Which airport to choose
| Your plan | Recommended airport | Flight time from Zanzibar |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing Kilimanjaro (Marangu, Machame...) | Kilimanjaro (JRO) | about 1 h to 1 h 20 |
| Safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire) | Arusha or Kilimanjaro | about 1 h 05 to 1 h 20 |
| The city of Arusha | Arusha (small airport) | about 1 h 05 to 1 h 16 |
Kilimanjaro airport is about 50 km from Arusha, and Kilimanjaro itself is about an hour and a half by road from Arusha according to our page. If you are climbing, start from Moshi: the Marangu route takes 5 to 6 days and the offers seen range from about 1,400 to 2,300 dollars, park fees included.
Flight prices
Comparison sites do not give the same figures: a median of 118 dollars one way on one site, a 180-dollar offer with Air Tanzania on another, and higher fares in high season. Book early for July-August and December, and check baggage weight: small planes are strict, which matters for a climb (the porter bag is often supplied on site, but not your personal gear). All these times and prices change: confirm on the airline's website.
Should you go through Dar es Salaam?
The Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar ferry is well described in our ferry article, but for Kilimanjaro you would then need a flight or a long road trip: the direct flight is almost always wiser.
In what order: mountain or beach?
Do Kilimanjaro or the safari first, the beach afterwards: after the effort and the cold, a return to Zanzibar is the best recovery. A 3 to 4 day safari (Serengeti and Ngorongoro, from about 900 dollars in a group) links up easily; see the Tanzania or Zanzibar comparison and the safari from Zanzibar guide.
FAQ
How long is the Zanzibar - Kilimanjaro flight?
About 1 hour to 1 hour 20 for a direct flight, according to comparison sites.
Which airline flies this route?
Precision Air operates most flights; Air Tanzania is cited, less often.
How much does the flight cost?
From 118 dollars (median one way, one comparison site) to over 400 dollars return depending on the date: compare before booking.
Do I have to go through Arusha?
Not if you are climbing: fly to Kilimanjaro. Yes for a safari if your flight lands in Arusha.
Going further
See Arusha, Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route and the formalities before leaving.
