Getting to Kilimanjaro

To reach Mount Kilimanjaro, you will need to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), which has the IATA code JRO and the ICAO code HTKJ. This airport is served by numerous airlines with daily flights. The nearest major cities to Kilimanjaro National Park are Arusha and Moshi.

Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)

  • From Europe: KLM offers direct flights from Amsterdam to JRO.
  • From the Middle East: Qatar Airways and Emirates provide direct flights from Doha and Dubai, respectively.

For specific flight options, you can refer to the following link: Kilimanjaro Flight Options.

how to get to Kilimanjaro

Alternative Travel Routes to Kilimanjaro

  1. Via Dar-Es-Salaam (DAR):
    • Fly into Tanzania’s capital and take a short internal flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
  2. Via Nairobi (NBO):
    • Fly into Kenya’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and connect to JRO via Kenya Airways or Precision Air.

Budget Travel Options

For budget-conscious travelers, consider flying into Nairobi, Kenya. From Nairobi, you can travel by road to Moshi or Arusha via numerous bus and shuttle options. This route is suitable for those who are adventurous, looking to save money, and have ample time. However, be aware that the roads can be rough.

International Flights to Kilimanjaro

Depending on your departure point, you may need to connect through another African city, such as Dar es Salaam, Arusha, or Nairobi, to reach Kilimanjaro.

Airlines with Direct Flights to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO))

  • KLM: Direct flights from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro airport
  • Condor Air : Direct flights from Frankfurt to Kilimanjaro airport
  • Turkish Airlines: Direct flights from Istanbul to Kilimanjaro airport
  • Kenya Airways: Direct flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport
  • Precision Air: Direct flights from Nairobi to Kilimanjaro airport
  • Qatar Airlines: Direct flights from Doha to Kilimanjaro airport
  • Ethiopian Airlines: Direct flights from Addis Ababa to Kilimanjaro airport
  • RwandAir: Direct flights from Kigali to Kilimanjaro airport

Connecting Flights to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)

If direct flights are not available, consider connecting flights via Dar Es Salaam or Nairobi. Nairobi, being closer to Kilimanjaro than Dar Es Salaam, often has more competitive prices and frequent flights.

Travel from the US, Europe, and the UK

Travelers from the US, Europe, and the UK can fly from major local airports to Amsterdam and then take a connecting KLM flight to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO).

Connecting Flights to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)

How to fly to Kilimanjaro

Domestic flights within Tanzania and Kilimanjaro airport ( JRO )

The following airlines provide domestic flights within Tanzania, including connections to Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)

  • Precision Air
  • Fly540
  • Regional Air
  • Fast jet
  • Zan Air
  • Coastal Aviation
  • Air Excel

Private and Shuttle Transfers to Moshi or Arusha

For an additional fee, we can arrange private transportation or shuttle bus transfers between Nairobi and Kilimanjaro, including Moshi and Arusha. Buses typically depart from Nairobi’s Parkside Hotel, with complimentary pickups from select hotels in Nairobi city center and Nairobi Airport. In Arusha or Moshi, we can arrange pickups or drop-offs at most city center hotels.

Bus schedule (subject to change)
Routing Schedule Departing Arriving
Nairobi to Arusha Daily 08:00 14:00
Nairobi to Arusha Daily 14:00 18:30
Nairobi to Moshi Daily 08:00 15:30
Moshi to Nairobi Daily 06:00 14:00
Arusha to Nairobi Daily 08:00 14:00
Moshi to Nairobi Daily 10:30 18:30
Arusha to Nairobi Daily 14:00 18:30

Private Transfers

We can also arrange private transfers to Arusha or Moshi from Nairobi, Dar Es Salaam, or Mombasa, and vice versa, for an additional cost.

Main Starting Points for Kilimanjaro Adventures

Moshi and Arusha are the primary starting points for Kilimanjaro climbs. Both towns offer a lively atmosphere with numerous tour operators, accommodation options, restaurants, shops, and markets.

  • Moshi: Closer to Kilimanjaro International Airport, approximately a 40-minute drive (45 kilometers).
  • Arusha: About 90 minutes away from the airport (70 kilometers).

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Kilimanjaro International Airport is the main airport for travelers heading to Mount Kilimanjaro. It is located roughly 50 kilometers east of Moshi and 70 kilometers west of Arusha.

Travel Preparations

  • Visa & Passport: Check your visa and passport requirements well in advance, including any visa needs for transit countries.
  • Vaccinations: Ensure your vaccinations are up-to-date, particularly for Yellow Fever, especially if you have a layover in a country at risk (e.g., Kenya).
  • Arrival Time: Arrive a few days before your climb to account for any unexpected delays and to ensure you are well-rested before starting your adventure.

By following these travel guidelines, you can ensure a smooth journey to Kilimanjaro and be well-prepared for your climb.