How to Get to Kilimanjaro: Your Complete Travel Guide
Flights, airports, transfers, and everything you need to reach Africa's highest peak
Flights, airports, transfers, and everything you need to reach Africa's highest peak
You've decided to climb Kilimanjaro. You've picked your route, started training, and researched gear. But before you can stand on the Roof of Africa, you need to actually get there. And if you've never traveled to East Africa before, the logistics might feel overwhelming: Which airport? Which airline? How do I get from the airport to Moshi? Do I need a visa? What about that confusing yellow fever thing?
Good news: getting to Kilimanjaro is easier than you think. Tanzania's tourism infrastructure is well-developed, flights are straightforward (if a bit long), and the ground transfers are simple. This guide walks you through every step of the journey—from booking the cheapest flights to navigating visa-on-arrival to understanding why you should fly into JRO instead of DAR (we'll explain). By the end, you'll know exactly how to plan your travel, what to expect on arrival, and how to get from the airport to the trailhead with zero stress.
Let's start with the most important decision: which airport to fly into.
Tanzania has three main airports relevant to Kilimanjaro climbers: JRO (Kilimanjaro International), DAR (Dar es Salaam), and ARK (Arusha). Each serves a different purpose, and choosing the wrong one can add hours—or even a full day—to your journey. Here's the breakdown:
Location: Between Moshi and Arusha in northern Tanzania, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Distance to Moshi: ~45 minutes by car (50 km).
Distance to Arusha: ~1 hour by car (60 km).
JRO is the primary airport for Kilimanjaro climbers and safari-goers visiting the northern circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire). It's a small, modern airport with international connections to Europe, the Middle East, and East Africa. While it's not as large as Dar es Salaam's airport, it offers everything you need: immigration, baggage claim, currency exchange, ATMs, and a small café.
Why JRO is ideal:
Arrival experience: JRO is efficient but basic. Expect a 30-60 minute wait at immigration (longer during peak season when multiple flights arrive simultaneously). You'll fill out an arrival form, get your visa (if you didn't apply online), and pass through customs. Baggage claim is straightforward. Once you exit arrivals, drivers wait with name signs—KiliPeak's driver will be there holding a sign with your name, ready to whisk you to your hotel in Moshi.
Our recommendation: If you're flying internationally and climbing Kilimanjaro, fly into JRO. It's the most convenient, time-efficient option. You'll land, transfer to Moshi, and be relaxing at your hotel within 90 minutes of touchdown.
Location: Dar es Salaam, on Tanzania's east coast (Indian Ocean).
Distance to Kilimanjaro region: ~635 km from Moshi (about 8-10 hours by road).
DAR is Tanzania's largest and busiest international airport, serving as the main gateway for flights from around the world. It has more flight options than JRO, competitive prices, and connections to Zanzibar. But there's a catch: Dar es Salaam is on the coast, far from Kilimanjaro. If you land at DAR, you'll need to either take a domestic flight to JRO/ARK or endure a long overland drive.
Why you might fly into DAR:
The downside: DAR is far from Kilimanjaro. You have two options:
Our take: Fly into DAR only if you're combining your Kilimanjaro climb with Zanzibar or southern Tanzania attractions. Otherwise, the extra time, cost, and complexity aren't worth it. JRO is simpler, faster, and more convenient for climbers.
Location: Arusha town, northern Tanzania (safari capital).
Distance to Moshi: ~1 hour by car.
Arusha Airport is a small domestic airport serving regional flights and safari charters. It's mainly used by tourists flying into the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater for safari, or as a domestic connection point from DAR. Very few international flights land at ARK—it's primarily for smaller planes and domestic carriers.
When you'd use ARK:
Our take: ARK is fine if you're already in Tanzania or connecting from a safari, but it's not a primary entry point for international climbers. Stick with JRO for direct international access.
| Airport | Code | Distance to Moshi | International Flights | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kilimanjaro International | JRO | 45 min | Yes | Kilimanjaro climbers, northern safaris |
| Dar es Salaam | DAR | 8-10 hours (or 1.5h flight to JRO) | Yes (more options) | Zanzibar combos, southern safaris |
| Arusha | ARK | 1 hour | No (domestic only) | Safari charters, domestic connections |
Bottom line: For Kilimanjaro climbers arriving internationally, JRO is your airport. It's close, convenient, and designed for exactly what you're doing. Book your flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and you'll save time, money, and hassle.
Now that you know where to fly (JRO), let's talk about how to get there—which airlines fly to Kilimanjaro, which routes are most convenient, and which carriers offer the best value. Most flights to JRO require at least one connection through a major hub in Europe, the Middle East, or East Africa. Here's what to expect based on where you're flying from:
Europe has the best access to Kilimanjaro, with several airlines offering direct or one-stop flights to JRO.
