Planning a safari in Tanzania begins with choosing the right airport for your adventure. Tanzania has several airports, each serving different regions and national parks. Whether you’re heading to Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Zanzibar, selecting the right airport can simplify your travel and save time. This guide will help you decide between Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere) International Airport (DAR), and Arusha Airport (ARK) based on your safari destination.
Explore Tanzania safari packages and travel tips here.
1. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): The Best Choice for Northern Tanzania Safaris
Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most popular gateway for those planning a safari in northern Tanzania. Situated between Moshi and Arusha, this airport serves as the main entry point for travelers heading to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Park.
Why Choose Kilimanjaro International Airport?
- Proximity to Major Parks: The airport is ideally located for safaris to northern Tanzania’s famous parks.
- Direct Flights: Kilimanjaro Airport offers several direct flights from major international hubs like Amsterdam, Doha, and Istanbul.
- Time-Saving: Flying into JRO reduces travel time to parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro, as it’s only a short drive from Arusha, the safari hub.
Find out more about flying into Kilimanjaro Airport.
2. Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR): Ideal for Southern and Coastal Safaris
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam is Tanzania’s busiest airport and the main gateway to the country’s southern parks and coastal areas. If you’re planning to visit Selous Game Reserve, Ruaha National Park, or the tropical islands of Zanzibar and Mafia Island, Dar es Salaam is the best airport choice.
Why Choose Dar es Salaam International Airport?
- Access to Southern Parks: Dar es Salaam is closer to southern parks like Selous and Ruaha, making it ideal for a southern Tanzania safari.
- Connections to Zanzibar: If you plan to combine your safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar, DAR offers frequent flights to the island.
- More International Flights: DAR serves more international airlines, offering a wider range of flight options from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Discover flight options from Dar es Salaam.
3. Arusha Airport (ARK): For Quick Access to Serengeti and Tarangire
Arusha Airport is a smaller domestic airport located in Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. While it doesn’t handle international flights, it’s a great option if you’re connecting from Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam to the northern safari parks.
Why Choose Arusha Airport?
- Ideal for Domestic Flights: Arusha Airport offers daily flights to popular parks like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
- Close to Safari Lodges: Many safari lodges and tour operators use Arusha as a base, so landing here ensures a quick start to your safari.
- Convenient for Charter Flights: If you’re taking a charter flight to remote camps in the Serengeti or Tarangire, Arusha Airport is the best connection.
Learn more about domestic flights from Arusha.
4. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ): The Perfect Stop for a Beach Safari Combo
If your itinerary includes both a safari and a relaxing beach holiday, Zanzibar International Airport (also known as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport) is the airport for you. Located on the stunning island of Zanzibar, this airport connects you to beautiful beaches after your wildlife adventure.
Why Choose Zanzibar International Airport?
- Beach and Safari Combo: After exploring Tanzania’s national parks, you can fly directly to Zanzibar for a beach escape.
- Frequent Domestic Flights: Many domestic flights connect from Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam, making Zanzibar an easy destination after your safari.
- International Flights: Zanzibar Airport also offers international flights from major cities in Europe and the Middle East.
Find affordable flights to Zanzibar here.
5. Which Airport to Choose Based on Your Safari Destination
Your choice of airport in Tanzania depends on the specific national parks and areas you plan to visit. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:
- Northern Circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire): Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Southern Circuit (Selous, Ruaha): Fly into Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR).
- Beach & Safari Combo (Zanzibar): Fly into Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ), with connections from JRO or DAR.
- Charter Flights and Remote Camps: Consider flying into Arusha Airport (ARK) for domestic connections to northern parks.
Plan your safari routes and flights here.
6. Direct International Flights to Tanzania
Both Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam airports offer several direct international flights. Here’s an overview of major airlines and routes:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines: Direct flights from Amsterdam.
- Qatar Airways: Flights from Doha with connections worldwide.
- Turkish Airlines: Direct flights from Istanbul.
Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR)
- Emirates: Flights from Dubai to DAR.
- Swiss International Airlines: Flights from Zurich.
- Ethiopian Airlines: Flights from Addis Ababa to DAR.
Check for the latest flight routes and airline connections.
7. Travel Tips for Tanzania’s Airports
When traveling to Tanzania for a safari, keep the following tips in mind to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey:
- Visas: Most international travelers need a tourist visa for Tanzania, which can be obtained on arrival or in advance online.
- Vaccinations: A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required, especially if you’re flying from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Currency: Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), though US dollars are widely accepted at airports and tourist destinations.
Learn more about Tanzania’s entry requirements here.
8. Domestic Flights for Safari Transfers
Once you’ve arrived in Tanzania, domestic flights are the most efficient way to travel between regions. Many small airlines operate flights connecting Tanzania’s main airports with its national parks. Coastal Aviation, Precision Air, and Air Tanzania offer reliable services for safari-goers.
- Popular Routes: Kilimanjaro to Serengeti, Dar es Salaam to Ruaha, and Arusha to Ngorongoro.
- Booking Tip: Book domestic flights in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Find and book domestic flights for your safari.
Conclusion
Choosing the right airport for your Tanzania safari is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re heading to the famous Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater via Kilimanjaro International Airport, exploring the southern parks through Dar es Salaam, or combining your safari with a beach getaway in Zanzibar, Tanzania’s airports offer convenient options for every traveler. Plan your flights wisely to save time and enhance your safari experience.
For more details on Tanzania safari planning and airport options, visit Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist or Eddy Tours & Safaris.