Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous places in Africa. It is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain on the continent. Many travelers visit this beautiful place for hiking, wildlife safaris, or just to enjoy nature. But how do you get there?
The best way to reach Kilimanjaro is by flight. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main airport serving the region. Many airlines offer flights to JRO from around the world. If you are driving, the nearest border crossings are the Namanga and Taveta borders, both from the neighbouring country of Kenya.
This guide will explain everything about getting to Kilimanjaro, the best flight options, and travel tips to make your journey easy and smooth.
Where is Kilimanjaro?
The Kilimanjaro region is in Tanzania, East Africa. It is home to Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa and one of the most famous hiking spots in the world. The mountain is located in northern Tanzania, which is close to the border with Kenya.
The two closest towns to Kilimanjaro are Moshi and Arusha. Moshi is about 20 kilometers (25 miles) from Mount Kilimanjaro, while Arusha is around 75 kilometers (47 miles) away. These towns are the main tourist hubs because they have hotels, restaurants, and tour companies that help visitors explore Kilimanjaro and nearby safari destinations.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the nearest airport for those flying in. It is about 45 kilometers (28 miles) from Moshi and 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Arusha. Many travelers arrive here before heading to their adventure in Kilimanjaro National Park.
Flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main airport for travelers visiting Mount Kilimanjaro, northern Tanzania, and nearby safari destinations. The airport handles both international and regional flights which makes it easy for tourists to reach Kilimanjaro from different parts of the world.
Many well-known airlines operate flights to JRO, including KLM, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, Air France, Precision Air, and Air Tanzania. These airlines provide connections from major cities such as Amsterdam, Doha, Addis Ababa, Istanbul, and Nairobi, providing smooth access to Tanzania.
There are alternative options if you cannot find a direct flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya, is one of the busiest airports in Africa and offers many international flights. From Nairobi, travelers can take a short one-hour flight to JRO or travel by bus to Moshi or Arusha, which takes around 5 to 6 hours.
Another option is to fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam which is Tanzania’s largest airport. While this airport has more international connections, reaching Kilimanjaro from Dar es Salaam requires a domestic flight of about 1.5 hours or a long bus journey of 10 to 12 hours.
Choosing the best airport depends on your travel plans. If you want the quickest route then JRO is the best option since it is closest to Kilimanjaro. Nairobi (NBO) is a good alternative if you find a cheaper flight and do not mind a short connection. Dar es Salaam (DAR) is ideal for travelers who want to explore Tanzania before heading to Kilimanjaro.
Airlines Flying to Kilimanjaro
- Airlines Flying to Kilimanjaro:
- From Europe: KLM, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways
- From the USA: Delta (via KLM), Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines
- From Africa: Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Precision Air
- From the Middle East & Asia: Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines
Direct and Connecting Flights
Direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) are limited. But you still will get direct flights to kilimanjaro from europe and also direct flights to kilimanjaro from London.
Below we have mentioned airlines that fly directly to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).
- KLM: Direct flights from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro airport
- Condor Air: Direct flights from Frankfurt to Kilimanjaro airport
- Turkish Airlines: Direct flights from Istanbul to Kilimanjaro airport
- Kenya Airways: Direct flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport
- Precision Air: Direct flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport
- Qatar Airlines: Direct flights from Doha to Kilimanjaro airport
- Ethiopian Airlines: Direct flights from Addis Ababa to Kilimanjaro airport
- RwandAir: Direct flights from Kigali to Kilimanjaro airport
Most travelers take connecting flights through major hubs such as Amsterdam (KLM), Doha (Qatar Airways), Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), and Dar es Salaam (Precision Air, Air Tanzania).
Common Layovers Based on Origin:
- From the USA: Amsterdam (KLM), Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
- From Europe: Amsterdam (KLM), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Doha (Qatar Airways)
- From Asia & the Middle East: Doha (Qatar Airways), Dubai (Emirates), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines)
- From Africa: Nairobi (Kenya Airways), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), Dar es Salaam (Precision Air, Air Tanzania)
How to Book Affordable Flights to Kilimanjaro?
To book affordable flights to Kilimanjaro, it is best to plan ahead. Booking your tickets 3 to 6 months in advance can help you to get lower fares, as last-minute bookings tend to be expensive.
The use of flight comparison websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Expedia can help you to compare prices from different airlines and find the best deals. Setting price alerts on these platforms can also notify you when fares drop.
Traveling during the off-peak seasons, such as April to May and November can significantly reduce costs since fewer tourists visit during these months. Flights are generally cheaper, and you may also find better deals on accommodations and safari packages.
Being flexible with your travel dates and considering alternative airports like Nairobi (NBO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) for connections can also help you to save your money.
Visa and Entry Requirements for Tanzania
If you are traveling to Kilimanjaro then you may need a visa to enter the country. Understanding the visa process, costs, required documents, and health regulations will provide a smooth journey.
Who Needs a Visa for Tanzania?
Most international travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania. However, some visa-exempt countries exist, mainly from East African nations and a few others with special agreements. If you are unsure, check Tanzania’s official immigration website for the latest list of exempted countries.
Types of Visas for Travelers
- eVisa (Recommended for Easy Entry)
- Travelers can apply online through the Tanzania Immigration website before their trip.
- The process takes around 10 business days, so apply in advance.
- Approved eVisas are sent via email and must be printed for presentation upon arrival.
- It is ideal for avoiding long queues at the airport.
- Visa on Arrival (For Last-Minute Travelers)
- It is available at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and other entry points.
