Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the preferred arrival airport for safari-goers and Kilimanjaro trekkers. Located just 40 minutes from Moshi town or 50 minutes from Arusha, this is the ideal international airport for those with Northern-circuit safaris or planned mountain treks.
What is JRO like?
Kilimanjaro International Airport is still growing, while offering modern amenities.
Restaurant and Cafe
There is a restaurant and lounge area, as well as a cafe on the second floor, for travelers to relax or grab a quick bite before their flight. The airport offers modern toilets and a few souvenir shops, including your last option for purchasing Tanzanite before you fly.
Currency Exchange
There is a currency exchange desk so you can either change some notes into Tanzanian Shillings as soon as you arrive, or you can conveniently change back any remaining cash before flying home.
Immigration
You can receive a tourist visa upon arrival at JRO. Please come prepared with US dollars ($50 or $100, depending on your country of citizenship), as other currencies are not recommended. However, we suggest organizing your visa online before you travel to save time. Waiting in line at immigration after a long flight can be exhausting.
Please see the official Tanzania Immigration webpage for the e-visa option. The e-visa allows travelers to access the “Passport and Visa holders” line at immigration upon arrival, speeding up the process so you can start your holiday sooner.
WiFi
The airport advertises free WiFi for waiting passengers, but please don’t rely on it! Some guests have passed through JRO when the internet was down, so be prepared for no internet or use your phone’s data instead.
Transportation
As soon as travelers step outside the arrival doors of JRO, they are sure to be greeted by friendly and eager taxi drivers. Royal Climb and Safaris guests are always picked up by our professional drivers, who usually bear a large signboard with your name to make it easy to find them. This service is included in our Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing and safari packages. We use clean and comfortable Toyota Alphard vehicles, spacious enough for your group and all your luggage.
Simply share your flight arrival time with us, and we will communicate with you regarding your pick-up. This service is available 24 hours a day, no matter when your flight arrives in Tanzania.
What to Expect
When your flight arrives at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be directed to collect your hand luggage and descend a set of stairs to the tarmac.
Throughout East Africa, most airports do not have ramps for passengers to exit directly into the terminal. Instead, a stairway on wheels will be attached to the airplane exits, and you will disembark outdoors, a few hundred meters from the airport building. If you need assistance with your luggage, flight attendants will be happy to help.
After disembarking, you and the other passengers will proceed to Immigration. If you have already secured an e-visa, present the printed page to the officers and join the “Visa Holder” line.
Next, you may collect your checked baggage at the terminal immediately after immigration. Customs officers may request to inspect your bags, but they are usually checking for contraband or bulk products. If you are carrying standard items for a safari or trek, they will likely wave you through with a smile.
Once you are through customs, head to the arrivals area outside the airport. Look for your Royal Climb and Safaris driver, who will help you with your luggage and escort you to a comfortable vehicle.
Many Royal Climb and Safaris guests choose to stay at our nearby Moshi or Arusha Hotel, which is just a 40-minute drive from Kilimanjaro Airport. It is the perfect option for travelers arriving late at night or those who need rest before starting a safari or trek the next day.
How far is Kilimanjaro Airport from Arusha?
JRO is approximately 50 kilometers, or 30 miles, from Arusha town.
How far is Kilimanjaro Airport from Moshi?
JRO is approximately 42 kilometers, or 26 miles, from Moshi town.
Travel time depends on traffic, but there is a smooth highway connecting both towns to the airport, and delays are uncommon.
Hotels near Kilimanjaro Airport
There are several hotels near Kilimanjaro Airport, though many are basic 2-star accommodations, offering just bed and breakfast services for travelers departing the next day. These hotels are usually located near the highway and may lack scenic views or additional amenities.
Guests may also choose to stay in Moshi or Arusha before their departing flight, but this might involve extra transport costs for reaching the airport.
Other International Airports in Tanzania
While JRO is not the only international airport in Tanzania, it’s the best option for travelers heading to the Northern Circuit or climbing Kilimanjaro. Here’s why:
Julius Nyerere International Airport
Located in Dar es Salaam, this airport is not ideal for visitors planning a safari or mountain trek. It is a 12-hour drive from Dar to Moshi or Arusha. Some guests choose to take a local flight from Dar to JRO to avoid this long journey, while others book flights directly into JRO to save time and hassle.
Additionally, Dar es Salaam’s traffic can be quite congested, so travelers should account for delays when traveling to the airport.
However, some guests who end their safari with a beach vacation in Zanzibar or Mafia Island may prefer to fly out of Dar, as it is closer to those destinations.
Zanzibar International Airport
This airport is located on the Zanzibar Archipelago. Some travelers book outbound flights from here if they end their holiday with a beach stay in Zanzibar.
However, the number of international flights from Zanzibar is limited. Most guests find it easier and cheaper to take a charter flight from Zanzibar to JRO and then fly out from Kilimanjaro.
Kilimanjaro International Airport
JRO is located just 40 minutes from Moshi and 50 minutes from Arusha, making it the most convenient airport for safaris in northern Tanzania and treks to Mount Kilimanjaro. With minimal traffic and close proximity to major destinations, JRO allows for an easy, hassle-free arrival and departure experience. Travelers may even catch an aerial view of Mount Kilimanjaro when arriving or departing during daylight hours.
JRO offers all necessary immigration services and provides the convenience of arriving close to Tanzania’s iconic national parks.
Transfers
Royal Climb and Safaris organizes airport transfers for all clients, even those not booking a safari or trek with us. Our comfortable, air-conditioned Toyota Alphard vehicles can seat groups of up to five people, providing a more affordable and spacious option than taxis, which may not fit your luggage.
Whether you are arriving at JRO or need a late-night transfer from your hotel to the airport, contact Royal Climb and Safaris for a reliable, on-time transfer for you and your group.