KLM (via Amsterdam):
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul):
Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa):
Qatar Airways (via Doha):
There are no direct flights from North America to Tanzania, so you'll connect through Europe, the Middle East, or Africa. Typical routes include:
Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa):
Turkish Airlines (via Istanbul):
KLM (via Amsterdam):
Qatar Airways (via Doha):
Typical North America pricing: $900-$1,800 round trip, depending on origin city, season, and booking timing.
Travelers from Asia, Australia, and the Pacific connect through Middle Eastern or African hubs:
Qatar Airways (via Doha): Popular from Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Doha is a major hub with excellent connections to East Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines (via Addis Ababa): Strong network across Asia. Often the cheapest option from India, China, Southeast Asia, and Australia.
Emirates (via Dubai): Flies to Dar es Salaam (DAR) but not JRO. You'd connect via a domestic flight. Less convenient for Kilimanjaro climbers.
Kenya Airways (via Nairobi): Short hop from Nairobi (NBO) to JRO (~1 hour). Good option if you're combining Kenya safari with Kilimanjaro. Watch out: Nairobi is a yellow fever endemic zone, so carry your vaccination card if transiting.
Typical Asia/Australia pricing: $1,000-$2,000+ round trip.
If you're price-sensitive, Ethiopian Airlines consistently offers the lowest fares to JRO from most global origins. The trade-off is longer layovers in Addis Ababa (which can be chaotic), and slightly older aircraft on some routes. But the savings can be significant—sometimes $300-500 less than competitors. If you don't mind a longer layover and want to stretch your budget for a longer route on Kilimanjaro (which improves summit success), Ethiopian is a smart choice.
Flight costs can vary wildly depending on timing, season, and how you book. Here's how to get the best deals:
Airlines release their cheapest seats 6-8 months before departure. Prices gradually increase as the flight fills up. The sweet spot for booking international flights to Africa is 3-6 months ahead. Earlier than that, and airlines haven't released their best fares yet. Later than that, and you're competing with last-minute travelers paying premium prices.
Exception: If you're flexible, last-minute deals occasionally pop up (airlines trying to fill empty seats), but don't count on it for Kilimanjaro—climbing requires advance planning and permits.
Kilimanjaro has distinct peak and off-peak seasons:
If you're flexible and don't mind potentially wet conditions, shoulder season offers significant savings on both flights and climbing packages (some operators discount climbs during low season).
Google Flights: Best for flexible date searches. Use the calendar view to see prices across entire months, and set price alerts for your preferred dates. Google Flights tracks fare changes and notifies you when prices drop.
Skyscanner: Great for comparing multi-airline routes and finding the cheapest travel dates. The "everywhere" search feature can reveal unexpected deals.
Kayak: Similar to Skyscanner, with robust filtering options. Set alerts for your route and get notified of price changes.
Airline websites (KLM, Turkish, Ethiopian): Sometimes booking directly with the airline yields better customer service and flexibility for changes. Compare aggregator prices with direct booking.
If you're combining Kilimanjaro with a safari or beach holiday, consider an open-jaw ticket: fly into JRO, climb Kilimanjaro, travel overland or fly domestically to Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar, then fly home from DAR.
Example itinerary:
Open-jaw tickets are often the same price (or only slightly more expensive) as round-trip tickets, and they save you backtracking. Most flight search engines have an "open-jaw" or "multi-city" option—use it.
For detailed safari combination ideas, see our Kilimanjaro + Safari combo guide.
Here's what to expect for round-trip economy flights to JRO, booked 3-6 months in advance during peak season:
Shoulder season (March-May, November) prices drop 20-40%. Budget accordingly.
You've booked your flight, endured the long journey, and touched down at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Now what? Here's a step-by-step walkthrough of the arrival process at JRO:
After landing, follow the crowd toward immigration. JRO is small, so it's hard to get lost. You'll walk through a corridor and enter the immigration hall.
Most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. Citizens of the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and many other countries can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at JRO. Here's what to do:
If you applied for an e-visa online (recommended):
If you're getting visa-on-arrival (most common):
Yellow fever card check: If you're arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country, you may be asked to show your yellow fever vaccination card before entering immigration. Have it ready.
How long does it take? During quiet periods, 20-30 minutes. When multiple international flights arrive simultaneously (common in the morning), expect 45-90 minutes. Be patient—Tanzania runs on "pole pole" (slowly slowly) time.
After clearing immigration, proceed to baggage claim. JRO has a single carousel area. Bags usually arrive within 15-30 minutes. If your bag is delayed or missing (rare but possible), report it immediately to the airline desk in the baggage area before exiting.
