How to Get to Tanzania depends on your travel plans, with international flights arriving through Kilimanjaro International Airport, Julius Nyerere International Airport, or Zanzibar. Choosing the right entry point makes it easy to reach Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania’s top safari parks, or Zanzibar’s beautiful beaches for a smooth and well-planned adventure.
How to Get to Tanzania?
Tanzania is a vast and diverse destination, and the best way to get here depends on what you plan to experience. Whether you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, exploring the famous northern safari circuit, discovering the remote parks of southern or western Tanzania, or relaxing on Zanzibar’s beaches, choosing the right entry point will make your journey smoother, more comfortable, and more cost-effective. Below is a detailed, destination-based travel guide prepared by Awe Safari to help you plan with confidence.
Getting to Tanzania for Mount Kilimanjaro Climbers
For travelers planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the most convenient and recommended arrival point is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). This airport is located between Arusha and Moshi and offers the shortest transfer time to the mountain.
Most international travelers reach JRO via one connection, commonly through Doha, Istanbul, Amsterdam, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi. Popular airlines serving JRO include KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways. Once you arrive, Awe Safari provides direct private transfers to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha, allowing you to rest and prepare for your climb.
For climbers arriving via Nairobi, it is also possible to travel overland by shuttle bus or private vehicle through the Namanga border, which connects Kenya and Tanzania efficiently.
How to Get to Tanzania for Northern Tanzania Safaris
Northern Tanzania is home to iconic safari destinations including Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara. Travelers visiting this region should also fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which serves as the main gateway to the northern safari circuit.
After arrival, guests typically transfer to Arusha, the safari hub of Tanzania. From there, safaris operate by road or by small aircraft flying directly into Serengeti or other park airstrips. Flying into JRO minimizes travel time and avoids unnecessary domestic connections.
For those already in East Africa, regional flights from Nairobi or Addis Ababa to JRO are frequent and reliable, making northern Tanzania easy to combine with Kenya or other neighboring countries.
How to Get to Tanzania for Southern Tanzania Safaris
Southern Tanzania offers a more remote and exclusive safari experience, with highlights such as Nyerere National Park (Selous), Ruaha National Park, and Mikumi National Park. The best entry point for this region is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s largest city and main international gateway, with excellent global connections. From Dar es Salaam, travelers continue by scheduled or chartered domestic flights to southern parks, or by road for closer destinations like Mikumi.
Flying directly into Dar es Salaam reduces internal travel time and allows for seamless connections to southern safari lodges. Awe Safari arranges all domestic flights, transfers, and lodge logistics for a smooth experience.
How to Get to Tanzania for Western Tanzania Safaris
Western Tanzania is known for its wild and less-visited parks such as Katavi National Park and Mahale Mountains National Park, famous for chimpanzee trekking. These areas are remote and require careful travel planning.
Most travelers first arrive in Dar es Salaam, then connect via scheduled or charter flights to western Tanzania airstrips. In some cases, travelers may route through regional hubs such as Mwanza or Kigoma, depending on flight availability.
Because access is limited, advance booking is essential. Awe Safari specializes in organizing complex logistics for western Tanzania, ensuring flights, transfers, and park permits are properly arranged.
Getting to Zanzibar Island
For travelers planning a Zanzibar beach holiday, the best arrival point is Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ). Zanzibar receives direct international flights from Europe, the Middle East, and regional African cities, making it possible to fly straight to the island without passing through mainland Tanzania.
If you are combining Zanzibar with a safari or Kilimanjaro climb, the most common route is to fly into JRO or DAR, then take a short domestic flight to Zanzibar. Flights from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar operate daily and take between 1 and 1.5 hours.
Entering Tanzania by Road
Overland entry is popular for travelers coming from Kenya, especially those arriving via Nairobi. The Namanga border is the most commonly used crossing, connecting directly to Arusha. Shuttle buses and private transfers run daily and are a reliable option for budget-conscious or regional travelers.
Road entry is also possible from Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Mozambique, though these routes are less commonly used by safari travelers.
Visa and Entry Requirements
Most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania, which can be obtained online through the Tanzania eVisa system or on arrival at major airports and border points. Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the travel date. Some travelers may be required to show proof of onward travel and accommodation.
Awe Safari always advises guests to check visa requirements early and can guide you based on your nationality and travel route.
Choosing the Right Entry Point – Final Advice
Selecting the correct arrival airport saves time, energy, and money. Kilimanjaro climbers and northern safari travelers should prioritize Kilimanjaro International Airport, while southern and western safari guests are best served via Dar es Salaam. Zanzibar-bound travelers can fly directly to the island or connect domestically after a safari or climb.
With proper planning and expert local support, getting to Tanzania is straightforward and stress-free. Awe Safari is happy to assist with flight advice, airport transfers, domestic connections, and complete travel coordination to ensure your journey begins smoothly and comfortably.
