What is the Best Way to Get to Tanzania?

A Comprehensive Guide by Shimboni Africa Tours

Tanzania is one of Africa’s most captivating destinations, offering world-class wildlife safaris, majestic mountain treks, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural experiences. Whether you’re coming to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, explore the Serengeti, or relax on Zanzibar’s sandy shores, getting to Tanzania can be an adventure in itself. Here’s your detailed guide to reaching Tanzania and making the most of your journey.

1. International Airports in Tanzania

Tanzania has three main international airports that cater to visitors from around the globe.

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO):
  Located near Arusha and Moshi, this is the gateway for travelers heading to Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other Northern Circuit attractions.
• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR):
  Situated in Dar es Salaam, this airport is ideal for those visiting Southern Circuit parks like Selous and Ruaha, or traveling to Zanzibar.
• Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ):
  Zanzibar’s primary airport serves travelers heading to the idyllic islands of Zanzibar for beach vacations or cultural experiences in Stone Town.

Each of these airports is well-connected to domestic flights and ground transport for onward travel to your chosen destinations.

2. Best Airlines for International Travel to Tanzania

Several major international airlines provide direct or connecting flights to Tanzania:

• Qatar Airways: Offers excellent connections through Doha to Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.
• Ethiopian Airlines: Connects through Addis Ababa with flights to all three international airports.
• Turkish Airlines: Flies to Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar via Istanbul.
• Kenya Airways: Ideal for connecting through Nairobi, with easy links to Tanzania’s airports.
• Emirates and FlyDubai: Provide connections through Dubai to Tanzania.

For European travelers, airlines like KLM offer direct flights to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam. From the US, you’ll typically have a layover in Europe, the Middle East, or Africa.

3. Domestic Travel in Tanzania

Once you’ve arrived in Tanzania, domestic travel is seamless with several reliable options:

• Domestic Flights:
  Airlines like Air Tanzania, Precision Air, and Coastal Aviation offer regular flights connecting Kilimanjaro, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and regional airports like Arusha, Manyara, and Seronera in the Serengeti.
• Road Travel:
  Tanzania’s road network is well-developed for access to major safari parks and cultural sites. Shimboni Africa Tours provides private, comfortable vehicles for transfers and guided tours.
• Railway and Ferry Services:
  For a scenic experience, you can take a train from Dar es Salaam to the southern highlands or a ferry to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam.

4. Entry Requirements and Visa Information

To enter Tanzania, most travelers need a visa. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tourist Visa: Can be obtained on arrival at the airport or online via the eVisa platform.
• Documents Needed: A valid passport with at least six months validity, a completed visa application, and payment of the visa fee.
• Yellow Fever Certificate: Required if you are arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

We recommend checking Tanzania’s immigration website or consulting with your local Tanzanian embassy for the latest updates.

5. The Best Time to Visit Tanzania

Your mode of travel and arrival timing may depend on the best season for your chosen activities:

• June to October: Dry season, ideal for wildlife safaris and the Great Migration.
• January to March: Calving season in the Serengeti, with abundant wildlife sightings.
• April to May: Low season, with fewer crowds and lush landscapes.
• November to December: Short rains, great for birdwatching and fewer tourists.

6. Tips for Planning Your Arrival

• Book Early: Flights to Tanzania, especially during peak safari or trekking seasons, can fill up quickly.
• Currency Exchange: Bring US dollars or Euros to exchange into Tanzanian Shillings at the airport or local banks.
• Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is essential to cover health, cancellations, and any unforeseen issues.

7. Why Choose Shimboni Africa Tours?

At Shimboni Africa Tours, we offer a seamless travel experience from the moment you land in Tanzania. Here’s how we help:

• Airport Transfers: Private, hassle-free pickups to take you to your hotel or safari destination.
• Personalized Itineraries: Tailored tours and activities to suit your interests.
• Expert Guidance: Local knowledge and 24/7 support to make your trip stress-free.
• Sustainable Travel: Support for local communities and eco-friendly practices.

Tanzania is waiting to welcome you with open arms, and Shimboni Africa Tours is here to make your adventure unforgettable. Whether you’re trekking Kilimanjaro, exploring the Serengeti, or soaking in Zanzibar’s beaches, let us take care of the details so you can focus on the experience.

Start your Tanzanian journey today—book your adventure with Shimboni Africa Tours!