Tanzania has three international airports, but Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most common entry point. Once you’re in the country, a good domestic flight network connects the major travel routes, and there is an ever-improving road network for ground travel.
Getting to Tanzania
Tanzania is served by three international airports:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): situated between Arusha and Moshi, this is the most common entry point into the country for those exploring the Northern Safari Circuit that includes the Serengeti, the Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park and Lake Manyara.
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): a good option for those visiting Dar es Salaam or the Southern Safari Circuit that includes Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), and Ruaha National Park.
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ): for those heading straight to Zanzibar, this airport is just 5km (3.1 miles) outside of Stone Town, Zanzibar’s capital.
All three airports have good international connections from most major cities in Europe and North America. It is also possible to fly directly into the Serengeti (Tanzania) from the Masai Mara (Kenya). These flights go via the Migori Airstrip, then by road to the Isebania immigration point before continuing the short drive to Tarime Airstrip for the short flight into the Serengeti.
From USA and Canada:
Many international airlines operate routes to Tanzania connecting through Europe, the Middle East or elsewhere in Africa. The most popular routes and airlines operating flights into Kilimanjaro International Airport are:
- Qatar Airways fly from the US/Canada via Doha and then to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Delta Airlines (codeshares with KLM) fly from the US/Canada via Amsterdam and then to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Turkish Airlines fly from the US/Canada via Istanbul and then to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Ethiopian Airlines fly from the US/Canada via Addis Adaba and then to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Kenya Airways fly from US/Canada via Nairobi and then to Kilimanjaro. This tends to be the quickest route from New York
Getting to Tanzania from UK
There are no direct flights from the UK to Tanzania, although connections are straightforward.
The most convenient flight routing from Europe is via Amsterdam with KLM and its partners or Turkish Airlines via Istanbul and then on to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar es Salaam.
Most travellers from Britain fly via Nairobi then through to Kilimanjaro International Airport with British Airways or Kenya Airways.
Multi-city Flights
If you are doing a safari and beach trip, you will likely be flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport for your safari and flying home from Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
In this case you will need to request a “multi city” flight that will allow you to arrive and depart from different airports.
KLM/Delta, Qatar and Turkish Airlines are popular choices for these types of flights.
At Brilliant, we work with a dedicated flight specialist who can find and book the right international flights on your behalf. Get in touch for more details.