How to Travel to Tanzania
Tanzania is a dream destination for adventurers, wildlife lovers, and beach enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, explore the Serengeti, or relax on the white sands of Zanzibar, getting to Tanzania is easier than you might think — if you know how to plan it right. This guide covers all the ways to reach Tanzania, including flights, land crossings, and sea routes, plus important visa info and travel tips to make your journey stress-free.
✈️ Flying to Tanzania – Best and Easiest Option
For most travelers, flying is the most practical and comfortable way to get to Tanzania. Tanzania has three major international airports that serve as key entry points:
1. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam
- The largest and busiest airport in Tanzania.
- Best for those heading to the southern safari circuit (like Selous Game Reserve) or the Indian Ocean coast.
- Major airlines that fly here:
- Qatar Airways
- Emirates
- Turkish Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Kenya Airways
2. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Near Arusha
- The best airport if you’re heading to Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, or Ngorongoro Crater.
- Closer to the northern safari circuit.
- Major airlines that fly here:
- KLM
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Qatar Airways
3. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) – Zanzibar
- Best for those starting their trip in Zanzibar or the surrounding islands.
- Ideal for beach vacations and island hopping.
- Major airlines that fly here:
- Qatar Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Kenya Airways
- FlyDubai
Best Flight Routes from Major Regions
Here’s how to reach Tanzania from key global regions:
✅ From the U.S. and Canada:
- No direct flights — most routes transit through major hubs like Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), or Amsterdam (KLM).
✅ From Europe:
- KLM offers direct flights from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam.
- Other good options include Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul) and Qatar Airways (via Doha).
✅ From the Middle East:
- Qatar Airways, Emirates, and FlyDubai provide direct connections.
✅ From Asia:
- Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa) and Qatar Airways (via Doha) are the most convenient options.
✅ From Africa:
- Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines have extensive networks connecting to Tanzania.
- Regional airlines like Precision Air and Air Tanzania offer convenient domestic connections.
🌍 Entering Tanzania by Land
If you’re already traveling through East Africa, entering Tanzania by land is possible through several border crossings:
1. Kenya-Tanzania Border Crossings
- Namanga: The most popular and well-maintained border for those traveling between Nairobi and Arusha.
- Taveta: Ideal for those traveling between Mombasa and Moshi/Kilimanjaro.
2. Uganda-Tanzania Border Crossings
- Mutukula: The main crossing point for travelers coming from Kampala.
3. Zambia-Tanzania Border Crossing
- Tunduma: Used for those traveling from Lusaka to Mbeya.
4. Rwanda-Tanzania Border Crossing
- Rusumo: A key crossing for travelers coming from Kigali.
👉 Pro Tip: Border crossings can take time due to paperwork and inspections — carry some snacks and water!
🚢 Traveling to Tanzania by Sea
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can arrive in Tanzania by boat:
1. Zanzibar Ferry
- High-speed ferries operate between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
- Travel time: About 2 hours.
2. Cruise Ships
- Some international cruise lines stop at ports in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam.
- Smaller adventure cruise lines also stop at ports along the Tanzanian coast.
🛂 Visa Requirements – What You Need to Know
Most travelers will need a visa to enter Tanzania. Luckily, it’s pretty straightforward.
1. Visa on Arrival
- Available at major airports and some land borders.
- Cost: $50 USD (except for U.S. citizens who pay $100 USD for a multiple-entry visa).
- Payment: Cash (USD) is preferred.
2. E-Visa
- Apply online through the official Tanzania Immigration website (https://eservices.immigration.go.tz).
- Processing time: Usually 3–7 business days.
- Recommended for smoother entry.
3. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens of some African and Commonwealth countries can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Check the latest list on the official immigration website.
👉 Pro Tip: Your passport should have at least 6 months of validity and two blank pages for entry stamps.
🚖 Getting from the Airport to Your Destination
Once you arrive, you’ll need to get to your hotel or safari lodge:
✅ Dar es Salaam:
- Taxis and ride-sharing apps (like Bolt) are available.
- Many hotels offer airport pickups.
✅ Kilimanjaro:
- Shuttle buses to Arusha are common.
- Private transfers are also available.
✅ Zanzibar:
- Taxis are the main transport option.
- Many beach resorts offer private transfers.
🦒 Best Time to Visit Tanzania
Timing your visit right makes a big difference:
✅ Best Time for Safaris:
- June to October – Dry season = easier animal spotting.
- July to September – Great for the Great Migration in Serengeti.
✅ Best Time for Climbing Kilimanjaro:
- January to March and June to October – Best weather conditions.
✅ Best Time for Zanzibar:
- June to October – Cooler and less humid.
💡 Pro Travel Tips
👉 Get travel insurance – It’s essential for medical emergencies and cancellations.
👉 Pack light – Safari flights have strict weight limits (usually 15 kg).
👉 Cash is king – Credit cards aren’t widely accepted outside major cities.
👉 Learn basic Swahili phrases – “Jambo” (Hello), “Asante” (Thank you) go a long way!
