Planning a safari in East Africa is exciting, but it can also be confusing. One of the first questions many people ask is: what is the best Tanzania airport for safari? This is an important question because Tanzania is a big country with many national parks, and your adventure starts the moment you land.
In this article, we will help you understand the best Tanzania airport for safari, depending on where you want to go. We’ll also explain what you should expect when you land, how far the parks are, and how to make your travel smooth.
Why Your Airport Choice Matters
Choosing the right Tanzania airport for safari can save you a lot of time and money. Tanzania has several international and domestic airports. Some are close to famous parks, while others are far. If you pick the wrong airport, you might end up taking long drives or extra flights to get to your safari destination.
That’s why it’s important to know which Tanzania airport for safari is the best for your specific trip.
Top International Airports in Tanzania
There are three main international airports to consider when planning a safari in Tanzania:
1. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Best for: Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks
If you’re heading to northern Tanzania, then Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most popular choice. This is the best Tanzania airport for safari in the north. It is located between Arusha and Moshi towns.
From this airport, you can quickly reach the safari city of Arusha, which is the starting point for many tours to the Serengeti and other nearby parks.
Pros:
- Closest international airport to the northern safari circuit
- Lots of daily flights to and from Europe, the Middle East, and Kenya
- Short drive to Arusha (about 1 hour)
Cons:
- Can be busy during high season
2. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Best for: Southern Tanzania safaris like Selous and Ruaha
If you want to explore Tanzania’s southern parks, then flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is a good idea. This is the biggest and busiest airport in Tanzania.
However, it is far from the northern parks. So if you’re going to Serengeti or Ngorongoro, this is not the best Tanzania airport for safari.
Pros:
- Many international flights
- Great for southern and coastal safari options
- Close to Zanzibar
Cons:
- Far from northern parks
- You may need extra domestic flights to reach safari zones
3. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Best for: Safari + beach holidays
If you want to combine safari and beach, then Zanzibar’s main airport can be part of your travel plan. You can fly into Zanzibar, enjoy the beach, then take a short flight to Arusha or Serengeti.
While this isn’t the best Tanzania airport for safari on its own, it works well in a mixed trip.
Pros:
- Perfect for beach and safari combo
- Many domestic connections
- Good for relaxed travel schedules
Cons:
- Need a domestic flight to reach national parks
Best Domestic Airports for Safari Transfers
Sometimes, after landing at an international airport, you will need to take a short flight to get closer to the park. Here are some important domestic airports for safari lovers:
Arusha Airport (ARK)
This small airport is perfect for flying to the Serengeti or Tarangire. If you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a quick transfer to Arusha Airport can help you avoid long road trips.
Seronera Airstrip (SEU)
Located in the heart of Serengeti National Park, Seronera is the best domestic airstrip for those who want to jump straight into the wild. If you take a small plane from Arusha or Kilimanjaro, you can land here and begin your safari within minutes.
Manyara Airstrip
Great for those visiting Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro Crater. This airstrip is surrounded by nature and offers amazing views when you land.
Choosing the Right Tanzania Airport for Safari
So how do you choose the best Tanzania airport for safari? Here are some tips:
- For Serengeti and northern parks: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport
- For southern parks: Use Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam
- For beach and safari combo: Arrive via Zanzibar Airport and take a domestic flight
- To avoid long drives: Use domestic flights to airstrips like Seronera or Manyara
Your travel agent or safari company can help book the right flights based on your itinerary.
What to Expect When You Land
No matter which Tanzania airport for safari you choose, here are a few things to expect:
- Visa requirements: Most visitors need a visa, which you can get online or on arrival
- Health checks: You may need a yellow fever card and proof of COVID-19 vaccination (check current rules)
- Airport transfers: Most safari companies will meet you at the airport with a driver or guide
- Currency exchange: You can change money at the airport, but rates may be better in town
Final Thoughts
Picking the right Tanzania airport for safari is one of the first and most important steps in planning your trip. It affects how much time you spend traveling, how much money you spend, and how soon you get to see the amazing wildlife of Tanzania.
For most people going on safari in the Serengeti, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the best choice. It’s close to Arusha and offers great access to the northern parks. If you’re heading south or want to visit the beach, other airports may work better for you.
No matter which route you take, your adventure in Tanzania will be unforgettable.
FAQS
Where to fly into for a safari in Tanzania?
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located between Arusha and Moshi, is the main gateway for travelers visiting Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit. This includes popular destinations such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara.
Which airport is best for safari?
A popular way to begin a fly-in safari to the Serengeti is by departing from either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). Flights from these airports take roughly 1 to 5 hours to reach one of the seven airstrips located within Serengeti National Park
Which airport should I land in Tanzania?
The best airport to fly into depends on where you’re headed in Tanzania. Julius Nyerere International Airport is convenient for coastal travel and connections to Zanzibar. Kilimanjaro International Airport is often considered the top Tanzania airport for safari, especially for northern safaris and trips to Mount Kilimanjaro. For direct access to Zanzibar, Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the main entry point.
Which airport is closest to Serengeti?
The main international airport near Serengeti National Park is Kilimanjaro International Airport. It is located in Arusha, near Moshi town, close to Mount Kilimanjaro Africa’s highest peak.
How do I get to Serengeti from Kenya?
There is no direct route from Nairobi to the Serengeti. However, one option is to take a taxi to Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), fly to Mara Serena Airport (MRE), and then drive to the Serengeti. Alternatively, you can travel by bus from Nairobi to the Serengeti via Sirare, which takes approximately 11 hours and 17 minutes.
