Getting to Tanzania is more straightforward than many travelers expect. The country has well-established international air links, a simple visa process, and a safari infrastructure designed to get you from arrival to your first game drive as smoothly as possible. Whether you are flying from Europe, North America, the Middle East, or within Africa, this guide covers everything you need to know about reaching Tanzania and getting to the national parks.
Main International Airports
Tanzania has two primary international airports serving safari visitors, and choosing the right one depends entirely on your itinerary.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Kilimanjaro International is the most convenient gateway for northern circuit safaris — the classic route that includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. The airport sits at an elevation of 894 meters between the towns of Arusha (46 km) and Moshi (35 km), with the snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro visible on clear days.
JRO is a mid-sized airport with a single terminal. It handles international arrivals efficiently, though expect queues during peak season when multiple flights land close together. The airport has basic facilities including currency exchange, ATMs, a small duty-free shop, and SIM card vendors.
Direct international flights to JRO:
- KLM — Amsterdam (AMS), daily service, 9 hours
- Turkish Airlines — Istanbul (IST), daily service, 7.5 hours
- Qatar Airways — Doha (DOH), daily service, 5.5 hours
- Ethiopian Airlines — Addis Ababa (ADD), multiple daily, 2.5 hours
- Kenya Airways — Nairobi (NBO), multiple daily, 1 hour
- RwandAir — Kigali (KGL), daily, 1.5 hours
- Precision Air — regional connections within East Africa
Pro Tip: If you are flying from North America, the most comfortable routing is typically through Amsterdam (KLM) or Doha (Qatar Airways). Both offer excellent business class products and well-timed connections that arrive in Kilimanjaro in the morning, giving you time to transfer to Arusha and rest before your safari begins the next day.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s largest city and commercial capital (population 5.5 million), Julius Nyerere International has more international connections than Kilimanjaro and is the better choice for:
- Southern circuit safaris — Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha National Parks
- Zanzibar trips — short domestic flights (20 minutes) or ferries (2 hours) connect Dar to Stone Town
- Combined itineraries — flying into DAR and out of JRO (or vice versa) on an open-jaw ticket can save backtracking
The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 3 for international arrivals. Terminal 3 was upgraded recently and offers modern facilities.
Major airlines serving DAR:
- Emirates (Dubai), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Qatar Airways (Doha), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), South African Airways (Johannesburg), Kenya Airways (Nairobi), Swiss (Zurich), and Condor (Frankfurt, seasonal).
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Zanzibar’s airport receives direct international flights from the Middle East and some European destinations, making it possible to start or end your trip on the island. Some travelers fly into Zanzibar, spend a few beach days, then fly domestically to Arusha for safari — or the reverse.
Entry Requirements
Visa
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Tanzania. The process is straightforward but should be handled before arrival to avoid delays.
e-Visa (Recommended)
- Apply online at immigration.go.tz
- Single entry: $50 USD — valid for 90 days
- Multiple entry: $100 USD — valid for 12 months
- Processing time: 3-10 business days (apply at least 2 weeks before travel)
- Required documents: passport scan, passport-style photo, proof of accommodation, return flight booking
- Payment by credit card (Visa/Mastercard)
Visa on Arrival
- Available at JRO, DAR, and ZNZ airports
- Same fees: $50 single entry, $100 multiple entry
- Payment in USD cash (exact amount preferred) or credit card
- Queue times vary — during peak season, expect 30-60 minutes
- Less predictable than e-Visa; occasionally systems go offline
Good to Know: US citizens require a multiple entry visa ($100 USD) regardless of their travel plans — single entry visas are not issued to US passport holders. This is a reciprocity policy. The upside is that you can exit and re-enter Tanzania freely (useful for Kenya-Tanzania cross-border itineraries).
Visa-Exempt Countries Some nationalities do not require a visa for short stays, including citizens of most East African Community countries. Check the Tanzanian immigration website for the current exemption list.
Passport Requirements
- Valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure date from Tanzania
- At least 2 blank pages for entry stamps
- Must be in good condition (torn or damaged passports may be refused)
Vaccinations and Health
- Yellow fever: Mandatory vaccination certificate required if arriving from or transiting through an endemic country (most of sub-Saharan Africa and parts of South America). If flying directly from Europe, North America, or the Middle East, it is not required but still recommended by the WHO.
- Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus-diphtheria booster, and meningococcal meningitis
- Malaria: No vaccine is required, but Tanzania is endemic for malaria. Antimalarial prophylaxis is strongly recommended — consult your travel doctor at least 6 weeks before departure. Read our safari safety guide for detailed malaria prevention advice.
- COVID-19: As of 2026, Tanzania does not require proof of COVID vaccination or testing for entry. Policies can change; check current requirements before travel.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is not optional — it is essential. Medical facilities in and near the national parks are limited, and air evacuation to Nairobi or Dar es Salaam can cost $15,000-50,000 USD without insurance. Ensure your policy covers:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Air ambulance / medical evacuation
- Trip cancellation and interruption
- Lost or delayed luggage
- Adventure activities (if climbing Kilimanjaro)
Companies like World Nomads, Allianz, and IMG Global offer suitable policies for Tanzania safari travel.
Getting from the Airport to Your Safari
Airport Transfers to Arusha
Most safari operators include airport transfers in their packages. The drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha takes approximately 45-60 minutes on a good tarmac road. You will pass through the town of Usa River and have your first glimpse of the semi-arid landscape that characterizes northern Tanzania.
If your flight arrives late, you will overnight in Arusha at a hotel or lodge. Popular options include:
- Arusha Coffee Lodge — set in a coffee plantation, beautiful colonial-era atmosphere
- Mount Meru Hotel — reliable mid-range option in the city center
- African Tulip Hotel — boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and Kilimanjaro views on clear days
Arusha itself is worth a brief exploration if your schedule allows. The clock tower in the center of town marks the midpoint of the Cairo-to-Cape Town road (though this claim is more romantic than accurate). The Masai Market and Cultural Heritage Centre are worth a visit for crafts and art.
Bush Flights Within Tanzania
For travelers who prefer not to spend long hours on rough roads — or whose itinerary requires covering large distances — bush flights are the most efficient way to move between parks. These small propeller aircraft (typically Cessna Caravans carrying 12-14 passengers) land on airstrips within or adjacent to the national parks.
Key bush flight routes from Arusha:
- Arusha to Serengeti (Seronera): 1 hour — versus 7-8 hours driving
- Arusha to Serengeti (Northern/Kogatende): 1.5 hours — versus 10+ hours driving
- Arusha to Ngorongoro (Lake Manyara airstrip): 30 minutes — versus 3.5 hours driving
- Arusha to Tarangire: 30 minutes — versus 2 hours driving
- Serengeti to Zanzibar: 2 hours (via Arusha or direct seasonal)
Bush flight operators:
- Coastal Aviation — the largest domestic carrier, with the most extensive Serengeti schedule
- Auric Air — good coverage of northern circuit parks
- Grumeti Air — serves the western Serengeti corridor
Pro Tip: Bush flights offer spectacular aerial views of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Rift Valley. Sit on the left side of the aircraft on the Arusha-to-Serengeti route for the best views. And do not worry about the tiny airstrips — these pilots fly these routes daily and are highly experienced.
Important bush flight notes:
- Strict luggage limit: 15 kg per person in a soft-sided bag (no hard cases)
- Flights depart early morning (7-8 AM) and sometimes midday
- Schedules are seasonal and can change; your operator will arrange everything
- Flights may make multiple stops at different airstrips
- Cost: approximately $250-500 USD per person per sector depending on route and season
Driving Between Parks
If you are on a driving safari, your driver-guide handles all the logistics. However, understanding the distances and times helps set expectations:
| Route | Distance | Driving Time | Road Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arusha → Tarangire | 120 km | 2 hours | Good tarmac |
| Arusha → Lake Manyara | 130 km | 2.5 hours | Good tarmac |
| Arusha → Ngorongoro (gate) | 190 km | 3.5 hours | Tarmac + gravel |
| Ngorongoro → Serengeti (Naabi gate) | 90 km | 2 hours | Gravel road |
| Arusha → Serengeti (Seronera) | 335 km | 7-8 hours | Mixed |
| Serengeti (Seronera) → Northern Serengeti | 150 km | 3-4 hours | Park roads |
| Dar es Salaam → Nyerere/Selous | 250 km | 5-6 hours | Mixed |
Most driving safaris follow a logical circuit: Arusha → Tarangire → Lake Manyara → Ngorongoro → Serengeti → return. This minimizes backtracking and allows game driving en route between parks. The drives themselves become part of the safari experience — you will pass through Masai villages, see livestock herds on the roadside, and enjoy changing landscapes from highland forest to open savanna.
