Exotic Tanzania has become a firm favourite with visitors wanting to experience something a little different from their holidays, as well as business travellers visiting its thriving commercial centre. Dar es Salaam is a gateway to the riches of this incredible country, and is a warm and welcoming city used to catering to the flood of safari tourists that pass through on their way to the country’s wide open spaces.

A port city heavily reliant on the fishing industry during the mid-19th century, Dar es Salaam is now Tanzania’s main commercial centre. Such economic transformation has also helped it earn its place in East Africa’s list of fastest growing cities. Book a flight to Dar es Salaam with Qatar Airways and lose yourself on a stroll down its white beaches or visits to its many cultural attractions.

Steeped in culture and history, this former German and British outpost, has consistently appeared on the radar screen of international travellers. Aside from its picturesque harbour, Dar es Salaam (Arabic for “a place of peace”) is known for its vibrant live-music scene and spice-laden cuisine.

Book your Dar Es Salaam travel plans with Qatar Airways today.

Serving the industrial heartland of China, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is one of mainland China’s busiest air transport hubs, and one of the world’s top 30 airports. The airport sees over 42 million passengers every year, and serves the key area of Sichuan Province, one of China’s most important industrial epicentres. The modern and well-run airport is approximately 16 kilometres southwest of downtown Chengdu, and passengers flying from Chengdu with Qatar Airways will find this bright, efficient airport a well-managed and friendly starting point for any journey.

Transportation and parking

Transportation to and from the airport into the centre of Chengdu is excellent, with several shuttle buses running to the downtown area of the city, calling in at the major hotels. The Chengdu-Leshan-Emeishan Intercity high-speed trains have a dedicated station at the airport, connecting travellers from outlying areas of Sichuan Province. The train from South Railway Station takes approximately 10 minutes, with journeys from the East Railway Station around 16 minutes. Taxis are plentiful and as the authorised taxis are state-run, fares are very reasonable and fixed. Parking is very good, with three large parking areas available close to Terminal 1.

Arriving at the airport

Passengers flying from Chengdu with Qatar Airways depart from the Departure area at Terminal 1. With 207 check-in counters and 64 security channels, check-in and processing before boarding your flight is fast and efficient, but make sure all of your paperwork is correct and in order before you arrive. VIP lounges are available for Business and First Class passengers, with a large open lounge area for all other passengers.

Facilities and amenities

Facilities are very good, with dining, shopping, and banking amenities. A business centre is in the Departure building, offering a range of photocopying and fax services. The Duty Free shop is located in a separate area of Corridor A in Terminal 1, while various retail outlets provide magazines, some luxury goods, leather bags, perfume and jewellery. Snacks and drinks are on offer from vendor carts, while several restaurants provide a mix of authentic Chinese food, fast food, and international cuisine. Wi-Fi is available throughout most of the Terminal.

Exotic Tanzania has become a firm favourite with visitors wanting to experience something a little different from their holidays, as well as business travellers visiting its thriving commercial centre. Dar es Salaam is a gateway to the riches of this incredible country, and is a warm and welcoming city used to catering to the flood of safari tourists that pass through on their way to the country’s wide open spaces. 

Book a flight to Dar es Salaam with Qatar Airways and you’ll find that it’s well worth pausing for a while before you travel on into the heart of Africa. This is a city that’s full of energy – an eclectic mix of African, south Asian and Muslim influences, giving it a unique personality and character that charms everyone who experiences this location.

Tourist attractions

Tanzania celebrates both its diversity and its culture. The Makumbusho Village Museum is a great place to start to find out more about the culture of this country, with a collection of tribal houses reconstructed in every detail, and regular dance displays. The National Museum goes into greater detail, and also has exhibitions of Tanzanian artworks, photographs and artefacts.

One of the most inspiring attractions is Wonder Workshop. Started a few years ago with the express notion of providing Tanzanians with physical and mental handicaps a chance to express themselves and develop new skills, it is now a wonderful example of artistic creativity, where they create beautiful works of art out of recycled materials. Their metal crafts in particular are internationally renowned for their inspiration and innovative design.

Tanzania is best known for its beaches, and the best one in Dar es Salaam is the beautiful Kigamboni or South Beach. A five-minute ferry crossing will take you over to the beaches, but be aware that there is a charge to access many of them.

Travel considerations

Flights to Dar es Salaam with Qatar Airways land at Julius Nyerere International Airport. Visa restrictions for entry into the country will depend on your country of origin, length of stay and whether your trip is for business or pleasure. Before you fly to Dar es Salaam please check the visa and passport requirements.