Tanzania is located in East Africa and covers an area of approximately 945,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest countries on the continent. It shares borders with Kenya and Uganda to the north; Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo to the west; and Zambia, Malawi, and Mozambique to the south. To the east, Tanzania opens up to the Indian Ocean, with the Zanzibar Archipelago lying just offshore. Its vast and varied landscapes—ranging from the plains of the Serengeti to the shores of Lake Victoria and the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro—make it an exceptional destination for both wildlife and cultural exploration.

Getting into Tanzania

Tanzania is well connected to the rest of the world via three key international airports, each serving as a convenient gateway depending on your safari or beach itinerary:

a. Flights

  1. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
    Ideal for travelers heading to northern Tanzania, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Arusha. Many international carriers serve this airport, making it a popular choice for safari-bound visitors. Some of the airlines serving this airport are:-
    • KLM Royal Dutch airlines/AIR FRANCE: Daily flights from Amsterdam/Paris. You will require an overnight in Arusha or Moshi since this flight arrives around 20:00 Hrs.
    • Qatar Airways: There are 2 daily flights, one at around 07:40 hrs and another at 17:00 hrs.
    • Ethiopian Airlines: There are 2 daily flights at 12: 15 hrs and 17:00 Hrs.
    • Turkish Airlines: Arrives into Kilimanjaro at around 4:00 am.
    • Kenya Airways: Daily morning flights via Nairobi using local carrier Precision Air Services.
    • Air Kenya/Safari link: Convenient mid day connections from Nairobi Wilson Airport in Kenya.
    • Local airlines: Air Tanzania and Precision Air have regular in country flights into this airport.
  1. Julius Nyerere International Airport – Dar es Salaam (DAR)
    Best suited for those exploring southern Tanzania, including Nyerere (Selous) and Ruaha National Parks. It’s also the main entry point for business travel and onward connections across East Africa.
    • KLM Royal Dutch airlines/AIR FRANCE: ALL KLM/AIR FRANCE flights arriving into Kilimanjaro return to Amsterdam/Paris via Dar es Salaam, so this is a perfect option for those taking beach extension or visit to southern Tanzania.
    • Qatar Airways: All flights arriving into Kilimanjaro, return to Doha via Dar es Salaam, so this is a perfect option for those on beach extensions or visit to Southern Tanzania.
    • Ethiopian Airlines: Convenient return flights out of Dar es Salaam.
    • Turkish Airlines: There is an almost daily departure back to Istanbul from this airport.
    • Kenya Airways: Two daily flights to Nairobi.
    • Local airlines: Air Tanzania and Precision Air have regular in country flights into this airport.
  1. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport – Zanzibar (ZNZ)
    Perfect for guests combining their safari with a beach escape. This airport serves the Zanzibar Archipelago and is well connected to regional hubs as well as select international destinations.
    • KLM Royal Dutch airlines/AIR FRANCE: On select days, you have flights into and out of Zanzibar to Amsterdam/Paris.
    • Qatar Airways: Several flights exist into and out of Zanzibar.
    • Ethiopian Airlines: Several flights exist into and out of Zanzibar.
    • Kenya Airways: Daily flights into and out of Nairobi.
    • Local airlines: Air Tanzania and Precision Air have regular in country flights into this airport.

b. Arrival by road into Northern Tanzania
Northern Tanzania is well connected by road to neighbouring countries, offering overland access for those combining regional travel. From Kenya, travellers can enter via the Namanga or Loitokitok border posts—both leading conveniently to Arusha, the gateway to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. These routes are commonly used for those arriving from Nairobi and are serviced by regular shuttle buses, private transfers, or cross-border safari vehicles.

Border crossings are straightforward with the necessary visas, and road conditions are generally good on main routes. For a seamless experience, pre-arranged transfers or guided overland safaris are recommended.