Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Approximately 60km (60-90 minutes) from Arusha town centre. This is the closest international airport to Arusha.
Arusha Municipal Airport (ARK): Located on the outskirts of Arusha, it operates only domestic flights (e.g., from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Serengeti).
Other Options:
Fly to Dar es Salaam and then take a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro or Arusha.
Fly to Nairobi (Kenya), which often has cheaper international flights, and then either fly to Kilimanjaro or take a bus from Nairobi Airport to Arusha (approximately 7 hours).
Arrival & Accommodation
A Safari Addict representative will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation in Arusha.
Accommodation for after your safari can be booked if needed.
Your first night’s accommodation is usually on a Bed & Breakfast basis due to varying flight arrival times.
On Arrival
Arusha (ARK) & Kilimanjaro (JRO) Airports: English is widely spoken and used for signs and directions.
Journey Times:
Arusha Airport to town centre: approximately 30 minutes.
Kilimanjaro Airport to town centre: 60-90 minutes.
Immigration: Clearing immigration at Kilimanjaro can be a lengthy process.
Flight Information
Arrive in Arusha at least 1 day before your trip begins.
Return flights should be booked for the late afternoon/evening of the final safari day, but confirm this with your safari consultant.
Visa & Passports
Check with your embassy for up-to-date visa and passport information.
Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your trip and has at least 3 clear pages.
Most visas can be bought on arrival, but you can also purchase an e-visa in advance from the Tanzania e-visa website.
Vaccinations & Health
Recommended Vaccinations: Tetanus, Polio, Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever*, Malaria**.
Yellow Fever: Required if entering from a country with Yellow Fever. Check the WHO website for an up-to-date list.
Malaria: Use prophylaxis and take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Consult your physician or a travel health clinic about 3 months before departure.
Travel Insurance
Essential to have extensive travel insurance covering:
Full medical coverage.
Emergency medical air evacuation.
Repatriation.
Money
Currency: Tanzanian Shillings. US Dollars are widely accepted (no older than 2006).
Credit and Debit Cards: Bring more than one card, inform your bank of your travel plans.
Changing Money: Best done at ATMs in Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airport.
Tipping
Guides: Typically USD 15-20 per person per day.
Accommodation: Tip boxes in reception, recommended USD 10 per day for a group of 2.
Climate
Bring warm clothes for high altitudes, especially in June, July, and August. Dress in layers.
Long rains: March, April, May. Short rains: November, early December.
What to Take
Luggage: Duffel or soft-sided bags are preferable. Pack valuables in a separate day pack.
Clothes: Layers, mid-tone colors, avoid white or bright colors.
Shoes: Trainers, sports sandals, and flip-flops for showers.
Sun Protection: Sunglasses, hat, high-protection sun cream, and lip salve.
First Aid Supplies: Antiseptic ointment, antihistamine, painkillers, eye drops, anti-diarrhea treatment, bandages, allergy medication, insect repellent, rehydration sachets, plasters.
Wi-Fi: Available at most lodges and camps, signal strength may vary.
SIM Cards: Can be purchased in Arusha. Ensure your phone is unlocked.
Security
Be cautious with valuables. Use a money belt rather than a bag. At night, use taxis rather than walking.
Responsible Travel
Before You Go: Use environmentally friendly toiletries, learn local language and customs, pack donations, bring a reusable water bottle, avoid plastic bags.
While Travelling: Conserve water, buy local crafts, respect wildlife and local customs, dress appropriately, dispose of litter properly.
