Jazmin Li
Dar es Salaam Airport is the main airport in Tanzania, a country that is considered a safe and peaceful destination for tourists. The airport itself has mixed reviews when it comes to safety. Some travellers have reported feeling safe while transiting through the airport, even during layovers at night, noting the constant presence of police officers. However, others have expressed concerns about the condition of the airport, describing it as dated and in need of refurbishment. There have also been reports of issues with immigration processes, baggage handling, and limited dining options. While the airport may have its challenges, taking appropriate precautions and staying vigilant can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Dar es Salaam and Tanzania as a whole.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety at night | Safe, with people always walking about, along with police |
| Food options | Flamingo restaurant, which is open 24 hours |
| Transport | Taxi services are available, but it is advised to be mindful of the time and day of the week |
| Immigration process | Poor, with long queues and disorganisation |
| Facilities | Dated and in need of refurbishment |
| Overall safety | Relatively safe compared to other African cities, but stay aware of your surroundings |
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What You'll Learn
Dar es Salaam airport is safe at night
Dar es Salaam airport is considered safe to stay at during the night. There are always people walking about, along with police officers patrolling the area. However, the airport itself has received poor reviews for its dated appearance, poor food options, and long immigration queues. Some travellers have also reported issues with baggage handling and a lack of pre-security dining options.
If you are looking for a place to stay near the airport, the Transit Motel provides pick-up and drop-off services. The Flamingo restaurant at the airport is open 24 hours a day, but it is reportedly not recommended for extended stays.
While Dar es Salaam is considered a safe city in Tanzania, it is always advisable to take standard safety precautions and remain vigilant of your surroundings. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching can occur on overcrowded buses and at bus stations, so keep your valuables secure. When travelling by taxi, it is recommended to arrange transportation through a hotel or travel operator and always verify the driver's identification.
When travelling on roads outside major towns and cities in Tanzania, it is advised to avoid driving at night due to potential hazards or impassable conditions caused by heavy rain. Police checkpoints are common, and it is important to ask for identification if you are stopped. Overall, by taking necessary precautions and staying alert, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in and around Dar es Salaam airport.
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The airport's facilities are dated and in need of refurbishment
Dar es Salaam is considered a safe city for tourists, with many describing it as one of the most welcoming places on earth. However, the airport facilities are dated and in need of refurbishment. The airport has been described as "incredibly slow", with a lengthy route from check-in to passport control to security. There is a lack of dining options before and after security, with only one restaurant that has been described as "pretty poor and overpriced". The immigration process has been called "dreadful", with disorganised lines and unexpected permit requirements. The baggage handling system has also been criticised, with reports of bags not being loaded onto planes.
The airport's appearance has been described as dated, with one review stating that it looked "incredibly dated and in need of refurbishment". This is a common sentiment among travellers, who feel that the airport is a poor representation of Tanzania, a country that relies heavily on tourism. The facilities are described as dilapidated, and the overall experience for incoming travellers is considered negative.
The taxi situation at the airport has also been flagged as a potential issue. There is an 'official taxi' service that has been described as a "mafia" due to its excessive charges. These taxis will throw stones at Uber cars if they come inside the airport, so passengers opting for Uber are advised to meet their driver at the fuel station outside the airport.
The Flamingo restaurant, located inside the airport, has been recommended as a place to wait for extended periods. While it is not an official hotel, travellers are allowed to stay for hours as long as they purchase a few drinks and snacks. However, the air conditioning in this restaurant has been known to malfunction, which can be uncomfortable in the Tanzanian climate.
Overall, while Dar es Salaam Airport is considered safe, the facilities are dated and in need of improvement to enhance the traveller experience and better reflect the beauty and hospitality of Tanzania.
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The airport's immigration process is dreadful
Dar Es Salaam Airport has received numerous negative reviews from travellers, with the immigration process being singled out as particularly dreadful. One traveller described the airport as "poor", noting that the check-in and baggage drop queues were excessively long and disorganised, with no clear distinction between the two. This was corroborated by another traveller who described the route from check-in to passport control to security as "way too long". The limited food and beverage options before and after security were also criticised.
