How To Get To Tanzania
By the Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris team
Written by our Arusha-based guides and safari planners from first-hand experience in Tanzania.
Getting to Tanzania is easier than many travellers expect. International flights land close to the safari parks, and domestic light aircraft connect the parks with the coast. Here is how to plan your arrival, onward travel and entry paperwork.
International Airports
| Airport | Best for |
|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro International (JRO) | Northern safaris and Kilimanjaro climbs; about an hour from Arusha |
| Julius Nyerere International (DAR) | Southern parks, the coast and connecting flights |
| Abeid Amani Karume International (ZNZ) | Zanzibar beach holidays and safari extensions |
Many travellers connect through major hubs in Europe, the Middle East or East Africa. Flying into Kilimanjaro and out of Zanzibar is a popular way to combine safari and beach without backtracking.
Getting Around
By safari vehicle
On the northern circuit you travel with your private guide in a 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof, game viewing along the way.
By light aircraft
Scheduled and charter flights link Arusha with the Serengeti airstrips, Zanzibar, the southern parks and the far west. Soft bags are usually required because of luggage limits.
Overland from Kenya
Shuttles and private transfers connect Nairobi with Arusha via the Namanga border, making it easy to combine Kenya and Tanzania.
Visas and Entry
- Check whether your nationality needs a visa for Tanzania
- Apply online through the official Tanzania immigration e-visa system well before travel
- Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months with blank pages
- Carry a yellow fever certificate if you arrive from, or transit through, a country with yellow fever risk
- Check Zanzibar’s current entry rules, including any travel insurance requirement
Getting There FAQs
Which airport should I fly into for a Tanzania safari?
For northern safaris and Kilimanjaro, fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about an hour from Arusha. For the southern parks, Dar es Salaam is usually best, and Zanzibar suits beach extensions.
Do I need a visa to visit Tanzania?
Most visitors need a tourist visa. The easiest option is to apply online through the official Tanzania immigration e-visa system before you travel. Requirements vary by nationality, so check the latest rules.
Can I travel from Kenya to Tanzania by road?
Yes. Shuttles and private transfers run between Nairobi and Arusha via the Namanga border. You can also fly between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar.
Will someone meet me at the airport?
Yes. When you book a private safari with us, our team meets you at the airport and transfers you to your hotel, so your trip starts stress-free.
Let Us Handle the Logistics
From airport pick-up to domestic flights, our Arusha team arranges every transfer in your private tailor-made safari.
Plan My Private SafariView Tanzania Safaris