How to Get to Mount Kilimanjaro. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Kilimanjaro

Airports

Kilimanjaro International Airport is the main gateway for climbers.

Main & Secondary Hubs

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Main and most convenient airport for climbers. Sits between Moshi and Arusha.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR): In Dar es Salaam. Further from Kilimanjaro. Used if combining with Southern Circuit safaris or certain airlines. Needs a domestic flight to JRO or Arusha.
Arusha Airport (ARK): Domestic airport near Arusha. Used for regional flights (e.g., from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam) or charter flights to safari parks.

Airlines & Routes

Various international and domestic carriers serve Tanzania. Direct flight options are limited, often involving layovers in major global hubs.

Carrier Insights

International: KLM (via Amsterdam), Ethiopian Airlines (via The Capital of ethiopia), Qatar Airways (via Doha), Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul), Kenya Airways (via Nairobi).
Domestic: Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, Air Tanzania. Connect between JRO, DAR, ARK, Zanzibar, and safari airstrips.
Limited direct flights from outside Africa. KLM offers one direct flight from Amsterdam (AMS) to JRO. Most others have layovers.

Booking Insights

Flights are available year-round. Prices peak during climbing seasons (Jan-Mar, Jun-Oct) and major holidays. Booking 6+ months ahead is advised for better rates. Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner are resources.

Airport Transfers JRO

JRO has fundamental facilities. Transfers from the airport to your city or places to stay are typically arranged by your travel company. This is the most common and recommended approach.

Transfer Options

Taxis are available outside JRO terminal. Negotiate fares before departure. Expect $30-$50 to Moshi (45-60 min) and $50-$80 to Arusha (1.5-2 hours). Pre-arranged transfers simplify arrival.

Land Journeys

Border Crossings

Kenya-Tanzania Borders: Common crossings are Namanga (Nairobi-Arusha) and Taveta/Holili (Voi-Moshi).
Procedures: Valid passport, visa (advance or VoA check), and Yellow Fever certificate. Expect potential delays.
Long-Distance Buses: Connect major towns (Moshi, Arusha, Dar es Salaam). Companies like Dar Express, Kilimanjaro Express. Useful for inter-city travel on a budget and with time.

Self-Driving & Roads

Requirements: International Driving Permit (IDP) with national license. Minimum age typically 23-25.
Conditions: Main roads paved but can have potholes. Rural routes to park gates are often unpaved and rough.
Safety: Aggressive road behavior, poorly maintained vehicles, pedestrians/livestock on roads, limited night lighting. DiscoverCars.com for rental information.

Departure & Onward Travel

Departure Process

Departure taxes are usually included in your airfare. Plan your airport arrival time carefully.

Exit Strategy

Exit Fees: Departure taxes for international flights from Tanzania are typically included in airfare. Timing: Arrive 3 hours before international flights (JRO) and 1.5-2 hours before domestic flights (JRO/ARK). Procedures: Standard check-in, security screening, and passport control.

Airport Facilities

JRO has basic facilities for departing travelers. This includes small shops for souvenirs, duty-free, plus few food options. Wi-Fi availability varies and can be slow.

Sea/River Arrivals

Not Applicable for Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is an inland destination. Arriving by sea mainly relate to coastal areas like Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar.

This section does not pertain to direct travel to Kilimanjaro.
Coastal cities are main entry points for water transportation.
Future travel to coastal regions may involve sea transport.

Important Travel Tip

Confirm all flight and transfer details with your tour operator or airline well in advance of your travel dates. This avoids last-minute complications.

How to Get to Mount Kilimanjaro