styles with building materials ranging from sand, grass, and poles to mud and rock. Villagers demonstrate their ancient skills of carving and weaving and offer their products for sale.
Near the heart of Dar Es Salaam, there is a unique center for creating and selling Tanzanian arts and crafts. Many of the artists working here have developed their talents through training that enables them to transform traditional materials, designs and motifs into contemporary forms. At ‘Nyumba ya Sanaa’, one finds many exciting creative activities to become absorbed in like painting, drawing, figurative wax batik, and etching. Carvings of ebony are made as well as jewelry, ceramics and ‘tie-and-dye’ dresses for men, women and children.
The outstanding attraction is the Hall of Man, where Dr. Leakey’s finds from Olduvai Gorge, including the skull of Nutcrackerman (Zinjanthropus bosei) and other human fossils, are displayed. The Museum offers an outstanding ethnographic collection of tribal ornaments, head-dresses, witch-craft paraphernalia and traditional musical instruments collected from various regions in Tanzania. Also, the history of the East African Coast is well portrayed with Chinese porcelain glazed pottery, trade wide beads from India and a series of copper coins from the Sultan of Kilwa.
The State House accommodates the offices of the President. It has an ornate structure reflecting a blend of African and Arabic architecture, partly built on the foundation of the old German Palace in 1922.
Dar-es-Salaam is the main entry point for southern Tanzania safaris, giving travelers quick access to less-crowded reserves filled with pristine wilderness and incredible wildlife. Unlike the northern circuit, the southern parks offer a quieter, more exclusive safari experience.
Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) – 4–5 hours by road or a short flight; famous for boat safaris, lions, and wild dogs.
Mikumi National Park – only 4–5 hours by road; ideal for a short safari directly from DAR.
Ruaha National Park – accessible by domestic flight; home to elephants, lions, and diverse landscapes.
Udzungwa Mountains National Park – great for hiking, waterfalls, and primates.
Airport Pickup & Drop-off – immediate transfer to your safari vehicle or domestic flight.
Private 4×4 Safari Vehicles – open-roof Land Cruisers for the best wildlife views.
Expert Local Guides – knowledgeable about southern Tanzania’s unique ecosystems.
Flexible Itineraries – from 2-day Mikumi trips to 7+ day Selous & Ruaha safaris.
Choice of Accommodations – budget camps, mid-range lodges, and luxury tented camps.
Whether you’re on a business trip with just a few days to spare or planning a longer holiday, starting your safari from Dar-es-Salaam Airport allows you to maximize time in the wild without unnecessary transfers.
After exploring the southern parks, many travelers choose to extend their journey with a Zanzibar beach holiday, easily accessible via direct flights from Dar-es-Salaam.
At Olaitoriani Expeditions, we provide smooth logistics, professional guides, and tailor-made itineraries so you can begin your safari as soon as you land.
