How To Prepare For A Trip To Tanzania?

Getting to Tanzania is straightforward with several convenient travel options. If you’re flying, you can arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, or Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar.

For land travel, roads from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda offer direct access, and the TAZARA rail provides a scenic route from Zambia. You can also choose to arrive by sea at the ports in Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.

Begin planning your journey by choosing your preferred mode of transportation. Our customized Tanzania Safari Packages are designed to make your trip unforgettable, starting with how you get here.

Reaching Tanzania by Air

Arriving in Tanzania by air is straightforward, with three main international airports connecting you to the country’s key destinations:

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – This airport is situated between Arusha and Moshi, serving as the main gateway for those looking to explore the Northern Safari Circuit. This includes popular spots like Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire National Park, and Lake Manyara.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Located in Dar es Salaam, this airport is perfect for visitors aiming to venture into the Southern Safari Circuit, which includes Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous) and Ruaha National Park.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) –Just 5 kilometres from Stone Town in Zanzibar, it’s ideal for travellers who want to dive straight into the island’s rich culture and stunning beaches.

These airports offer strong international connections, making it easy for travellers from Europe and North America to reach Tanzania.

Additionally, there are direct flights linking the Serengeti with Kenya’s Masai Mara. These flights typically stop at Migori Airstrip, where travellers switch to a short road transfer to Isebania for border procedures, before catching another flight from Tarime Airstrip into the Serengeti, ensuring an efficient continuation of your safari adventure.

Travelling to Tanzania from Canada & USA

Travellers from North America can easily reach Tanzania through several well-connected international airlines. Here’s how you can get to Tanzania from the USA or Canada:

Qatar Airways offers flights via Doha to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Delta Airlines, in partnership with KLM, flies via Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro.
Turkish Airlines connects through Istanbul to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Ethiopian Airlines routes through Addis Ababa on their way to Kilimanjaro.
Kenya Airways provides a relatively quick connection via Nairobi, often the fastest route from New York.

All of these ways to get to Tanzania are safe and easy, so you can start your Tanzania tour without any problems. These airlines can meet a wide range of needs and wants, whether you’re looking for a quick trip or certain amenities.

Travelling to Tanzania from the UK

Although direct flights are not an option, travellers from the UK have several other convenient flight routes to reach Tanzania.

Via Amsterdam – KLM and its partners offer well-coordinated flights from Europe, connecting through Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro International Airport or Dar es Salaam.
Via Istanbul – Turkish Airlines provides connections via Istanbul to both Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam.
Via Nairobi – A popular route for UK travellers is to fly with British Airways or Kenya Airways to Nairobi, and then onward to Kilimanjaro International Airport.

People coming from the UK can easily get to Tanzania via these routes. Choose the one depending on the route you are travelling.

Reaching Tanzania by Bus

Travelling to Tanzania by bus is a convenient and economical option if you’re coming from neighbouring countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia. Here’s a straightforward guide to bus travel into Tanzania:

From Kenya – Buses from Nairobi and Mombasa head to Dar es Salaam, costing around $20-$35. The journey takes approximately 12-17 hours depending on your starting point.
From Uganda – Departing from Kampala, you can reach Dar es Salaam for $30-$50 with the journey lasting about 24-26 hours.
From Rwanda – Buses from Kigali cost about $40-$60 and take 24-26 hours to get to Dar es Salaam.
From Zambia – Buses from Lusaka to Dar es Salaam also range from $40-$60 and take about 24-26 hours.

These bus routes offer an accessible way to explore Tanzania, allowing travellers to see the landscape and meet locals along the way. You can consider the bus for an adventurous start to your Tanzania safari.

Reaching Tanzania by Rail

Getting to Tanzania by train is a scenic and relaxing way to enter the country, with two primary rail services available:

Tanzania-Zambia Railway Authority (TAZARA) – This train connects Dar es Salaam in Tanzania to Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia. It features sleeping cars and a restaurant car, making the 45-hour journey across 1,860 kilometres comfortable and enjoyable. First-class tickets cost around 47,000 Tanzanian shillings.
Tanzania Railways Corporation (TRC) – TRC offers deluxe passenger services from Dar es Salaam to Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika. Additionally, it runs limited commuter train services within Dar es Salaam.

These rail choices give you a unique view of the landscape and a memorable way to start your Tanzania safari.

Reaching Tanzania by Road

A direct and scenic route into Tanzania is available for those who wish to experience the journey as much as the destination by driving from neighbouring countries.

From Kenya – You can enter Tanzania through several border points such as Namanga, Taveta, and Isebania. The drive from Nairobi to these borders takes about 5-6 hours, covering approximately 280 kilometres.
From Uganda – The journey starts at the Mutukula border post, leading to Tanzanian cities like Mwanza and Dar es Salaam. The trip from Kampala to the border typically lasts 10-12 hours.
From Rwanda – Access Tanzania via the Rusumo border post. It’s about an 8–10-hour drive from Kigali, spanning around 340 kilometres, and connects you directly to places like Bukoba and Mwanza.

In addition to transporting, you to Tanzania, these road excursions provide an opportunity to appreciate the expansive, breathtaking landscapes that await you along the way.

Reaching Tanzania by Water

You can also get to Tanzania by sea. The main ports are Dar es Salaam, Tanga, and Mtwara, with Dar es Salaam being the busiest. From places like Kenya, you can take a ferry to Tanzania. Some cruise ships also stop at these ports.

Begin Your Tanzanian Adventure

The process of travelling to Tanzania is both flexible and seamless, as it offers a variety of transportation alternatives, including air, road, rail, and sea.

Plan your journey today, whether you are arriving by sea, crossing by land from a neighbouring country, or flying into one of our bustling airports.

Explore our Tanzania Safari Tours and uncover the majesty and diversity of Tanzania, where you will encounter unforgettable experiences.