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How Do I Get to Tanzania?

A Complete Guide for Travelers

Tanzania, located in East Africa, is renowned for its incredible wildlife, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cultures. Whether you're planning a safari in the Serengeti, trekking Mount Kilimanjaro, or lounging on the beaches of Zanzibar, getting to Tanzania is the first step in your adventure. With several entry points, numerous airlines, and multiple travel options, understanding how to get to Tanzania is essential for a smooth and stress-free journey.

Air Travel to Tanzania

The most common and convenient way to reach Tanzania is by air. International flights connect Tanzania with major cities around the world, and the country has several well-serviced airports that cater to international and domestic flights.

Main International Airports in Tanzania

  1. Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – Dar es Salaam

    • Location: Tanzania’s commercial hub and largest city, Dar es Salaam.

    • International Connections: Direct flights from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as from regional African hubs.

    • Airlines: Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways, among others, offer direct flights to Dar es Salaam.

  2. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Near Arusha

    • Location: The gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, Arusha, and the northern safari circuit.

    • International Connections: Regular flights from Europe, the Middle East, and East Africa.

    • Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Kenya Airways are common carriers to Kilimanjaro International.

  3. Zanzibar International Airport (ZNZ) – Zanzibar

    • Location: The main airport serving Zanzibar Island, a major tourist destination known for its beaches and historical sites.

    • International Connections: Zanzibar International receives direct flights from a few international hubs, mainly from the Middle East and regional African destinations.

    • Airlines: Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Kenya Airways operate flights to Zanzibar.

  4. Mwanza Airport (MWZ) – Mwanza

    • Location: Situated near Lake Victoria, Mwanza is an important regional hub.

    • International Connections: Though Mwanza mainly serves domestic flights, it has connections to regional African airports such as Nairobi (Kenya) and Addis Ababa (Ethiopia).

International Airlines to Tanzania

Several international airlines fly to Tanzania, connecting it with the rest of the world. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you can choose from (few options):

  • Middle East: Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways offer convenient connections via Doha, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi, respectively.

  • Europe: Airlines like Turkish Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, and Air France provide direct or connecting flights to Tanzania.

  • Africa: Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and South African Airways frequently operate flights to Tanzania from various African hubs.

Regional Air Travel within Africa

Tanzania is well-connected to other East African countries and major African cities. Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, RwandAir, and Air Tanzania all provide frequent flights from various cities in Africa, making it easier to fly into Tanzania from neighboring countries like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, or South Africa.

Travel Overland: Land Borders to Tanzania

Tanzania shares land borders with several countries, making overland travel a viable option for some travelers. If you’re already in a neighboring country like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, or Zambia, you can enter Tanzania by bus or private vehicle.

Popular Land Border Crossings:

  1. Tanzania-Kenya Border (Namanga and Isebania)

    • Namanga is the main border crossing from Kenya into Tanzania. It’s well-connected to Nairobi and Arusha, with regular bus services.

    • Isebania is another border crossing point from Kenya into Tanzania, located further west, leading towards Mwanza and the western region of Tanzania.

  2. Tanzania-Uganda Border (Mutukula)

    • The Mutukula border connects Uganda to Tanzania, primarily used for travelers coming from Kampala or other major Ugandan cities.

  3. Tanzania-Zambia Border (Tunduma and Nakonde)

    • Tunduma is the key crossing point between Zambia and Tanzania, popular among travelers heading toward the southern parts of Tanzania, such as Mbeya.

  4. Tanzania-Rwanda and Burundi Borders

    • Rusumo connects Tanzania to Rwanda, with buses and private transport available. Similarly, Kabanga connects Tanzania to Burundi.

Travel Tips for Land Borders:

  • Make sure you have the necessary visa or permits for entering Tanzania.

  • Carry valid identification and proof of onward travel.

  • Expect to go through customs and immigration checks.

  • Public transportation like buses, shared minivans, and taxis are available at most border points.

Arriving by Sea: Ferries and Cruises

Tanzania has a significant coastline along the Indian Ocean, and maritime routes are a good way to reach the country, especially for travelers coming from nearby coastal nations or on cruises.

Ferries to Zanzibar:

  • Ferries from Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar are common and affordable. Companies like Azam Marine operate regular ferries.

  • Duration: The ferry ride typically takes about 2 hours.

  • Booking: Tickets can be purchased in advance or at the ferry terminal in Dar es Salaam.

Driving to and in Tanzania

While most international travelers will arrive by air, driving to Tanzania is an option if you are already in neighboring countries. Tanzania has well-maintained roads connecting to Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Zambia, but some areas, particularly in the national parks or remote regions, may require 4x4 vehicles due to rough terrain.

If you're planning on renting a car, you can drive to Tanzania from Kenya, Uganda, or Zambia. Tanzania’s roads are generally good, especially the main highways between cities like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Moshi, but it’s advisable to be cautious of wildlife on the roads, particularly in rural or national park areas.

Visa and Immigration Requirements

Most travelers to Tanzania will require a visa to enter the country. However, some East African nationals (from Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Burundi) do not need a visa for short stays.

Visa Options:

  1. Tourist Visa: Typically valid for 90 days, available on arrival or via online application (eVisa).

  2. East African Tourist Visa: Allows travel to Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda on a single visa, ideal for those visiting multiple countries in the region.

It’s always best to check the latest visa requirements before your trip, as regulations can change.

Conclusion

Getting to Tanzania is relatively straightforward, with multiple international flights, land border crossings, and maritime routes connecting it to the rest of the world. Whether you’re flying into Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar, your journey will open the door to one of the most stunning and diverse destinations on the planet.

So, now that you know how to get there, are you ready to begin your Tanzanian adventure? Whether you're planning a safari, a cultural experience, or a relaxing beach holiday, Tanzania awaits with open arms.