Good to Know: The road from Ngorongoro to Serengeti drops into the Great Rift Valley floor and crosses the Serengeti’s southern plains. On a clear day, the view from the Ngorongoro descent is one of the most breathtaking in East Africa — your guide will stop for photographs.
Practical Tips for Arrival
Currency and Money
Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). As of 2026, approximately 2,600 TZS = 1 USD. However, US dollars are widely accepted for tourism services, and most safari packages are quoted and paid in USD.
- Bring new, crisp USD bills dated 2006 or later — older bills are not accepted
- $50 and $100 bills get better exchange rates than smaller denominations
- Small bills ($1, $5, $10, $20) are essential for tips, small purchases, and markets
- ATMs are available in Arusha, Moshi, and Dar es Salaam (Visa and Mastercard)
- Credit cards are accepted at most lodges but not in parks or small establishments
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Purchase a local SIM card at the airport or in Arusha for affordable data and calls:
- Vodacom and Airtel are the main networks with the best coverage
- A tourist SIM with 10 GB data costs approximately $5-10 USD
- Coverage in national parks is patchy — Serengeti has signal in some areas (especially central Seronera) but not others
- Lodge Wi-Fi is available but often slow; do not expect streaming capability
Electricity and Power
Tanzania uses UK-style Type G plugs (three rectangular pins) and Type D plugs. Voltage is 230V/50Hz. Bring a universal adapter. Many lodges have limited power hours (typically 6 AM - 10 AM and 6 PM - 10 PM) as they run on solar or generators.
Time Zone
Tanzania is in East Africa Time (EAT), which is UTC+3. There is no daylight saving time. For reference:
- London (GMT): +3 hours
- New York (EST): +8 hours
- Los Angeles (PST): +11 hours
- Dubai: -1 hour
Planning Your Route
For first-time visitors, we recommend the northern circuit — it contains Tanzania’s most iconic parks and the Great Migration route. A typical itinerary flows like this:
- Arrive JRO → transfer to Arusha hotel (Day 1)
- Tarangire → elephants and baobabs (Day 2-3)
- Ngorongoro Crater → Big Five in a single day (Day 4)
- Serengeti → migration, predators, endless plains (Day 5-7)
- Return to Arusha or fly to Zanzibar (Day 8)
This itinerary can be shortened to 5 days or extended to 10+ days depending on your interests and budget. Adding Kilimanjaro before the safari or Zanzibar afterward creates the ultimate Tanzania experience.
Ready to start planning? View our safari packages or check current pricing to find the perfect itinerary for your Tanzania adventure.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to travel to Tanzania?
Yes. Most visitors require a visa. You can obtain an e-Visa online before your trip ($50 USD for single entry) or a visa on arrival at the airport. The online process takes 3-10 business days.
What vaccinations are required for Tanzania?
Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory if traveling from an endemic country. Hepatitis A and B, typhoid and malaria prophylaxis are also recommended. Consult your doctor at least 6 weeks before travel.
Should I fly into Kilimanjaro or Dar es Salaam for a safari?
For northern circuit safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire), fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). It is only 46 km from Arusha, the safari capital. Dar es Salaam (DAR) is better for southern circuit safaris or trips combining Zanzibar.
How long does it take to drive from Arusha to the Serengeti?
The drive from Arusha to the Serengeti (Seronera gate) takes approximately 7-8 hours, covering 335 km on a mix of tarmac and gravel roads. Alternatively, a bush flight from Arusha takes just 1 hour.
Is it safe to drive in Tanzania?
Self-driving is not recommended for safari visitors. Roads are unpaved, signage is poor, driving is on the left, and navigation inside national parks requires expert knowledge. All safari packages include a professional driver-guide with a 4x4 vehicle.
