Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): Guide to Paid Access Lounges

Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), sometimes called Dar es Salaam Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Dar es Salaam, the most populous city in Tanzania.

It is named after the nation's first president and has flights to destinations across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

DAR serves as the main hub for the national flag carrier, Air Tanzania, and is frequented by major international carriers including Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Qatar Airways. Key domestic carriers include Flightlink and Precision Air.

There are 4 lounges you can pay to enter at Julius Nyerere International Airport.

This guide covers everything you need to know, including their locations, opening hours, amenities, and the different ways to access them.

Terminals 2 and 3 are situated next to each other. It is about a 5-minute walk via a covered outdoor walkway.

Terminal 1 is approximately 1 km away from the main complex, so taking an airport taxi or arranging for a private shuttle is recommended. The airport does not provide complimentary shuttle buses.

The CIP Lounge in Terminal 1 offers a variety of seating options and has complimentary shower facilities. Wildlife artwork adds a local touch to the interior.

Note that some sites refer to this space as the 'Equity Aviation Lounge'.

Airside after security, the lounge is located in the waiting area on the ground level.

05:30-20:00 (5:30am-8pm) daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 hours.

• Non-alcoholic beverages (complimentary)

• Alcoholic beverages (for an extra fee)

• Shower facilities (complimentary, subject to availability)

• Wi-Fi

• Luggage storage (for an extra fee)

• Kids' play area

• Nursing room

• Smoking area

• TVs

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 2 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The CIP Lounge in Terminal 3 offers an outdoor seating area, a dedicated children’s area, workstations and massage chairs.

It is highly rated, with guests praising the atmosphere and cleanliness, as well as the outdoor area, with table football and billiards available for guests.

Airside, after passport control, turn right and proceed towards Gate C6. Pass the elevators, and after the stores, take the first left; the lounge entrance is located at the end of the hallway.

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 4 hours.

• Hot and cold food

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary, subject to availability)

• Wi-Fi

• TVs

• Outdoor area

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • If you are a SkyTeam Elite Plus member or flying business/first class with a SkyTeam airline

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 5 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Twiga Lounge is spacious with several seating areas, including lounge chairs, dining tables and quiet corners.

Guests can enjoy buffet food as well as showers, massage chairs and a separate children’s play area.

After passport control and security, take the escalator on the right and go to Level 2. The lounge is located on the right.

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 3 or 4 hours (depending on their access method).

• Hot and cold buffet

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Shower facilities (complimentary, subject to availability)

• Wi-Fi

• Prayer/meditation room

• Kids' area

• Smoking area

• TVs

• Other Advance Purchase Options:

• Memberships:

  • Priority Pass and Dreamfolks members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

  • A Dragonpass membership plan will get you entry into this lounge, for a maximum 3-hour stay. You can also purchase a one-off walk-up pass for US$55, without a membership.

  • Complimentary guest entitlements depend on your membership provider and plan.

• Airline Status or Travel Class:

  • If you are flying first/business class or are a oneworld Emerald/Sapphire tier member and flying with Qatar Airways you have access to the Twiga Lounge.

• Cardholders:

  • Access is available with cards offering Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or Dragonpass memberships. Examples include:

    • Dragonpass via Visa Airport Companion (Visa Platinum/Infinite/Signature)

    • LoungeKey via eligible Mastercards

    • Mastercard Travel Pass

    • Priority Pass‑linked cards like American Express Platinum and Diners Club

• Walk-Up Access: You can purchase access at the reception desk directly.

Children under 6 years old are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.

The Serengeti Lounge is located landside before passport control and security, making it an option for both arriving passengers and departing travelers.

Armchairs and small tables provide seating, with Wi-Fi, snacks and drinks available.

It is not accessible to transit passengers who are remaining airside during their connection.

Landside before passport control and security near staff security on Level 1.

24 hours daily

Guests can stay at this lounge for up to 4 hours.

• Hot and cold food

• Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages

• Wi-Fi

• Memberships: Dreamfolks members can access this lounge as per their membership benefits.

• Best for food: The Twiga Lounge has a combination of buffet refreshments and dishes prepared on request. A first-hand review praises the freshness of the food, with options including samosas, masala chips, and toasted sandwiches.

• Best for relaxing or working: The Terminal 3 CIP Lounge features both indoor and outdoor seating areas, as well as workstations. The outdoor space may offer a welcome change of surroundings during longer waits.

• Most budget-friendly option: The Terminal 1 CIP Lounge has the lowest price of the 4 — but it is only suitable for passengers on private flights departing Terminal 1.

Julius Nyerere International Airport offers 4 paid access lounges. Your choice depends on your departure terminal and whether you need access before or after security.

In Terminal 3, both the Twiga and CIP Lounges have solid food offerings and a variety of amenities, including showers. The CIP Lounge has the added appeal of an outdoor area.

Serengeti’s landside location makes it useful before check-in opens or after an arriving flight. For passengers departing from Terminal 1, the CIP Lounge provides the lowest-priced option of the 4.