Flights to Tanzania How to get to Kilimanjaro Dar es Salaam Zanzibar
Practical guidance on airports, routes, transfer options, and booking tips — ideal for climbers, safari-goers and beach travelers.
Main airports to know
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — nearest airport for Mount Kilimanjaro and northern Tanzania safaris.
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) — Dar es Salaam: main port city & gateway to southern / central Tanzania.
- Zanzibar International / Abeid Amani Karume (ZNZ) — Zanzibar archipelago: beaches and island holidays.
Typical international routes
Most international travelers connect via major hubs such as Istanbul, Doha, Dubai, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam or European gateways. Choose JRO for Kilimanjaro climbs; for beach + Zanzibar, fly to ZNZ (direct or via DAR).
Tip: check multi-city tickets (e.g., fly into JRO and out of ZNZ) to save time and avoid backtracking.
How to search & book flights (practical)
- Start with flexible dates — many fares drop mid-week.
- Search from multiple departure hubs (your nearest big airport + nearby hubs).
- Compare 1-stop vs 2-stop — sometimes a slightly longer route is much cheaper.
- If traveling to Kilimanjaro for a trek, allow at least 1 extra day to recover before the climb.
- Consider airlines' baggage policies — climbing and safari gear can require extra allowance.
Arrival & transfer options
Kilimanjaro (JRO)
Transfer time to Moshi / Arusha: ~45–90 mins depending on traffic. We arrange private transfers and meeting at the arrivals hall.
Best for: Kilimanjaro treks & northern safaris.
Dar es Salaam (DAR)
Large international hub with ferries and domestic flights to Zanzibar and other regions. Transfer to central Dar hotels: 20–60 mins.
Best for: southern/central Tanzania, starting points for some cultural tours.
Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Small airport near Stone Town — quick taxi or hotel transfer. Domestic flights from DAR and JRO are frequent.
Best for: beach holidays and island hopping.
Practical travel notes
- Visas: Many nationalities require a visa for Tanzania. Check the latest visa rules before travel and confirm vaccination or health entry requirements.
- Arrival time: If you start a trek the next day, arrive a day earlier and overnight in Moshi or Arusha to rest.
- Baggage: For domestic flights (especially small aircraft) check strict weight limits; pack trekking luggage thoughtfully.
- Currency & payments: Carry some USD for emergencies; most tour operators accept card payments but cash is useful in smaller towns.
We can recommend the best arrival airport and arrange pickups, accommodation, and acclimatization nights.
Plans change — refundable or date-change options save stress.
Arrive a day early for treks and same-day flight connections.
Domestic airlines have strict weight limits — sack packing helps.
Sometimes flying to DAR + domestic to ZNZ is cheaper than an international ZNZ fare.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airport is best for Kilimanjaro treks?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the most convenient for Moshi and Kilimanjaro routes.
Can I fly into one airport and out of another?
Yes — many travellers fly into JRO for a trek and depart from ZNZ after a Zanzibar stay. Book open-jaw / multi-city tickets when possible.
Do I need a visa when flying into Tanzania?
Most nationalities require a visa for Tanzania. You can usually obtain it online (eVisa) or on arrival at JRO, DAR, and ZNZ airports.
How early should I arrive before a Kilimanjaro climb?
We recommend arriving at least one day before your trek to rest, recover from jet lag, and allow for any flight delays.
Are there direct flights to Zanzibar?
Yes, several airlines fly direct to Zanzibar from Europe and the Middle East. Otherwise, connect through DAR or JRO with a short domestic flight.
links:
Last reviewed: Sep 2025 — Always check the latest airline and visa rules before booking.