Travel to Kilimanjaro
Travel to Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Your journey to Mount Kilimanjaro begins with getting to Tanzania, one of East Africa’s most fascinating destinations. Below is everything you need to know about flights, airports, transportation, and helpful facts about the country.
International Airports in Tanzania
Tanzania has three major international airports:
1. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Closest to the mountain, located between Arusha and Moshi.
- Most convenient for climbers starting in Moshi.
2. Dar es Salaam International Airport (DAR)
- The busiest airport in the country with numerous international connections.
3. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ)
- Ideal if you plan a beach holiday after your climb.
Depending on your arrival time, you may need to overnight in Arusha or Moshi before connecting to your safari or climb.
International Flights to Tanzania
Booking online often provides the best rates. Major airlines flying to Tanzania include:
KLM • Swiss International Airlines • Emirates • Qatar Airways • Oman Air • Turkish Airlines • Ethiopian Airlines • South African Airways • Egypt Air • Kenya Airways • LAM Mozambique Airlines • Rwanda Air
Domestic Flights in Tanzania
Domestic airlines connect major cities, national parks, and safari destinations:
Air Tanzania • Precision Air • Regional Air • ZanAir • Safari Air Link • Coastal Aviation • Fastjet
These flights make it easy to reach Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar, and more.
Getting to Moshi (Start of Your Climb)
- Moshi is at the base of Kilimanjaro, around 3,000 feet (900 m) above sea level.
- 45 km / 40-minute drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Transfers are available anytime, including early morning or late evening.
🇹🇿 Fast Facts About Tanzania (2025)
- Population: ~70.5 million
- Capitals: Dar es Salaam (administrative), Dodoma (legislative)
- Area: 945,087 km² (364,900 sq mi)
- Languages: Kiswahili, English, Arabic, 120+ local languages
- Religion: Christian, Muslim, Indigenous beliefs
- Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)
- Life Expectancy: ~67.4 years
- Median Age: ~17.5 years
- Urban Population: ~40%
- GDP per Capita: ~USD 867
- Highest Point: Mount Kilimanjaro — 5,895 m (19,340 ft), Africa’s tallest mountain
Interesting Facts About Tanzania
- Largest country in East Africa and home to Zanzibar, Pemba, and Mafia islands.
- Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, is a snowcapped dormant volcano near the equator.Over 120 ethnic groups and 120+ languages.
- Home to rare mpingo (African blackwood) trees, the most expensive hardwood in the world.
- Oduvai Gorge, where the earliest human skulls were discovered.Hosts more than 4 million wild animals across 430 species and subspecies.
- Tanzania’s ancestors of elephants once lived in water (ancient dugongs).
- Shares its national anthem, Mungu Ibariki Afrika (“God Bless Africa”), with South Africa and Zimbabwe.
- Divided into 26 regions (21 mainland, 3 Zanzibar, 2 Pemba), and 99 districts.
- Chumbe Island, Zanzibar, is home to the world’s largest crab, the coconut crab.
Brief History
- Tanganyika gained independence in 1961; Zanzibar in 1963.
- United in 1964 to form Tanzania.
- Julius Nyerere led the country through two decades of socialism (Ujamaa policy).
- Multi-party democracy established in 1992.
Economy
- Industries: Sugar, beer, cigarettes, sisal, diamond & gold mining, oil refining
- Agriculture: Coffee, tea, cotton, sisal, cattle
- Major Exports: Gold, coffee, cashew nuts, cotton, manufactured goods
People & Culture
- ~120 ethnic groups; largest is Sukuma near Lake Victoria.
- Early inhabitants were hunters and gatherers; traders arrived from India, Arabia, and Persia around 800 AD.
- ~90% live in rural areas, mostly subsistence farming, though urban migration is increasing.
Weather & Best Time to Travel
- Best time to climb Kilimanjaro: January–March (warmer, slightly wetter) or June–October (dry, clear, popular)
- Safari: June–October (dry, best wildlife viewing), December–March (calving season in Serengeti)
- Zanzibar beach holiday: June–October or December–March
This helps travelers plan their climb, safari, and beach trip smoothly.