- Travelers must fill out a visa form, present documents, and pay the visa fee at the airport.
- Processing can take time which leads to long waits.
Visa Costs and Required Documents
- Visa Fees:
- $50 for most nationalities (single entry).
- $100 for U.S. citizens (multiple-entry visa).
- Required Documents:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months from arrival date).
- Return flight ticket as proof of onward travel.
- Completed visa application form (online for eVisa, at the airport for Visa on Arrival).
- Proof of accommodation (hotel booking or invitation letter if staying with friends/family).
Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement
Tanzania requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from or have transited for more than 12 hours in a country with yellow fever. Some examples include:
- Kenya
- Ethiopia
- Uganda
- Democratic Republic of Congo
- Other parts of West and Central Africa
If you are flying directly from Europe, the USA, or Asia then this vaccination is not required but is still recommended for extra protection.
Alternative Ways to Get to Kilimanjaro
If you cannot find a direct flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) then there are many alternative routes. Many travelers choose to arrive in Nairobi (Kenya) or Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) and then continue their journey by flight or road.
Via Nairobi, Kenya
One of the most popular alternative routes is flying to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) in Nairobi, Kenya, and then taking a connecting flight or traveling by road to Kilimanjaro.
- Connecting Flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro
- Kenya Airways and Precision Air operate short flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- The flight takes about 1 hour and is a convenient option.
- Traveling by Road from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro
- Many tourists take a bus or shuttle from Nairobi to Arusha or Moshi (both close to Kilimanjaro).
- Many shuttle services, such as Riverside Shuttle and Impala Shuttle operate daily.
- The journey takes about 5 to 6 hours depending on border crossing times at Namanga.
- Travelers need a visa to enter Tanzania which can be obtained at the border.
Via Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Another common option is flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, and then traveling to Kilimanjaro.
- Domestic Flights from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro
- Air Tanzania, Precision Air, and Flightlink operate direct flights from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro (JRO).
- The flight takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Traveling by Bus from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro
- Long-distance buses run from Dar es Salaam to Arusha and Moshi.
- The journey by road takes about 10 to 12 hours.
- Buses are an affordable option but the trip can be tiring.
By Road from Kenya or Other Tanzanian Cities
Buses and shuttles are available from many cities for those travelers who prefer an overland journey,
- From Nairobi to Kilimanjaro (via Arusha or Moshi)
- As I mentioned earlier, shuttles and buses run daily between Nairobi and Arusha/Moshi.
- The road trip takes around 5 to 6 hours including border crossing time.
- From Arusha to Kilimanjaro
- Arusha is a major tourist hub just 1 hour away from Kilimanjaro.
- You can take a taxi, private car, or public bus to Moshi or directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- From Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro
- Long-distance buses travel daily from Dar es Salaam to Moshi or Arusha.
- The road journey takes about 10-12 hours which makes flights the preferred choice.
Travel Tips for Arriving at Kilimanjaro
Arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) can be an exciting experience, but proper planning provides a smooth journey.
Here I will discuss some important travel tips:
- Arrival Procedures at JRO
Once you land, you will go through immigration and customs. If you need a visa on arrival then have your passport, visa fee (in cash, preferably USD), and required documents ready. Confirm you have your yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from a country where yellow fever is present.
- Transportation from the Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 45 minutes from Arusha and about 1 hour from Moshi. Taxis are available outside the terminal, but it is best to pre-book a transfer through your hotel or tour operator. Some budget travelers take public buses (dala dalas) from Moshi or Arusha, but they do not operate directly from the airport.
- Local Currency and Payments
The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas. It is best to exchange some cash at the airport or use ATMs in Moshi or Arusha. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels, but smaller businesses prefer cash.
- Mobile Network & Internet
You can buy a local SIM card (Airtel, Vodacom, or Tigo) at the airport for affordable internet and calls. Wi-Fi is available in hotels and cafes, but having a local SIM provides connectivity during your trip.
- Packing Essentials
- A light jacket – evenings can be cool, even at lower altitudes.
- Bug repellent – to protect against mosquitoes.
- Power adapter – Tanzania uses Type D & G plugs (same as the UK).
- Sunscreen & hat – the sun is strong, especially if you are heading to Kilimanjaro or a safari.
Final Words
Getting to Kilimanjaro is easy with proper planning. Most travelers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), but there are also options through Nairobi or Dar es Salaam with connecting flights or buses. Booking flights in advance, choosing the right season, and using flight comparison tools can help you find cheaper tickets. Make sure to check visa and vaccination requirements before traveling. Whether you are climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or going on a safari, preparation provides a stress-free start to your adventure.
FAQs
What is the best way to get to Kilimanjaro?
The easiest way is to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If there are no direct flights from your country then you can fly via Amsterdam, Doha, Nairobi, or Addis Ababa.
Which airlines fly to Kilimanjaro?
Major airlines include KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways.
How much does a flight to Kilimanjaro cost?
Prices vary by season and departure city, but round-trip tickets from the USA or Europe usually cost between $800 – $1,500. Booking 3-6 months in advance helps get lower fares.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Most travelers need a visa. You can apply for an eVisa online or get a Visa on Arrival at the airport. The cost is usually $50-$100, depending on your nationality.
Can I travel to Kilimanjaro from Nairobi?
Yes, you can fly from Nairobi to JRO or take a shuttle bus to Moshi or Arusha, which takes about 5-6 hours.
Are there alternative airports to reach Kilimanjaro?
Yes, you can fly to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (Nairobi) or Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) and then take a connecting flight or bus to Kilimanjaro.