Dar es Salaam — a city of contrasts.
Tanzania's commercial capital and largest city, Dar es Salaam is a vibrant Indian Ocean port that blends Swahili, Arab, Indian and colonial German influences into one of East Africa's most colourful metropolises. Sitting on a natural harbour opposite Zanzibar, the city is the springboard to the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro, Selous Game Reserve and the spice islands — making it a key link between Air Zimbabwe's Southern African network and the wider East African region.
Use Dar es Salaam as a 24- to 48-hour layover before transferring by 20-minute hop to Zanzibar Stone Town, or as the gateway to southern safari circuits (Nyerere/Selous and Ruaha). Stay on the Msasani Peninsula for beachfront hotels and international dining, or in the CBD near the Askari Monument for business travellers. Traffic through the city can be heavy at peak hours, so allow generous transfer time to and from the airport. English is widely spoken in tourism and business settings, while Swahili is the official language — 'Karibu sana' (welcome) and 'Asante' (thank you) go a long way. The Tanzanian Shilling is the local currency, though USD is accepted at hotels and larger restaurants.