When planning your adventure to Tanzania, one of the most common questions travelers ask is: Which airport should I land at for Kilimanjaro and safari? Choosing the right airport is essential to save travel time, reduce costs, and make your journey as smooth as possible. Whether you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or exploring Tanzania’s world-famous national parks such as Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, the right arrival airport can make a big difference.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – The Closest to Kilimanjaro
If your main goal is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the most convenient airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Located between Moshi and Arusha, JRO is about a 45-minute drive to Moshi (the base town for most Kilimanjaro climbs) and 1 hour to Arusha (a major safari hub).
- Best for: Kilimanjaro climbs, Northern Tanzania safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara).
- Flights: JRO receives international flights from major airlines such as KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways.
- Advantage: Direct access to both trekking and safari destinations with minimal road transfers.
Julius Nyerere International Airport, Dar es Salaam (DAR)
If you plan to combine your safari with a Zanzibar beach holiday or are entering Tanzania from southern destinations, Dar es Salaam (DAR) may be a good choice. While not close to Kilimanjaro, Dar is Tanzania’s largest airport and has many international connections.
- Best for: Southern Tanzania safaris (Selous, Ruaha) and Zanzibar extensions.
- Flights to Kilimanjaro: You can take a short domestic flight from Dar to JRO (about 1.5 hours).
- Advantage: More frequent international flights and convenient for those traveling on a multi-destination trip.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport, Zanzibar (ZNZ)
Travelers who want to relax on Zanzibar’s pristine beaches before or after their safari often choose to fly into Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ). While not near Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar connects to JRO and Arusha via domestic airlines such as Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, and Air Tanzania.
- Best for: Zanzibar beach holidays combined with a Kilimanjaro climb or northern safari.
- Flights to Kilimanjaro: Daily domestic flights link Zanzibar with JRO and Arusha Airport.
- Advantage: Perfect for combining wildlife adventure with tropical relaxation.
Arusha Airport (ARK)
For travelers heading straight into safari, Arusha Airport (ARK) is a smaller domestic airport located close to Arusha town. While it does not handle international flights, it is very convenient if you connect from Zanzibar, Dar, or Nairobi.
- Best for: Domestic safari connections within Tanzania.
- Flights: Receives domestic flights only, mainly from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and Kilimanjaro.
- Advantage: Saves ground travel time to your safari starting point.
Nairobi, Kenya (NBO or WIL)
Some climbers and safari travelers also choose to fly into Nairobi, Kenya, which is well-connected internationally. From Nairobi, you can take a shuttle bus or short flight into Arusha or Kilimanjaro.
- Best for: Budget travelers or those adding Kenya to their itinerary.
- Travel time: By road, about 5–6 hours from Nairobi to Arusha. By air, a short 1-hour flight to JRO.
- Advantage: Sometimes cheaper international flight options and a chance to explore Kenya before crossing into Tanzania.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
- Climbing Kilimanjaro only? Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Northern Tanzania safari + Kilimanjaro? JRO is still your best option.
- Zanzibar beach + safari? Arrive via ZNZ or DAR, then connect to JRO or Arusha.
- Adding Kenya to your trip? Fly into Nairobi (NBO) and transfer to Tanzania.
Travel Made Easy with Hilltop Travel
At Hilltop Travel, we help our guests choose the most convenient airport for their itinerary. Whether you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, going on a private Serengeti safari, or combining your trip with Zanzibar, our team ensures smooth airport transfers, hotel arrangements, and flight connections.
Plan your Tanzania adventure with Hilltop Travel and arrive stress-free, knowing you’ve chosen the right airport for your journey.
