Arrival & Transport
By Plane
Tanzania has three international airports that are served from Europe:
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) — Safari & Kilimanjaro
The most important airport for safari travelers. Located between Arusha (46 km) and Moshi (35 km). Direct flights are available from Amsterdam (KLM), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Doha (Qatar Airways). From Germany: Transfer in Amsterdam, Istanbul, Addis Ababa, or Nairobi. Flight time: 9–13h (depending on transfer).
Transfer: Shuttle to Arusha (10–15 USD, 1h), to Moshi (10–15 USD, 45 min). Most safari operators organize the transfer.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) — Dar es Salaam
The largest airport in Tanzania. Hub for domestic flights and connections to Zanzibar, as well as the starting point for the southern parks. Direct flights from Europe: KLM (Amsterdam), Swiss (Zurich), Turkish Airlines (Istanbul), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa).
Transfer: Taxi to the city (30,000–50,000 TZS, approx. 45–90 min depending on traffic). Uber/Bolt available.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) — Zanzibar
Ideal for a direct beach holiday or as a departure airport after Safari + Zanzibar. Charter flights from Europe (Condor from Frankfurt seasonally), as well as many connections via Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Dar es Salaam.
Flight Prices (Guideline for Round Trip)
| Period | Price from DE |
|---|---|
| Low Season (Apr–May) | 450–650€ |
| Shoulder Season (Jun, Nov–Dec) | 550–800€ |
| High Season (Jul–Oct, Jan–Feb) | 700–1,100€ |
Tipp
Book the outbound flight to JRO (Kilimanjaro) for the safari and the return flight from ZNZ (Zanzibar) for the perfect safari-beach combination. Multi-city flights with KLM and Ethiopian Airlines are often hardly more expensive than round trips from the same airport.
Choosing a Safari Operator
Choosing the safari operator is the most important decision of your Tanzania trip. A good guide makes the difference between "nice" and "unforgettable".
Types of Safari Operators
- Local Operators (in Arusha/Moshi): Cheapest option (150–400 USD/day). Direct contact, flexible planning. Quality varies greatly — research thoroughly! Hundreds of providers in Arusha alone.
- International Safari Agencies: Higher prices (400–800 USD/day), but reliable service, German-speaking support possible, security in case of problems. Usually also book with local partners.
- Luxury Operators: All-inclusive fly-in safaris with exclusive camps (800–1,500+ USD/day). Perfect for honeymoon or special occasions. Brands like andBeyond, Singita, Nomad Tanzania.
What to Look For?
- TATO License: The operator must be registered with the Tanzania Association of Tour Operators.
- Reviews: Read current reviews on TripAdvisor and SafariBookings. At least 50+ reviews with 4.5+ stars.
- Vehicle: Toyota Land Cruiser with pop-up roof (not Land Rover!). Maximum 6 guests per vehicle, better 4.
- Guide Qualification: TANAPA-certified guide with English (or German) skills and birdwatching knowledge.
- All-Inclusive? Clarify if park fees, crater fee, water, airport transfer, and tips are included. Otherwise, an extra 200–400 USD can quickly add up.
Achtung
NEVER book a safari with street vendors (so-called "Flycatchers") at the airport or in the city. These intermediaries often have no license, collect commission, and disappear when problems arise. Always book directly with the registered operator.
Transport within the Country
Dala-Dalas — The People's Transport
Dala-Dalas are Tanzania's minibus shared taxis — colorfully painted minibuses that run on fixed routes but without a fixed schedule. They start when they are full (and "full" in Tanzania means: there's always room for one more). Extremely cheap (500–1,000 TZS for short distances), but slow, uncomfortable, and sometimes chaotic. The only option for short distances in cities and small distances between villages.
Buses (Intercity Buses)
For longer distances, there are comfortable buses with a fixed schedule:
| Route | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Dar es Salaam → Arusha | 8–10h | 30,000–45,000 TZS (10–16€) |
| Dar es Salaam → Moshi | 8–9h | 28,000–40,000 TZS |
| Arusha → Moshi | 1.5h | 5,000–8,000 TZS |
| Dar es Salaam → Iringa | 6–7h | 25,000–35,000 TZS |
Recommendation: FlipFlop (Dar–Arusha, the most comfortable) or Kilimanjaro Express. Book seats in advance!
Domestic Flights
Indispensable for long distances and fly-in safaris:
- Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Precision Air: Connect all major safari parks and Zanzibar. Small propeller planes (Cessna Caravan), spectacular low flights over the Serengeti.
- Dar es Salaam → Zanzibar: 20 min., from 70–120 USD (several times daily)
- Arusha → Serengeti: 1–1.5h, from 200–350 USD
- Dar es Salaam → Ruaha: 1.5–2h, from 250–400 USD
Ferries
The fast ferry Dar es Salaam – Zanzibar is the most popular connection:
- Azam Marine: Fastest and most reliable ferry. 1.5–2h, from 35–40 USD. Several times daily.
- Economy Class: 35 USD, Business: 40 USD, VIP: 50 USD
- Booking: Online or at the port (arrive early — tickets often sell out!)
Taxis & Ride-Hailing
In Dar es Salaam and Arusha, there is Uber and Bolt — cheaper and more reliable than street taxis. Otherwise: negotiate the price BEFORE, meters are practically non-existent. In Zanzibar: Prices are fixed, but bargaining helps.
Tipp
The ferry Dar–Zanzibar is an experience. Book online with Azam Marine the day before and be there 1 hour before departure. The first ferry in the morning (7:00 am) is the calmest. If you get seasick: take tablets, the sea can be rough!
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