More than 1.5 million people visit Tanzania annually, and the fastest, most convenient way to travel is by plane. Whether you’re going on a safari, exploring Zanzibar’s beaches, or visiting bustling cities like Dar es Salaam, selecting the right airport can make your journey smoother. Luckily, with three international airports and a network of regional hubs, Tanzania is well-connected for both international arrivals and domestic travel.
Like many of the African countries, Tanzania is filled with natural beauty and a range of animals that many people dream of seeing in the wild during their lifetime.
For people who dream of safari holidays, Tanzania is normally high up their bucket list. But if you want to travel to Tanzania, you need to fly there.
Here is a detailed guide to Tanzania’s airports to help you better plan your travel route across East Africa.
In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at the main airports in Tanzania,
The largest airport in Tanzania is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
This airport finished construction in 1954, and since then it has been regularly used by people visiting Tanzania.
It is the largest airport in Tanzania, with 3 terminals, so there are a number of flights in/out of this airport.
It is incredibly modern with recent expansion creating a whole new airport solely for international travel, making the airport even larger!
International flights:
Domestic flights:
Location; Dar es salaam
In the northern part of Tanzania, Mwanza International is one of the most popular.
It is close to the city of Mwanza, and located near the southern shores of Lake Victoria, so a number of tourists will use this airport during their vacation to Tanzania.
Location; Mwanza
One of the most popular airports in Tanzania is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
This airport is located to the south-west of Kilimanjaro national park, and is incredibly popular among people who visit Tanzania to climb this mountain, or who come to go on safaris in the national parks around Arusha.
International flights:
Domestic flights:
Location; Hai District
Arusha Airport (ARK)
A smaller airport in Tanzania that still works as a major one is Arusha airport.
Arusha airport is located in the city of Arusha, and it is the go-to airport for any domestic travel within Tanzania.
This is a huge part of what contributes to the popularity of this airport.
Airlines:
Location; Arusha
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
If you’re planning a beach vacation on Zanzibar Island, Abeid Amani Karume Airport is the best choice for your arrival. It’s just 10 minutes from Stone Town, the historic capital of Zanzibar. This airport connects with many international airlines, making it easy to fly directly from destinations like Europe, Turkey, or Dubai.
Upon arrival, you can stay in Stone Town, where you’ll find a range of comfortable accommodations and a rich cultural heritage. The town features colonial architecture, ancient churches, and historical landmarks, all of which are definitely worth exploring. If you’re looking for something more relaxing, head to one of the many resorts along Zanzibar beaches, away from the city’s hustle.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is a large, spacious building with a recently renovated international flight terminal (Terminal 3). Inside are several cafés, duty-free shops, souvenir stalls, and comfortable seating in the waiting areas.
International flights:
Domestic flights:
Location; Zanzibar
KEY FACTS
If you’re traveling to northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro and Arusha international airports are your best bets. For domestic flights, Arusha Airport is a convenient option. Mwanza Airport is another excellent choice if you plan to visit Serengeti National Park or the Ngorongoro Crater. These airports offer easy access to top destinations such as Kilimanjaro, Serengeti, Tarangire, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Lake Manyara.
If you are heading to Dar es Salaam or want to explore southern parks like Nyerere (formerly Selous) and Ruaha, Julius Nyerere International Airport is the best option. Among regional airports, the closest to Ruaha are Songwe, Mtwara, and Dodoma Airport. It is also convenient for travelers planning to visit Mikumi National Park.
Zanzibar InteAbeid Amani Karume International Airport is the perfect option for those planning a beach vacation on the islands. You can also fly from there to Pemba Island, with a flight time of no more than 30 minutes.
Choose Bukoba or Mwanza Airport to visit the famous Lake Victoria, the largest in Africa, and the northwestern regions of the country.
F.A.Q.
What is the main airport in Tanzania?
Julius Nyerere International Airport is the largest and busiest of Tanzania’s three international airports. It serves as the country’s primary gateway for international travel and a major hub for domestic flights.
What is the best airport to go to Tanzania?
The best airport depends on your destination in Tanzania. Julius Nyerere International Airport is ideal for exploring the coast and connecting to Zanzibar, Kilimanjaro International Airport is best for northern safaris and Kilimanjaro tours, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the main gateway to Zanzibar.
What are the baggage restrictions for domestic flights in Tanzania?
Baggage rules for domestic flights in Tanzania typically depend on the airline you’re flying with. Since each carrier may have slightly different guidelines, it’s a good idea to double-check with them before your flight.
Are private flights available within Tanzania?
Yes, several companies offer chartered flights for both domestic travel and safaris. These flights give you the freedom to quickly reach remote destinations like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and other breathtaking national parks.
We do not book International Flights.
We can book local flights based on availability. Below are indicative additional costs for local flights.
Intercity Flights
From Zanzibar to Arusha: From USD 100 per person (Morning flight)
From Dar es salaam to Arusha: From USD 90 per person (Morning flight)
From Arusha to Zanzibar: From USD 170 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
From Arusha to Dar es salaam: From USD 110 per person (Late Afternoon flight)
This tour starts & ends at Arusha with road transfers between all locations. Central Serengeti is the farthest location you will be visiting in this tour and it is 7 hours from Arusha, each way. You can check about driving and flying to Serengeti here. To save drive time, you can directly fly into Central Serengeti where your safari vehicle with guide will be waiting to directly start the safari and cover other parks over the next few days making your way to Arusha by road on the last day. We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-in Safari
We can also reroute the itinerary such that you start with driving from Arusha on day 1 and cover other parks before you drive to Serengeti. We end the safari tour at Central Serengeti on the last day from where you can fly out to Ausha (or other cities). We will reroute the itinerary such that you cover all the parks included in the original itinerary with the same choice of accommodations & same number of nights as included in the original itinerary. This is called a Fly-out Safari.
Fly Into Serengeti
From Arusha to Central Serengeti: From USD 310 per person
From Zanzibar to Central Serengeti: From USD 370 per person
From Dar es Salaam to Central Serengeti: From USD 370 per person
Fly out of Serengeti
From Central Serengeti to Arusha: From USD 200 per person
From Central Serengeti to Zanzibar: From USD 420 per person
From Central Serengeti to Dar es salaam: From USD 420 per person
Note 1: Rates mentioned above are indicative and subject to change based on airlines and party(group) size
Note 2: In the Fly into Serengeti rates mentioned above, in addition to airfare, above rates also include cost to send the safari landcruiser with guide a day in advance to Serengeti, in time for your arrival & additional park fees that results due to rerouting of itinerary.
Note 3: Flights into Serengeti land at around 10:30 AM and game drives can start soon after landing while flights out of Serengeti depart around 11:00 AM and game drives can be done till about 45 min before flight departure.
Wild and Nature Safaris is a Tanzanian-owned safari company created from our love for adventure, nature, and our beautiful country. We are based in East Africa and we offer unforgettable safaris to Tanzania’s top destinations — including the famous Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Mount Kilimanjaro, and the beautiful beaches of Zanzibar.
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