The immigration process itself has been characterised as slow and inefficient, with travellers reporting long waits in disorganised lines. In one instance, a traveller was informed that they needed a "special" permit and had to pay an additional fee of 200 USD, despite already possessing a business visa. This experience was further marred by allegations of racial bias, as the traveller noted that the "special" line appeared to exclusively comprise Caucasian individuals.
The airport's physical infrastructure has also been criticised as dated and in need of refurbishment. In addition to the poor aesthetics, the facility's functionality has been questioned, with reports of a non-functional baggage handling system resulting in luggage failing to be loaded onto flights.
The issues at Dar Es Salaam Airport are not limited to the immigration process, as travellers have also reported challenges with ground transportation. The airport's official taxi services have been described as a "mafia", charging exorbitant rates for their services. While alternative ride-sharing options like Uber are available, they cannot pick up passengers directly from the airport due to the aggressive behaviour of the "official taxi" operators.
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The airport's only restaurant is poor and overpriced
Dar es Salaam is considered a safe city for tourists to visit, and the airport is no exception. One source mentions that there are always people walking about, along with police, so it is safe to stay the night in the airport. However, the airport itself has received poor reviews. One review mentions that the only restaurant in the airport is poor and overpriced. The reviewer goes on to say that the airport looks incredibly dated and is in need of refurbishment, which is a shame because Tanzania is a fantastic country, and this airport is the main access point for many travellers.
Another reviewer mentions that the Flamingo restaurant in the airport is air-conditioned, but it is not an official lounge, and the air conditioning was broken on the day they were there. They mention that the restaurant allows travellers to sit for hours for the price of a few drinks and a sandwich, and it ends up being an unofficial departure lounge for many. However, the reviewer does not recommend the restaurant for long periods.
Sources mention that the immigration process at the airport is dreadful and disorganised, with one reviewer stating that they had to pay an additional $200 for a "special" permit, even though they already had a business visa. The reviewer also notes that everyone in the "special" line was Caucasian. The baggage handling system is also criticised, with one reviewer stating that their bags did not even make it onto their plane.
The reviews suggest that it is best to avoid spending long periods at the airport, with one person recommending going into town for dinner instead. However, they caution that the traffic can be bad, and the taxi ride can take a long time, especially during rush hour. Another source mentions that there are no airline lounges at the airport and nowhere to wait that is air-conditioned.
In summary, while Dar es Salaam Airport is considered safe, the facilities, including the sole restaurant, leave much to be desired. Travellers should be prepared for potential delays and a lack of comfortable waiting areas. Those with long layovers may prefer to venture into the city, keeping in mind the potential for heavy traffic and long taxi rides.
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The airport is safe from pickpockets and bag-snatchers
Dar es Salaam airport is safe from pickpockets and bag-snatchers. However, there are some things to be aware of when it comes to safety in and around the airport. Firstly, it is important to note that the airport itself is generally considered a safe place to stay, even at night. There are always people coming and going, and security officers are present. This means that you can feel secure during a layover or while waiting for a flight.
That being said, some travellers have reported negative experiences at the airport. These include issues with baggage handling, long queues, and a lack of dining options. The facilities have been described as dated and in need of refurbishment, which can make the airport uncomfortable for long waits. It is also worth noting that the airport's sole restaurant has been described as poor and overpriced.
When it comes to transportation to and from the airport, it is generally recommended to arrange taxis through a hotel or travel operator, and always ask to see the driver's ID. There have been reports of an "official taxi" mafia that charges exorbitant prices, and they may throw stones at Uber cars if they enter the airport premises. If you do choose to use Uber, you will need to meet your driver at the fuel station outside the airport.
While Dar es Salaam is considered a relatively safe city, it is always important to take standard safety precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. It is also recommended to do some research on specific risks and safety concerns before travelling to any new destination.
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Frequently asked questions
Dar es Salaam airport is generally considered safe, with police presence and people always walking about. However, some travellers have complained about the airport's poor facilities, long queues, and slow service.
Yes, it is safe to stay at the airport overnight. However, some travellers have warned against it due to a lack of comfortable lounges, long queues, and slow service.
Yes, there are a few options for places to stay near the airport, such as the Transit Motel and the Flamingo "hotel" (which is actually a restaurant).
Yes, it is generally safe to travel from the airport to the city, but it is recommended to use a reputable taxi service and be mindful of traffic, especially during rush hour.
