How Do You Get to Mount Kilimanjaro
Reaching Mount Kilimanjaro begins with planning your route to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), identified by its codes IATA: JRO and ICAO: HTKJ. This airport is the main gateway to Kilimanjaro National Park and is served daily by various international airlines.
The two nearest urban hubs are Moshi, a small yet vibrant town, and Arusha, a bustling city often referred to as the safari capital of Tanzania. These locations are starting points for many Kilimanjaro treks, offering ample accommodation, restaurants, and tour operator offices.
Flying Directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport
For most travelers, flying directly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the fastest and most convenient option. Airlines offering direct or one-stop flights to JRO include:
- KLM: Direct flights from Amsterdam
- Condor Air: Direct flights from Frankfurt
- Turkish Airlines: Direct flights from Istanbul
- Qatar Airways: Direct flights from Doha
- Ethiopian Airlines: Direct flights from Addis Ababa
- RwandAir: Direct flights from Kigali
- Kenya Airways and Precision Air: Short connections from Nairobi
These airlines provide global connections, making it easy to travel to Kilimanjaro from various parts of the world.
Alternative Routes to Kilimanjaro
Via Dar es Salaam (DAR):
Fly into Tanzania’s bustling commercial capital and take a short domestic flight to Kilimanjaro (JRO) via airlines such as Precision Air or Air Tanzania.
Via Nairobi, Kenya (NBO):
Nairobi, Kenya, offers frequent flights to JRO. From Nairobi, airlines like Kenya Airways and Precision Air provide connections.
For those seeking an adventurous alternative, overland travel from Nairobi to Moshi or Arusha is an option. Shuttles and buses make the journey, although the ride can be bumpy. This is ideal for budget travelers or those with flexible itineraries.
Finding Budget Flights to Kilimanjaro
To save on airfare, consider flying to Nairobi (NBO) instead of Kilimanjaro (JRO). Nairobi is closer to Kilimanjaro than Dar es Salaam and receives more international traffic, often resulting in lower ticket prices. From Nairobi, you can either fly or take a road transfer to Tanzania.
Where Do Kilimanjaro Climbs Begin?
Your Kilimanjaro adventure typically starts in either Moshi or Arusha:
- Moshi: Just 40 minutes (45 km) from Kilimanjaro International Airport, Moshi is a charming town situated at the base of the mountain. It’s quieter than Arusha and perfect for acclimatizing to the local pace.
- Arusha: About 90 minutes (70 km) from the airport, Arusha is a larger city and a hub for Tanzania’s safari circuit. It offers a wider range of accommodations and services.
Both locations are well-equipped with trekking gear shops, vibrant markets, and restaurants to prepare for your Kilimanjaro climb.
Ready to Start Your Kilimanjaro Adventure?
No matter where you’re traveling from, African Choice Safaris is here to guide you through every step of planning your journey to Mount Kilimanjaro. Contact us for tailored advice, flight recommendations, and seamless transfers to ensure your trip begins smoothly. Let’s make your Kilimanjaro adventure truly unforgettable!
