Getting to Tanzania
Flights, visas, and transfers — everything you need to get from your front door to Arusha, the safari capital of Tanzania. Budget-friendly options included.
Airports for Safari Travellers
For northern circuit safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire), fly into Kilimanjaro (JRO). It’s the closest international airport to Arusha and where 90% of safari travellers land.
JRO — Kilimanjaro International Airport
Location: Between Arusha and Moshi. Distance: 46km from Arusha (1 hour drive). Best for: northern circuit safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire). Airlines: KLM, Ethiopian, Qatar, Turkish, Kenya Airways, Precision Air.
DAR — Julius Nyerere International Airport
Location: Dar es Salaam. Distance: 635km from Arusha (domestic flight or 8-10hr bus). Best for: southern circuit (Nyerere, Ruaha) or Zanzibar-first itineraries. Airlines: Emirates, Ethiopian, Turkish, Qatar, Kenya Airways, South African.
ARK — Arusha Airport
Location: In Arusha city. Distance: 5km from city centre. Best for: Domestic flights only — connections from Dar/Zanzibar. Airlines: Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, Air Tanzania.
- Flight Booking Tip: Book 2-3 months ahead for best prices. Peak season (Jul-Sep) fills early.
- Ethiopian Airlines often has the cheapest routes from Europe via Addis Ababa.
- Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and Qatar (via Doha) are reliable and well-priced.
- KLM flies direct from Amsterdam to JRO — premium but convenient.
- From East Africa: Kenya Airways from Nairobi, or budget shuttle bus ($25).
Airport to Arusha Transfers
| Method | Cost | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Shuttle Bus (JRO → Arusha) | $20-30/person | 1-1.5 hours | Shared minibus. Reliable and cheap. Runs on demand when flights arrive. Book at counter in arrivals. |
| Private Transfer (JRO → Arusha) | $50-80/vehicle | 45 min-1 hour | Pre-booked car meets you at arrivals. Usually included in safari package if arriving same day. |
| Taxi (JRO → Arusha) | $50-70/vehicle | 45 min-1 hour | Negotiate before getting in. Official taxis outside arrivals. Same price as private transfer. |
| Safari pickup (included) | Included | Varies | Most packages include pickup from JRO airport or Arusha hotel on Day 1. Confirm with operator. |
Visa Requirements
Most visitors need a visa. The easiest method is the Tanzania e-Visa — apply online 2-4 weeks before travel. You can also get a Visa on Arrival at JRO or DAR airports, but the queue can take 30-60 minutes.
| Nationality | Cost | Type |
|---|---|---|
| UK, EU, Australia, Canada | $50 | e-Visa or Visa on Arrival |
| United States | $100 | e-Visa or Visa on Arrival |
| South Africa, Kenya, Uganda | Free / Exempt | No visa required |
| India, China, Russia | $50 | e-Visa required (apply in advance) |
- 1
Create an account
Visit visa.immigration.go.tz and create an account.
- 2
Fill in the application form
Personal details, travel dates, accommodation.
- 3
Upload documents
Upload passport photo and passport bio page scan.
- 4
Pay online
Pay $50 or $100 depending on nationality.
- 5
Wait for approval
Wait 3-10 business days for approval email.
- 6
Present on arrival
Print the approval letter and present at immigration on arrival. Apply at least 2 weeks before travel — the system can be slow during peak season.
Budget Overland Routes
Already in East Africa? Here are the cheapest ways to reach Arusha without flying.
Dar es Salaam to Arusha
$20-30Bus (Kilimanjaro Express) · 8-10 hours. Comfortable reclining seats. Departs early morning. Recommended budget option.
Nairobi to Arusha
$25-35Shuttle bus · 5-6 hours. Cross-border shuttle. Includes border crossing assistance. Daily departures.
Zanzibar to Arusha
$100-150Flight · 1.5 hours. Precision Air or Coastal Aviation. Book early for best prices.
Zanzibar to Dar to Arusha
$30-50 totalFerry + Bus · 12+ hours. Budget option: 2hr ferry + overnight bus. Only if time-rich.
Moshi to Arusha
$2-3Local bus/dalla-dalla · 1-1.5 hours. Frequent departures. If landing at JRO and staying in Moshi first.
Arrival Day Tips
Arrive the Day Before
Don’t start your safari on arrival day. Jet lag + long flight + early 6 AM departure is rough. Stay one night in Arusha, rest, and start fresh. Budget hotels from $20-40/night.
Buy a Local SIM
Vodacom (M-Pesa) or Airtel SIMs available at the airport for ~$2. Add 5GB data for ~$5. Useful for maps, WhatsApp with your operator, and emergency calls.
Exchange Money
Don’t exchange at the airport — rates are poor. Use an ATM in Arusha town for Tanzanian Shillings. Keep your USD cash for visa, tips, and emergencies.
Confirm with Your Operator
WhatsApp your safari operator on arrival confirming pickup time and location for Day 1. Have their phone number saved offline in case you don’t have signal immediately.
Ready to Put This Into Practice?
Browse budget safari packages or get a free tailor-made quote from our Arusha team.