Tanzania, with its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, is a dream destination for adventurers looking to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro or explore the vast wilderness of its national parks on a safari. To embark on these incredible journeys, the first step is reaching Tanzania, and this can be done through various means.

For international travelers, the most common entry point to Tanzania is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is strategically located on the boarder of Arusha region (a gateway to safari destinations in Tanzania) and Kilimanjaro region (the gateway to all Kilimanjaro treks). JRO is well-connected with major airlines, making it a suitable choice for those heading straight to Kilimanjaro or nearby destinations.

Another popular option is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city, or Zanzibar’s Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) if your journey begins on the picturesque island of Zanzibar. From these entry points, you can connect to Arusha, either by domestic flight or road transfer.

All of our safaris begin at a town called Arusha, it’s the main hub of tourism in Tanzania and a getway to all the national parks in the Northern circuit, and for our trekking expeditions all the tour will begin at a town called Moshi, known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Moshi is situated low on the mountain’s south slope, at an altitude of nearly 1000 meters above sea level. Moshi is only 25 miles from Kilimanjaro International Airport by car, and we will arrange transport from the airport to your hotel as part of your trek. Transport is generally available at any time, including the late evening or early morning, and takes approximately three quarters of an hour.

Moshi is an excellent choice for hotel accommodation during your stay, but it does fill up quickly during the peak season, so be sure to reserve your booking with us as early as possible. It is wise to plan a rest day after such a long flight to recover and prepare yourself and your kit for the climb, rather than planning on hitting the mountain the next morning.

Recommended airlines and routes

Some UK travelers choose to fly into Nairobi via Kenyan Airways or British Airways. These flights are only available departing from Heathrow in London. Climbers arriving in Nairobi generally book a transfer flight to Kilimanjaro international Airport via Precision Air, Air Kenya, Air Tanzania or Ethiopian Airways.

We do not recommend flying through Nairobi, because Nairobi Airport is often uncomfortable, and transfer times can sometimes be very long. It also has a reputation for poor baggage handling and delays in transferring baggage between flights.

Turkish Airlines, Air Emirates and Qatar also fly into JRO now, but these flights often involve long delays and flights leaving late at night for UK travelers. However, travelers travelling from the US often report better service and experiences flying with Turkish Airlines, Air Emirates and Qatar, so we do recommend these flights from North America.

For travelers coming from neighboring countries, overland travel is an option. You can cross the border into Tanzania by road from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, or Uganda. Each border has its own visa regulations and customs procedures, so it’s essential to check the latest requirements before your journey.

Tanzania’s extensive network of domestic flights and well-maintained road infrastructure make it relatively easy to access the country’s various attractions. Domestic flights can connect you from Arusha to other cities or airstrips near national parks, while road transfers provide a scenic and immersive way to explore the landscapes of Tanzania