Porter tip: Porters will offer to help with your bags. If you accept, tip 5,000-10,000 TZS ($2-4 USD) per bag. If you prefer to handle your own luggage, politely decline ("No thanks, I'm okay").
After grabbing your bags, proceed through customs. Most travelers experience "nothing to declare" green-channel treatment—walk through without inspection. Occasionally, customs officers spot-check bags. If asked, open your luggage. They're typically looking for prohibited items (large quantities of alcohol, illegal goods) or commercial merchandise. Your climbing gear, clothes, and camera are fine.
Once through customs, you'll exit into the arrivals hall. This is where drivers, tour operators, and hotel staff wait with name signs. Look for a sign with your name and "KiliPeak" (or your tour operator's name).
KiliPeak's arrival service: Our driver will be waiting for you with a sign. They'll help load your luggage, offer you bottled water, and drive you to your hotel in Moshi (45-minute drive). No stress, no haggling with taxi drivers, no confusion. We've got you covered.
If no one is there to meet you: Don't panic. Check your email/WhatsApp for messages from your operator. Sometimes drivers are delayed by traffic or miscommunication. Wait 15-20 minutes. If still no show, contact your operator (have their phone number saved). As a backup, official airport taxis are available—agree on a price before getting in ($50-80 to Moshi is standard).
JRO has currency exchange counters and ATMs in the arrivals area. Rates are okay but not great—you'll get better rates in Moshi. If you need cash immediately (for tips, small purchases), withdraw 100,000-200,000 TZS (about $40-80 USD) from the ATM.
You can also purchase a local SIM card (Vodacom, Airtel) at the airport for ~$5-10. Useful for mobile data and WhatsApp during your trip. However, most hotels have WiFi, and you'll be offline during the climb anyway, so it's optional.
Once in the vehicle, sit back and enjoy the drive to Moshi. You'll pass small villages, coffee plantations, and—if the weather is clear—catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above. Your driver may point out landmarks and answer questions. Use this time to decompress from the flight and mentally transition from "travel mode" to "adventure mode."
Welcome to Tanzania. The mountain awaits.
You've cleared immigration and met your driver. Now it's time to get to your hotel. Here's what to expect for ground transfers, and what options exist if you're not using KiliPeak's included pickup service:
Most Kilimanjaro climbs start from Moshi, the gateway town at the base of the mountain. The drive from JRO to Moshi takes about 45 minutes under normal conditions (up to 90 minutes during heavy traffic or rainy season road delays).
The route: You'll drive west from JRO through rural Tanzania—small villages, farmland, banana plantations, and views of Kilimanjaro (weather permitting). The main road is paved and generally well-maintained, though you'll encounter speed bumps (lots of them) through villages. Roads can flood during heavy rains, causing delays.
What you'll see: Local life in action—markets, motorcycles (boda-bodas) buzzing around, colorful kangas (traditional fabrics) drying on clotheslines, kids waving at passing vehicles. It's a wonderful introduction to Tanzania.
KiliPeak's transfer service: All our packages include complimentary airport pickup and drop-off at JRO. Our driver meets you at arrivals, handles your luggage, and transports you to your pre-climb hotel in Moshi. We use clean, well-maintained vehicles (usually Toyota Land Cruisers or minibuses) with seat belts and air conditioning. No extra charge, no surprises.
If your climb starts from Arusha (some operators are based there), or if you're doing a safari before/after your climb, you may stay in Arusha instead of Moshi. The drive from JRO to Arusha takes about 1 hour.
The route: You'll drive east from JRO toward Arusha, passing through similar rural landscapes. Arusha is larger and busier than Moshi (it's Tanzania's safari capital), with more traffic and urban sprawl. The road is paved and in good condition.
If you're arranging your own transport (not recommended—included transfers are standard with reputable operators), here are your options:
1. Private Taxi (Most Common):
2. Shared Shuttle (Budget Option):
3. Hotel Pickup (Pre-Arranged):
If you landed in Dar es Salaam instead of JRO, you have two options:
Option 1: Domestic Flight (Recommended)
Option 2: Private Road Transfer (Long and Tiring)
Getting into Tanzania is straightforward, but you need to understand visa requirements and entry procedures to avoid surprises at the airport. Here's everything you need to know:
Most international visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. Citizens of a few countries (mostly African nations within regional agreements) can enter visa-free, but if you're from North America, Europe, Asia, or Australia, you'll need a visa.
1. Single-Entry Tourist Visa (Most Common)
2. Multiple-Entry Visa
3. East Africa Tourist Visa
Visa-on-Arrival (Easiest, Most Common):
E-Visa (Apply Online in Advance):
Our recommendation: Apply for an e-visa if you like planning ahead and want to skip the visa-on-arrival queue. If you're short on time or prefer flexibility, visa-on-arrival works fine—just bring cash USD and expect to wait.
