WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

Most of our guests arrive through Kilimanjaro International Airport (Airport Code: JRO), the main gateway for Northern Tanzania safaris.

 If your itinerary includes a Zanzibar extension, consider choosing an airline that serves both Kilimanjaro and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (Airport Code: ZNZ). Booking your international flights into Kilimanjaro and out of Zanzibar is the most convenient option and avoids the need to fly back to the mainland at the end of your trip.

When searching for flights, you may sometimes see a familiar airline name (such as Delta, American, or United), even though the long international flight is operated by a different airline. This is called a code share. It allows airlines to partner together so you can book your entire journey on one ticket, earn or use frequent flyer miles with your preferred airline, and connect more easily between flights.

Here's a helpful guide to the airlines our clients most often use, along with timing, partner airlines, and practical planning tips.

AIRLINES SERVING KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

KLM (via Amsterdam)

Typical Timing
Arrival: Evening
Departure: Late evening

An evening arrival allows for a relaxed transfer to your hotel and a full night’s rest before your safari begins.

Partner Airline: Delta Air Lines

Why Travelers Choose It

  • Easy connections from North America and Europe

  • Consistent service and reliability

  • Good option for flying into Kilimanjaro and out of Zanzibar

Things To Consider

  • Flights to Kilimanjaro are not daily during some months

  • If you miss your connection in Amsterdam, the next flight may be one or two days later

AIR FRANCE (via Paris)

Typical Timing
Arrival: Evening
Departure: Late evening

An evening arrival allows for a smooth transfer to your hotel and a full night’s rest before your safari begins.

Partner Airline: Delta Air Lines

Why Travelers Choose It

  • Easy booking through Delta while earning SkyMiles

  • Good connections from many U.S. cities via Paris

  • Good option for flying into Kilimanjaro and out of Zanzibar

Things To Consider

  • Flights are not daily year-round

  • Some flights operate Paris–Zanzibar–Kilimanjaro, which adds a short stop before arrival

  • A missed connection in Paris could delay arrival by a day or more when service is reduced

QATAR AIRWAYS (via Doha)

Typical Timing
Arrival: Morning or late afternoon/evening (varies by day)
Departure: Morning or evening (varies by day)

Qatar Airways operates one daily flight to Kilimanjaro. Because the aircraft rotates between Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar, arrival and departure times vary by day. Morning arrivals give you time to rest or enjoy light activities in Arusha, while evening arrivals allow for a smooth transfer and overnight rest.

Partner Airline: American Airlines

Why Travelers Choose It

  • Daily service most of the year

  • Excellent global connections

  • One of the most dependable options

  • Good option for flying into Kilimanjaro and out of Zanzibar

ETHIOPIAN AIRLINES (via Addis Ababa)

Typical Timing
Arrival: Midday or early afternoon
Departure: Midday

A midday arrival gives you time to settle in and rest before your safari begins.

Partner Airline: United Airlines

Why Travelers Choose It

  • Daily or near-daily service

  • Often one of the more affordable options

  • Good option for flying into Kilimanjaro and out of Zanzibar

Things To Consider

  • Flight schedules sometimes change

  • Connections in Addis Ababa can feel chaotic and busy

TURKISH AIRLINES (via Istanbul)

Typical Timing
Arrival: Very early morning
Departure: Early morning

Very early morning arrivals may require waiting several hours before your hotel room is available.

Partner Airline: United Airlines

Why Travelers Choose It

  • Good connections from Europe and many U.S. cities

  • Competitive pricing

  • Good option for flying into Kilimanjaro and out of Zanzibar

Things To Consider

  • Some flights stop in another Tanzanian city before reaching Kilimanjaro

CHOOSING THE MOST COMFORTABLE ARRIVAL

Midday or evening arrivals tend to work best. These allow time to transfer to your hotel, settle in comfortably, and get a good night’s rest before your safari begins.

Very early morning arrivals may mean waiting several hours before your room is ready, while late-night or multi-connection routings can make for a longer and more tiring travel experience.

International travel can be unpredictable. We recommend adding a "buffer day" in Arusha thprotect your safari schedule. Accommodation costs in Arusha are modest compared to safari nights, and if your flights operate on time, you’ll have time to rest or enjoy some light exploring before your adventure begins.

HOW TO BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS

Through Your Preferred Travel Advisor

  • Pros: Personal service and support if plans change

  • Cons: May have a service fee

Directly With The Airline

  • Pros: Easier changes or assistance directly with the airline; best for using miles

  • Cons: Requires you to compare options yourself

Using A Flight Search Website (Google Flights, Expedia, etc.)

  • Pros: Easy way to compare schedules and prices

  • Cons: If booked through a third-party website, changes or issues must be handled through them, which can be slower

Many travelers use a search tool to compare options and then book directly with the airline.

WE'RE HAPPY TO REVIEW YOUR FLIGHTS

Before booking, you’re always welcome to send us your flight options. We’re happy to review the timing and confirm that everything aligns smoothly with your safari plans.