Kilimanjaro International Airport

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Kilimanjaro International Airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the primary gateway for travellers heading to Tanzania’s Northern Circuit Safaris and Kilimanjaro Treks.

Conveniently located 40 minutes from Moshi and 50 minutes from Arusha, it is the ideal international airport for those starting their Kilimanjaro Climbing or going on a safari in the region.

With its proximity to these popular destinations, JRO offers easy access, making it a preferred choice for trekkers and safari-goers.

What does JRO look like?

We want to inform our guests that Kilimanjaro International Airport is still growing while offering modern amenities.

Restaurant and Cafe

The airport features a restaurant and lounge area for travellers to unwind, along with a cafe on the second floor for a quick snack or beverage before your flight.

You'll also find modern restroom facilities and several souvenir shops, including the perfect opportunity to purchase Tanzanite as a last-minute keepsake before you depart.

Currency Exchange

Upon arrival, you’ll find a currency exchange desk where you can easily convert your money into Tanzanian Shillings. Additionally, for your convenience, you can exchange any remaining currency back before your departure. This ensures a seamless experience throughout your trip.

Immigration

You can obtain a Tanzania Tourist Visa on the spot upon arrival at JRO. Please have US dollars ready ($50 or $100, depending on your nationality), as other currencies are not recommended.

To save time and avoid long waits at immigration after a long flight, we highly recommend applying for your visa online in advance. The e-visa process is quick and straightforward, allowing you to use the "Passport and Visa Holders" line upon arrival.

This helps you bypass the traditional visa queue, so you can start your Tanzania Safari Adventure with ease. For more details, visit the official Tanzania Immigration Website.

Let us help you make your journey to Tanzania as smooth as possible!

WiFi

Kilimanjaro Airport offers free WiFi for passengers, but please don’t depend on it. Some guests have experienced outages during their visit. We recommend not relying on it and, if necessary, using your phone’s data for internet access throughout the airport.

Transportation

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll be warmly welcomed by our professional drivers, holding a sign with your name for easy identification. Our transportation service is included in all Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing and Tanzania Safari Packages. We use clean, comfortable Toyota Alphard vehicles, and spacious minivans, ensuring ample room for your group and luggage.

Simply share your flight details with us in advance, and we will coordinate your pick-up, which is available 24 hours a day, regardless of your flight time. Our reliable service ensures you’re greeted promptly and comfortably, allowing you to start your Tanzania Safaris stress-free. Let us handle your airport transfer while you enjoy the journey ahead!

What to Expect

Explore your options for easy and convenient flights to Kilimanjaro.

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be asked to collect your hand luggage and descend a set of stairs onto the tarmac.

Unlike airports in Europe or North America, many East African airports, including Kilimanjaro, do not have jet bridges, so passengers typically exit the plane via a mobile staircase and walk a short distance to the terminal.

If you need assistance with your hand luggage, feel free to ask the flight attendants—they will be happy to help.

After landing, you’ll proceed to Immigration where officials will check your passport and stamp you into Tanzania. If you have already secured your Tanzania Visa through the online application process, have the printed visa approval page ready to present at the Visa Holder line for faster processing.

Once go through immigration, head to the baggage claim area just past the immigration desks to collect your checked luggage. Then, proceed to Customs where officers may inspect your bags. Usually, they are looking for prohibited items or excessive quantities of goods meant for sale. If you're carrying standard travel gear for a safari or mountain trek, the officers will typically wave you through with a friendly smile.

After clearing customs, you’ll exit the terminal into the arrivals area, where you’ll find drivers waiting to meet you. Look for your Jerry Tanzania Tours guide or driver, who will be holding a sign with your name. They will assist you with your luggage and transport you to your accommodation.

We look forward to welcoming you to Tanzania!

Kilimanjaro Travellers Experience

Kilimanjaro Travellers Experience

How far is Kilimanjaro Airport from Arusha?

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 50 kilometres, or 30 miles from Arusha town.

How far is Kilimanjaro Airport from Moshi?

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is approximately 42 kilometers, or 26 miles from Moshi town.

The duration of travel time depends on traffic, but there is a smooth highway connecting both towns to the international airport, and delays are not common.

Hotels near Kilimanjaro Airport

There are several hotels near Kilimanjaro Airport, some of which are more like ‘motels’ or 2-star quality offering only bed and breakfast to more comfortable options. Many of these budget accommodations are located near the highway, with limited amenities and no particularly scenic views. Guests choosing hotels in Moshi or Arusha will need to arrange private transport to the airport, adding to their costs.

We look forward to making your stay comfortable and memorable!

Kilimanjaro Travellers Experience

Kilimanjaro Travellers Experience

Other International Airports in Tanzania

JRO is not the only International Airport in Tanzania, but we think it’s the best option for travellers. Here’s why:

Julius Nyerere International Airport

Located in Dar es Salaam

Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is not the ideal airport for those heading to the Serengeti or Mount Kilimanjaro, as it’s about a 12-hour drive to Moshi or Arusha. Many travellers opt for a local flight from Dar to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to avoid the long journey. Alternatively, booking a direct flight to JRO can save time.

Traffic in Dar es Salaam is especially congested, so it's advisable to allow extra time—at least an hour or more—to reach the airport.

However, for those finishing a safari in Zanzibar or Mafia Island, Dar es Salaam offers a convenient departure point for flights home.

Zanzibar International Airport

Located on the beautiful Zanzibar Archipelago, Zanzibar International Airport is a convenient option for travellers finishing their holiday with a Zanzibar Beach Holidays.

However, international flights from Zanzibar are limited. For many guests, it’s more affordable and practical to take a short charter flight from Zanzibar to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and then fly out of JRO, where more international departure options are available.

Kilimanjaro International Airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is ideally located just 40 minutes from Moshi, the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro, and 50 minutes from Arusha, the hub for safaris to iconic parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Arriving at JRO saves you valuable time and hassle, as it’s less than an hour’s drive to key destinations, and you won’t face the heavy traffic typical of larger urban centres like Dar es Salaam.

If your flight arrives during daylight, you may be treated to a stunning aerial view of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, as you descend or take off.

As an international airport, JRO offers full immigration services, making your arrival and departure smooth and efficient. With its strategic location close to major national parks and the chance to catch a glimpse of Kilimanjaro from your window, flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport is the perfect start or end to your Tanzanian adventure.

Kilimanjaro Travellers Experience

Kilimanjaro Travellers Experience

Transfers

Connecting you from various airports directly to the heart of Kilimanjaro.

Jerry Tanzania Tours offers convenient airport transfers for all clients, whether or not you're travelling with us on safari. Our comfortable Alphard minibuses are equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant journey. These spacious vehicles can accommodate up to five passengers, making them a great value compared to expensive taxis that might not have enough space for both you and your luggage.

Whether you're arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to kick off your trip or need a late-night transfer, we ensure timely, hassle-free transportation for you and your group. Contact us for your transfer needs!

Kilimanjaro Airport FAQ's

All your Kilimanjaro Airport questions are answered in one place!