How to Access Tanzania, Your Gateway Airports to Adventure.

Planning your dream safari or tropical getaway in Tanzania? Before you find yourself immersed in the vast Serengeti plains or lounging on the white-sand beaches of Zanzibar, the first step is getting here. Tanzania is well-connected by air, with several international and domestic airports offering convenient access to its renowned wildlife destinations and coastal escapes.

1. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Best for: Northern Circuit Safaris – Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Arusha

Located between Arusha and Moshi, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main gateway for travelers heading to the northern safari circuit. It’s the ideal arrival point if your itinerary includes iconic wildlife experiences and luxury lodges in the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater.

International flights available from:

Amsterdam (KLM)

Doha (Qatar Airways)

Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)

Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines)

Nairobi (Kenya Airways)

Pro Tip: Most northern safari tours begin with a night in Arusha for a smooth transition from air to adventure.

2. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)

Best for: Southern Circuit Safaris – Selous, Ruaha, and urban access to Dar es Salaam

Located in Tanzania’s bustling port city, Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) is the country’s busiest airport. It’s a key hub for those exploring Tanzania’s lesser-traveled southern parks or connecting to Zanzibar by ferry or flight.

International flights available from:

Dubai (Emirates)

Doha (Qatar Airways)

Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)

Nairobi and Addis Ababa (regional carriers)

Amsterdam (KLM)

Pro Tip: If you’re flying into DAR for Zanzibar, frequent domestic flights and ferries are available throughout the day.

3. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)

Best for: Zanzibar beach holidays, Stone Town, or post-safari relaxation

Located on Unguja Island, the main island of Zanzibar, ZNZ welcomes visitors heading straight to the beach. Many international and regional carriers now fly directly into Zanzibar, especially during high season.

International flights available from:

Doha (Qatar Airways)

Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)

Dubai (FlyDubai)

Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Kilimanjaro (domestic connections)

Pro Tip: Safari-goers can fly from the Serengeti directly to Zanzibar with regional airlines — making for a seamless bush-to-beach escape.

4. Arusha Airport (ARK)

Best for: Regional flights into Serengeti, Tarangire, Manyara

Though not an international hub, Arusha Airport is essential for travelers taking domestic bush flights. Many safaris begin with a transfer from JRO to ARK for a quick flight into national parks, avoiding long drives.

Helpful Tips When Flying Into Tanzania

Visa: Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival or apply online in advance via the Tanzania Immigration eVisa portal.

Health: A Yellow Fever certificate may be required if you’re arriving from or transiting through a Yellow Fever endemic country.

Luggage: Domestic bush flights often have strict luggage weight limits (typically 15kg per person in soft bags).

✨ Start Your Journey with Ease

Whether you’re flying in for a classic safari, honeymoon, or beach retreat, Tanzania’s airports are well-positioned to connect you to the heart of Africa’s wild beauty. Need help choosing the best route? Our travel team is happy to assist with flight logistics and transfers to ensure your arrival is as smooth as your adventure ahead.