Airports in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the most diverse travel destinations in East Africa, with its wildlife-rich national parks, Mount Kilimanjaro, beaches of Zanzibar and historic coastal towns. It has an extensive aviation network that links key tourism hubs, commercial cities and island destinations, providing a convenient way for both international tourists and domestic travellers to reach them.

Tanzania has several airports providing scheduled domestic, regional and international services. Key international gateways include Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in northern Tanzania and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar.

The Tanzanian airport system provides access to the Zanzibar archipelago, northern safari circuit and the mainland of Tanzania. International visitors can select their arrival airport according to their travel plans. Zanzibar is very convenient for visitors to the islands, Kilimanjaro for visitors to the northern safari circuit and Dar es Salaam for those heading to the eastern and southern mainland.

Julius Nyerere International Airport is an important aviation hub and the primary airport serving Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It is situated in the largest commercial city in the country, and serves a significant number of domestic, regional and international flights, making it an easy airport to arrive at and to continue onward to other parts of Tanzania. It is also convenient for business travellers and tourists who are travelling further to other parts of the country.

The airport has three passenger terminals. Terminal I is used for general aviation, Terminal II primarily handles domestic flights, and Terminal III handles international flights. Travellers can find the necessary facilities at the airport, including check-in counters, immigration and customs services, baggage facilities, restaurants, shops, and waiting areas.

• Airport Address: Julius K. Nyerere Rd, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
• Airport Code: DAR

Kilimanjaro International Airport is one of the key international airports in northern Tanzania and is significant for visitors to the country's famed safari destinations. The airport is located between Arusha and Moshi, offering easy access to the various attractions of the northern tourism circuit, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and more. Its location between Arusha and Moshi makes it a convenient gateway for travellers visiting Mount Kilimanjaro and northern Tanzania's safari destinations.

The airport serves international and domestic passengers and provides basic facilities for travellers entering or leaving the Kilimanjaro area. Check-in and baggage services, immigration and customs facilities, passenger waiting areas, dining facilities and other basic airport amenities are available for passengers. Taxis, private transfers and organised safari transfers are available for onward travel to Arusha, Moshi and other destinations.

• Airport Address: KIA, Hai-Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
• Airport Code: JRO

Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is Zanzibar's main airport and a key gateway for international passengers flying into Tanzania. The airport is situated on the island of Unguja and offers access to Zanzibar City and the historic Stone Town, along with the island's famous beaches. It provides international, regional and domestic services, and is an important component of Tanzania's tourism network.

The airport provides all necessary facilities for passengers such as check-in counters, immigration and customs, baggage handling, a passenger waiting area, shops and food and beverage. Road transfers and taxis are available at the airport to Stone Town, hotels, and resorts on Unguja. The airport is also convenient for passengers transferring from Zanzibar to other destinations on the mainland of Tanzania, such as Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and other regional centres.

• Airport Address: Kisauni Road, Zanzibar, Tanzania
• Airport Code: ZNZ

Tanzania is known worldwide for its wildlife and safari experience. Tanzania has several national parks, including Serengeti National Park, which is renowned for its wildlife and annual wildebeest migration. The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is also known for its dramatic volcanic landscape and abundant wildlife.

The country is also home to the highest mountain in Africa - Mount Kilimanjaro, which is one of the best-known trekking destinations in the world. In addition to its climbing, northern Tanzania is also a great place to explore forests, crater landscapes and national parks, making it a great destination for adventure and nature travellers.

Tanzania is also famous for its coastline, islands and cultural heritage. While Zanzibar is known for its white-sand beaches, the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, its spice heritage, and historic Stone Town, the mainland destinations of Dar es Salaam and Bagamoyo allow visitors to immerse themselves in Swahili culture, cuisine, history, and coastal living.

Tanzania has a diverse range of options, from vibrant coastal cities to ancient towns, highland villages to lakeside centres. Depending on the region they choose to explore, travellers can enjoy urban sightseeing, wildlife safaris, mountain adventures, cultural experiences and beach holidays. The Tanzania Tourist Board also identifies certain cities, like Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Mwanza, Zanzibar City, Dodoma and Moshi, as important urban destinations, each with unique cultural, historical, culinary, natural and local attractions.

