Traveling to Tanzania for Safari: Flights & Airports Guide
Your Complete Air Travel Guide for a Smooth Safari Experience
Planning a safari in Tanzania? Before you can explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park, you’ll first need to figure out how to get there. At Mandari Travel, we want to make every step of your safari experience as easy as possible—including the journey itself. That’s why we’ve put together this helpful guide to flights and airports in Tanzania, so you can arrive ready for adventure.
Main International Airports in Tanzania
Tanzania has three main international airports that serve as the gateways to its iconic safari destinations:
1. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Best for: Northern Circuit safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara)
Kilimanjaro International Airport is located between Arusha and Moshi and is the most popular entry point for safari travelers. Many international visitors arrive here when heading to Tanzania’s northern national parks. From JRO, it’s a short drive to Arusha, the safari hub of the north.
Airlines that fly to JRO:
- Qatar Airways
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- Turkish Airlines
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Kenya Airways
2. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Best for: Southern Circuit safaris (Nyerere/Selous, Mikumi, Ruaha) and Zanzibar extensions
Located in Dar es Salaam, this is Tanzania’s busiest airport. If you’re heading to Ruaha, Nyerere (formerly Selous), or Mikumi, or planning a beach and bush combo with Zanzibar, flying into DAR may be ideal.
Airlines that fly to DAR:
- Emirates
- Qatar Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Swiss
- KLM
- Kenya Airways
3. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Best for: Travelers starting their safari from Zanzibar or ending with a beach holiday
Zanzibar’s main airport receives both international and regional flights. It’s ideal for travelers who want to start or finish their safari with some time on the island’s white-sand beaches.
Airlines that fly to ZNZ:
- Oman Air
- FlyDubai
- Qatar Airways
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Regional flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Serengeti, and more
Domestic Flights to Safari Parks
Once you’re in Tanzania, you’ll often take domestic flights to access the more remote safari destinations. Local carriers operate small planes that land directly in national parks and airstrips near lodges.
Popular domestic airlines:
- Coastal Aviation
- Auric Air
- Regional Air
- Air Excel
At Mandari Travel, we coordinate all domestic flights as part of your custom safari itinerary. This ensures smooth connections from your international arrival to your safari destination—whether it’s the central Serengeti or the heart of Ruaha.
Need Help Planning Flights? We’ve Got You Covered
We understand that booking flights—especially with multiple connections—can be overwhelming. Let Mandari Travel handle it for you. From choosing the right airport to timing your arrivals with your safari schedule, we’ll make sure your journey is seamless from takeoff to touchdown.
📩 Email: info@mandaritravel.com
📞 Call/WhatsApp: +255 750 900 811
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