Getting to and around Tanzania

Most visitors fly into one of three international airports, then travel on by light aircraft, by road or by ferry.

Last checked: 1 November 2026. Rules, fees and advice change, so confirm them with the official source named at the end of this page before you book and again before you fly.

International airports

  • Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), between Moshi and Arusha. The usual gateway for the northern parks and Kilimanjaro.
  • Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR), in Dar es Salaam, the largest city. Convenient for the coast and the south.
  • Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ), about 5 km south of Zanzibar City on Unguja, run by the Zanzibar Airports Authority.

Have your return or onward ticket ready at border control, along with the inbound insurance for your first point of entry. See Visa and entry.

Domestic flights

Scheduled and charter light aircraft link the main airports, Arusha and Zanzibar with airstrips in or near many national parks. Flying saves long drives, but baggage allowances are small and often limited by weight and bag type. Confirm the allowance with the airline when you book.

Road transfers

  • The UK FCDO advises against driving outside major towns and cities at night. Fatal accidents are common and there is no roadside rescue service.
  • Local buses, motorbike taxis and tuk-tuks have poor safety records. In towns, use reputable taxis booked through your hotel or operator.
  • After rain, park tracks can become impassable without a 4x4.

Ferries to Zanzibar

Ferries run between Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. Ferry disasters on this route and others have cost hundreds of lives, so do not board a ferry that looks overloaded or unsafe.

Check before you travel

Sources: the Tanzania Airports Authority, the Zanzibar Airports Authority and the UK FCDO safety advice for Tanzania. Confirm flight and ferry details with the operator, and check the FCDO or your own government's travel advice close to departure.