• Dar es Salaam: Dar es Salaam is Tanzania's largest city and an important commercial, cultural and coastal centre. You can visit the National Museum of Tanzania, which displays archaeological and historical artefacts, or explore the city's vibrant local market at Kariakoo Market. The oceanfront is also a place to unwind at Coco Beach or take a boat ride to Bongoyo Island for swimming, snorkelling, and a more relaxed beach experience.
• Arusha: Arusha is considered the entry point to Tanzania's northern safari circuit and lies beneath Mount Meru. The city is easily accessible for trips to Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Mount Kilimanjaro and other northern destinations. Inside the city, guests can explore the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre, shop at the Maasai craft markets and dine at a variety of restaurants and nighttime entertainment venues.
• Zanzibar City: The main urban centre of the Zanzibar archipelago, Zanzibar City is most famous for its historic quarter, Stone Town. It has very narrow lanes, elaborate doors, historic buildings, bazaars and waterfronts, all of which show the Swahili, Arab, Persian, Indian and European influences that have been a part of Zanzibar's history. The Old Fort and House of Wonders are also worth exploring, and visitors can also take a tour of the island to discover the spice and learn about the other crops that are part of Zanzibar's heritage.
• Moshi: Moshi is a favourite place to visit for travellers who are planning an expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. The town and its environs also offer a chance to visit the coffee plantations and to learn about the traditions of the Chagga people. Guided cultural experiences might include visits to traditional homes, local farms, and places significant to the communities around Kilimanjaro's history and livelihood.
• Mwanza: Mwanza is situated on the shores of Lake Victoria, which has very impressive lakeside scenery and some unique granite formations, hence the nickname “Rock City”. One of its recognisable landmarks is Bismarck Rock, a great place for photos, especially at dawn and dusk. Hikers, birdwatchers, and fishermen can also explore Saanane Island National Park, a unique urban wildlife park, and learn more about Sukuma culture, which is deep-rooted in the region.
• Dodoma: Dodoma is Tanzania's political capital and a place to experience the centre of the country. The city hosts the national Parliament of Tanzania and cultural facilities like the Chinangali Cultural Centre. Food and agriculture enthusiasts can visit local farms.
• Tanga: Tanga is a coastal town in the northeast of Tanzania, offering beaches, historical sites, and access to the natural wonders of the surrounding area. It is located on the Indian Ocean and is ideal for those who prefer a more relaxed coastal lifestyle, away from the larger urban centres. The broader Tanga area offers chances to immerse oneself in nature and cultural experiences, making it a valuable destination for travellers looking to add extra days to their safari trip beyond the popular route through the Serengeti.
• Bagamoyo: Bagamoyo is an historic coastal town with deep roots in the Swahili heritage and Indian Ocean trade of Tanzania. The historic buildings, the old port area and the cultural sites give an insight into the complex maritime history of the region. The town is also significant to travellers interested in heritage tourism because Bagamoyo is one of the important historical and cultural sites in Tanzania as identified by the Tanzania Tourist Board.
• Mbeya: Mbeya is in the Southern Highlands of Tanzania, surrounded by mountains, valleys and picturesque countryside. The city offers access to the landscapes of southwestern Tanzania, and can be part of nature, hiking and regional exploration trips. It is also a convenient place for visitors to stay when travelling around the southern part of the country beyond the major northern safari destinations.
• Kigoma: Kigoma is situated on the eastern bank of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania and provides a different kind of travel experience than the more popular northern circuit of Tanzania. Its lakeside location offers opportunities for scenic exploration, and its proximity to natural and cultural sites in western Tanzania makes it an ideal destination for those looking for something off the beaten path. Kigoma is also a gateway to the Lake Tanganyika area and the surrounding protected areas.

Indian citizens must obtain a visa to enter Tanzania; they can obtain either an online visa or a visa on arrival. Applicants are advised to apply online for the e-Visa on the official website of Tanzania Immigration before travel. However, eligible Indian travellers can apply for a Tanzania visa on arrival at designated entry points. The ordinary visa allows for a stay of up to 90 days for tourism purposes, depending on the conditions of the visa granted.

Travellers must have a valid passport, the necessary supporting documents, and proof of onward/return travel (if applicable), and should check with immigration authorities before travelling, as regulations may change. Citizens of India can apply for a Tanzanian e-visa before travelling through the official e-visa website.

IndiGo's growing international network and Africa connectivity give access to Tanzania. IndiGo provides connectivity to Tanzania through its international network and codeshare arrangements. Depending on the itinerary, travellers can access destinations such as Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro through available connections. IndiGo also offers connectivity to Nairobi, which can be a good regional gateway if needed, depending on the route and connections.

Flight routes to Tanzania from India can be direct or connecting, depending on the departure city, destination airport, and travel date. IndiGo offers direct flights from Mumbai to Nairobi, and you can check its website or mobile app for the most up-to-date schedules and connections to Tanzania.