Kilimanjaro International Airport travel guide with 10 key tips for a smooth experience. Learn about services, transport, and what to expect upon arrival!
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Kilimanjaro International Airport is the main gateway to tourism in Tanzania, connecting the Northern Tanzania tourism circuit to the world. Our team has done extensive research on the airport and we are excited to share our findings with you. The airport is owned by the Government of Tanzania and operated by Kilimanjaro Airports Development Company (KADCO), a company mandated to manage and operate Kilimanjaro.
Covering close to 110sq.km, Kilimanjaro International Airport was officially inaugurated in December 1971 and was designated as “The Gateway to Africa’s Wildlife Heritage”. The airport became the first international airport to be privatized in Africa in 1998 and is now operated by KADCO. The airport serves the cities of Arusha and Moshi and is the preferred arrival airport for safari-goers and Kilimanjaro trekkers. Located just 40 minutes from Moshi town or 50 minutes from Arusha, this is the ideal international airport for those with Northern-circuit safaris or planned mountain treks.
Location
Kilimanjaro International Airport is located in the Hai District of the Kilimanjaro Region in Tanzania. It serves as the main gateway to the northern circuit of Tanzania’s national parks, including Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire, and Ngorongoro Crater.
Geography
The airport is situated at an elevation of 2,932 feet (894 meters) above sea level, and its coordinates are 3°25′30″S 37°04′11″E. It is located southwest of Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, which is visible from the airport on clear days. The airport is surrounded by lush green vegetation, including banana and coffee plantations.
Distance from Major Cities
Kilimanjaro International Airport is approximately 46 kilometers (29 miles) from the city of Arusha, which is the gateway to Tanzania’s safari destinations. The airport is also about 40 kilometers (25 miles) from the city of Moshi, which is the starting point for those who want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
Here is a table showing the distance from Kilimanjaro International Airport to major cities:
| City | Distance from Airport |
|---|---|
| Arusha | 46 km (29 mi) |
| Moshi | 40 km (25 mi) |
| Dar es Salaam | 684 km (425 mi) |
| Nairobi | 244 km (152 mi) |
| Kampala | 1,086 km (675 mi) |
Note that the distance from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Dar es Salaam, the largest city in Tanzania, is approximately 684 kilometers (425 miles). It takes about 8-10 hours to drive from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The airport is also within driving distance of other major East African cities, such as Nairobi and Kampala.
Facilities
At Kilimanjaro International Airport, we strive to provide our passengers with the best possible experience. Our facilities are designed to ensure that you have a comfortable and hassle-free journey.
Terminal Buildings
Our terminal buildings are modern and well-equipped. The facilities include check-in areas, departure lounges, and arrival halls. We have well-marked check-in desks that help you save precious time. Our lounges are comfortable and spacious, and we offer free Wi-Fi to all our passengers.
We also have several shops and restaurants in our terminal buildings. You can enjoy a meal or a snack, or browse through our collection of souvenirs and gifts. Our duty-free shops offer a wide range of products, including perfumes, cosmetics, and electronics.
Airlines and Destinations
We are proud to serve as a gateway to the northern circuit of Tanzania. We offer regular, scheduled passenger and cargo service to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport. Some of the airlines that maintain regular service to and from our airport include KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines.
Our airport has direct flights to several destinations, including Amsterdam, Istanbul, Doha, and Addis Ababa. We also have connecting flights to other destinations around the world. Our airport is well-connected, and we offer several options for travel to and from our airport, including taxis, shuttles, and rental cars.
At Kilimanjaro International Airport, we are committed to providing our passengers with the best possible experience. We strive to make your journey comfortable, convenient, and hassle-free.
Transportation
At Kilimanjaro International Airport, we offer various transportation options to help you get to your destination quickly and easily. In this section, we will discuss the two primary modes of transportation available at the airport: Ground Transportation and Car Rental Services.
Ground Transportation
Ground transportation is a convenient way to get to your destination from the airport. At Kilimanjaro International Airport, we offer various ground transportation options, such as airport shuttle, taxis, and buses. The cost of using the airport shuttle service is only Tsh 10,000, and you will be sharing a bus with other passengers either heading to Moshi or Arusha. Taxis are also available and can be found outside the terminal building. If you want to save money on a taxi, you can choose to go no further than the main road by taxi. Buses are also available, and they are a great option if you are on a budget.
Car Rental Services
If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car from one of the car rental companies located at the airport. At Kilimanjaro International Airport, we have several car rental companies that offer a wide range of vehicles to choose from. Some of the car rental companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, and Budget. You can book a car rental in advance or at the airport upon arrival. We recommend that you book in advance to ensure availability and to save time.
When renting a car, it is important to know the rules of the road in Tanzania. The speed limit on highways is 80 km/h, and in urban areas, it is 50 km/h. It is also important to note that driving is on the left side of the road in Tanzania.
In conclusion, Kilimanjaro International Airport offers various transportation options to help you get to your destination quickly and easily. Whether you prefer ground transportation or car rental services, we have options to suit your needs.
Safety and Security
At Kilimanjaro International Airport, safety and security are our top priorities. We take every measure possible to ensure that our passengers have a safe and secure travel experience.
Security Measures
We have implemented several security measures to ensure the safety of our passengers. These measures include:
- Baggage Screening: All checked and carry-on baggage go through a screening process to detect any prohibited items.
- Security Personnel: We have a team of trained security personnel who monitor the airport premises and ensure the safety of our passengers.
- CCTV Cameras: We have installed CCTV cameras throughout the airport to monitor all activities and detect any suspicious behavior.
- Access Control: We have restricted access to certain areas of the airport, such as the runway, to authorized personnel only.
Emergency Services
In the event of an emergency, we have a team of trained professionals who are ready to respond immediately. Our emergency services include:
- Fire and Rescue Services: We have a fire and rescue team on standby 24/7 to respond to any fire-related emergencies.
- Medical Services: We have a medical team on standby to respond to any medical emergencies that may arise.
- Evacuation Procedures: We have a well-defined evacuation plan in place in case of an emergency, and our staff is trained to execute it efficiently.
We understand that safety and security are of utmost importance to our passengers, and we strive to maintain the highest standards in this regard.
Visa and Immigration
At Kilimanjaro International Airport, we want to ensure that your entry into Tanzania is as smooth and hassle-free as possible. Here is some important information about the entry requirements and visa options available to you.
Entry Requirements
All visitors to Tanzania must have a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining. Additionally, visitors must have proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket. Failure to provide proof of onward travel may result in denial of entry.
Visa on Arrival
Visitors from most countries can obtain a visa upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. The cost of the visa varies depending on the length of stay and the number of entries. At the time of writing, the current Tanzania visa fees (purchased upon arrival) are:
- US Citizens: $100 (Multiple entries) for one year
- Non-US Citizens: $50 (Single entry) for six months
- Non-US Citizens: $100 (Double entry) for six months
Please note that visa fees are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest information before you travel.
To apply for a visa on arrival, you will need to fill out a visa application form and provide a passport photo. Payment is made in cash, so be sure to have the correct amount with you. The visa process can take some time, so it’s a good idea to be patient and allow plenty of time before your flight.
We hope this information helps you prepare for your trip to Tanzania. If you have any questions or concerns about visas or entry requirements, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.
