Tanzania is a dream destination for safari lovers, offering incredible wildlife, world-famous national parks, and rich cultural experiences. Whether you’re headed to the Serengeti to witness the Great Migration or relaxing on Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches, the first step to your adventure begins with knowing how to get there.
By
Tribal Culture Safaris
In this complete travel guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about getting to Tanzania — including international airports, flight options, visa requirements, local transport, and essential tips to make your safari journey smooth and stress-free.
Tanzania has several airports, but the two most important for safari travelers are:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Location: Between Arusha and Moshi
Best for: Northern Circuit safaris, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Mount Kilimanjaro
Airlines that fly here: Qatar Airways, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Location: Dar es Salaam
Best for: Southern Circuit safaris, Selous (Nyerere National Park), Ruaha, and beach holidays in Zanzibar
Airlines that fly here: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Turkish Airlines
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Location: Zanzibar Island
Best for: Beach holidays before or after your safari
Airlines that fly here: Qatar Airways, FlyDubai, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and domestic flights from mainland Tanzania
From Europe:
KLM offers daily direct flights from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam.
Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways offer convenient connections via Istanbul and Doha.
From North America:
There are no direct flights, but you can connect through European or Middle Eastern hubs like Amsterdam, Doha, or Istanbul.
From Asia:
Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Ethiopian Airlines offer popular routes with connections in the Middle East or Addis Ababa.
From Africa:
Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines offer multiple daily flights from Nairobi and Addis Ababa to major Tanzanian cities.
After arriving at an international airport, you may need a domestic flight to reach your safari destination or beach lodge.
Top domestic carriers:
Popular domestic routes:
Tip: Small bush planes have strict luggage limits (15 kg in soft bags), so pack light.
Do I need a visa?
Yes — most travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. You can either:
Documents needed:
Yellow Fever Certificate:
Required only if arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever-endemic country.
Tanzania is a vast country, so planning your internal transport is essential.
Safari Transfers:
Most safari companies (like Tribal Culture Safari) will pick you up directly from the airport and handle all road transfers and game drives.
Options Include:
Tip: Roads to safari parks can be bumpy and take time — consider flying into nearby airstrips to save time.
Q1: What is the best airport to fly into for a safari?
For Northern Tanzania safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire), Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the best option. For Southern Circuit or Zanzibar, use Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Zanzibar (ZNZ).
Q2: Can I fly directly to Serengeti?
Yes — local airlines like Coastal Aviation and Auric Air offer scheduled flights to Serengeti airstrips from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar.
Q3: How far is Arusha from Kilimanjaro Airport?
About 50 km (1–1.5 hours by road). Most safari operators provide airport transfers.
Q4: Do I need a visa for a Tanzania safari?
Yes. Most travelers need a tourist visa. You can apply online or get one on arrival at the airport.
Q5: Is it safe to travel to Tanzania with kids?
Yes! Tanzania is a family-friendly destination with experienced guides, safe lodges, and exciting wildlife experiences tailored to all ages.
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