Getting to Tanzania
Tanzania: The Journey Awaits
Tanzania can be seen as a hidden gem waiting to be explored. The selection of airlines operating in Tanzania is somewhat restricted, resulting in fewer direct flights and potentially requiring an additional leg in your journey. The three primary gateways into Tanzania are Dar es Salaam International, Kilimanjaro International, and Zanzibar International, also known as Abeid Amani Karume International Airport.
Only two direct paths connect Europe to Tanzania: KLM from Amsterdam and Turkish Airlines from Istanbul. To embark on your journey from North America, you will find yourself connecting through vibrant hubs like Johannesburg, Amsterdam, or Istanbul. Another option is to fly directly to Nairobi in Kenya, which offers more convenient services, and then connect to Dar, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar. Alternatively, you can select from our diverse range of budget-friendly Tanzania Safari Packages that begin and/or conclude in Nairobi, journeying overland through the stunning landscapes of Kenya and Tanzania.
It is a great idea to connect with your local travel agent or consult our travel experts, as the travel landscape is constantly evolving. They can provide you with the latest information on flight routes and schedules that will perfectly align with your journey’s start and end points.
For those with a spirit of exploration and a readiness for the journey ahead, embarking on an overland adventure into Tanzania awaits. When traveling by car, make sure you gather all the essential paperwork and documentation, as this should be a straightforward task. Alternatively, you can embark on the Tazara Train that connects New Kapiri Mposhi in Zambia with Dar es Salaam, offering a remarkable 21-26 hour journey.
A word to the wise: steer clear of Fastjet if you can. Frequent issues with service, postponed flights, mysterious cancellations, and a lack of compensation are all too often heard.
Tanzania travel Guide
Exploring the Transport Options in Tanzania
The vast expanse of Tanzania leads many explorers to view it as an ideal spot for a fly-in safari experience. This is certainly the case, particularly for the Southern Safari Circuit destinations, as well as the lesser-known parks like Katavi, Gombe, and Mahale National Parks. Securing a safari package with short-hop flights can simplify your Tanzania adventure, making it smooth and enjoyable, though it might stretch your budget a bit.
Dar es Salaam International connects you to the enchanting Zanzibar Islands, the wild beauty of Nyerere National Park, and the stunning landscapes of Ruaha. Flights can be found from Dar to Kilimanjaro International or Arusha Airport. Kilimanjaro International Airport connects with Arusha Airport (30 km / 18.5 miles), providing quick access to the breathtaking wonders of the Northern Safari Circuit, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara.
Tanzania’s National Parks are connected by a network of smaller airstrips, inviting exploration and excitement. These small landing strips are purposefully designed for the thrilling world of safari adventures. Several small charter companies, including Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, Air Excel, and Grumeti Air, provide their services. These provide an easy way to travel between the parks, though they do come with a higher price tag. When funds are limited, embarking on a journey by road is a wise choice.
Exploring Tanzania by Safari Vehicles & Road Travel
Planning a safari with transfers and game drives in a private 4×4 vehicle is an excellent way to manage expenses while still embracing the thrill of the wild. While it might take a bit more time than flying, it is perfect for families or tight-knit groups looking to bond and explore together. Moreover, it offers a deeper experience that connects you with the everyday life of Tanzania and its vibrant people.
If you are exploring the Northern Tanzania Safari Circuit, this is another excellent choice. The Northern Safari Circuit captivates many due to the close-knit nature of its destinations. Journeying by road between Ngorongoro, Manyara, and the Serengeti is a manageable distance that invites you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and grasp the vastness of Tanzania. Having a private 4×4 with an experienced guide/driver adds a sense of ease to the journey.
Tanzania’s preferred mode of transport is the closed 4×4, featuring expansive windows and a pop-up roof. These are utilized for both guided road explorations and thrilling game drives within the national parks. The majority of safari parks feature vast road networks that enhance the experience of exploring the parks and traveling between the camps in a secure, closed vehicle. The pop-up roofs offer an exhilarating perspective for photography and an exciting vantage point for observing wildlife in their natural habitat.
If your ideal safari includes exploring one of the more secluded parks, then taking a flight might be your best choice. These short hop flights offer swift journeys to exciting camps and lodges. Once there, these destinations will provide their own safari vehicles, boats, and guides for your unforgettable out-of-Africa safari experience.
Exploring Travel Times & Distances in Tanzania
Dar es Salaam to Arusha: 479 km
Many travelers journey from Dar es Salaam to Arusha, with flights lasting just under 2 hours. The train journey spans approximately 19 hours, while the bus ride takes around 12 hours, and a drive by car can be completed in about 10 hours.
Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar: 74 km
From Dar es Salaam, you can embark on a flight or hop on a ferry to reach the enchanting Zanzibar. Although the flight is a swift 40 minutes, the ferry journey spans about 2 hours.
Arusha to Serengeti: 231 km
A flight from Arusha to Seronera in the Serengeti takes approximately 50 minutes. The journey from Arusha to Seronera spans approximately 7.5 hours. This journey is rarely taken directly, as safaris typically pause at either Ngorongoro Crater or Lake Manyara along the way.
Travel from Dar es Salaam (512 km) or Arusha (503 km) to Ruaha National Park.
From Dar es Salaam and Arusha, you can take a flight to Iringa, Dodoma, or Mbeya, with Iringa offering the quickest journey. The flights last around 4 to 5 hours, and from there, you will make your way to Ruaha.
Dar es Salaam to Nyerere National Park: 250 km
The journey to Nyerere Selous National Park will take a little more than 6 hours by car from Dar es Salaam.
Dar es Salaam to Mahale Mountains National Park: 1026 km
To reach Mahale, you will embark on a flight to either Mpanda or Kigoma, a journey that spans about 4 to 5 hours. Following the flight, you will embark on a road journey before boarding a ferry that will carry you across the stunning expanse of Lake Tanganyika to the park.
Tanzania is an expansive land brimming with exciting travel possibilities, from exhilarating flights to thrilling self-drive safaris. Package deals offer the benefit of entrusting logistics to seasoned professionals, ensuring that your safari experience is optimized for your budget and takes you to all the right places. Tanzania offers a unique experience for every adventurer. It is beneficial to explore various possibilities with a knowledgeable travel consultant to discover where you can maximize your time by flying and where you can cut costs by driving.