Whether you get a visa-on-arrival or e-visa, have the following ready:
Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you're arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. This includes parts of Africa (Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, etc.) and South America (Brazil, Peru, etc.).
When you need it:
When you DON'T need it:
How to get it: Visit a travel health clinic 2-4 weeks before departure. The vaccine costs $100-200 and provides lifetime immunity (though the card is valid for 10 years). You'll receive an International Certificate of Vaccination (yellow card) as proof.
Important: Airlines from endemic countries may also require proof of yellow fever vaccination before allowing you to board. Carry your yellow card in your travel documents—don't pack it in checked luggage.
For comprehensive entry requirements, vaccination advice, and health prep, see our complete Tanzania entry requirements guide.
You've landed, cleared immigration, met your driver, and arrived at your hotel in Moshi. You're exhausted from 20+ hours of travel, and the mountain looms in the distance (if the clouds have cleared). Now what?
Here's how to spend your arrival day productively while recovering from the flight:
Do NOT climb on the same day you land. Your body is jet-lagged, dehydrated, and exhausted. Starting altitude gain immediately after a long-haul flight dramatically increases your risk of altitude sickness. All reputable operators include at least one night of pre-climb accommodation in Moshi for this exact reason.
Spend arrival day resting. Take a nap. Hydrate (drink at least 2-3 liters of water). Eat a proper meal (your hotel will have food, or explore local restaurants). Adjust to the local time zone (Moshi is EAT, East Africa Time, UTC+3).
KiliPeak and most operators conduct a pre-climb briefing on arrival day or the evening before your climb starts. This is where you'll:
The briefing typically lasts 30-60 minutes. It's informal, informative, and reassuring—you'll leave feeling more confident about the climb ahead.
After the briefing, your guide will inspect your gear to ensure you have everything you need. They'll check:
If you're missing critical items (sleeping bag, trekking poles, insulated jacket), you can rent them in Moshi. KiliPeak and most operators offer rental gear:
Rental gear is usually clean and functional, though it may not be top-of-the-line. If you're particular about quality, bring your own equipment.
If you're feeling energetic and want to stretch your legs, Moshi is a pleasant town to explore. It's small, safe (during the day), and offers a taste of Tanzanian life before you disappear into the wilderness for a week.
Things to do in Moshi:
Don't overdo it. Save your energy for the climb. A relaxed stroll and a good meal is plenty.
Your guide will explain porter weight limits (typically 12-15 kg per climber). Pack your duffel with everything porters will carry (sleeping bag, extra clothes, toiletries), and organize your daypack with what you'll carry during the hike (water, snacks, camera, rain jacket, layers).
Label your duffel with your name and attach it to the outside (most operators provide luggage tags). Porters will carry it up the mountain each day while you hike with just your daypack.
Start your hydration and nutrition strategy on arrival day. Drink at least 3 liters of water (your body is dehydrated from the flight). Eat a balanced meal with carbs, protein, and fats. Avoid excessive alcohol (it worsens jet lag and dehydration). Get a good night's sleep.
You want to start your climb as rested, hydrated, and fueled as possible.
You've done the training. You've booked the right route. You've prepared your gear. Now trust the process. Spend some time mentally preparing for the climb: visualize yourself moving slowly and steadily, breathing deeply, reaching the summit. Positive visualization reduces anxiety and builds confidence.
Tomorrow, the adventure begins.
At KiliPeak, we know that getting to Kilimanjaro is just the first step—and we want it to be the easiest part of your journey. That's why all our climbing packages include comprehensive logistics support designed to eliminate stress and let you focus on the climb itself.
1. Airport Pickup and Drop-Off (JRO)
We meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport arrivals with a personalized sign, handle your luggage, and transport you to your hotel in Moshi. After your climb, we drive you back to JRO for your departure flight. No taxis, no haggling, no confusion—just seamless door-to-door service.
2. Pre-Climb Hotel Accommodation
All packages include one night of hotel accommodation in Moshi before your climb starts. We partner with clean, comfortable hotels (mid-range to boutique options depending on your package tier) that offer hot showers, WiFi, restaurants, and gear storage. You'll arrive, check in, rest, and attend your briefing—all taken care of.
3. Pre-Climb Briefing and Gear Check
Your head guide will meet you at the hotel for a detailed briefing covering the itinerary, safety protocols, altitude management, packing tips, and expectations. We'll inspect your gear and arrange rentals if needed. This is your chance to ask questions, voice concerns, and feel confident before the trek begins.
4. Gear Rental (Available on Request)
Forgot your sleeping bag? Need trekking poles? We offer quality rental gear at reasonable prices ($15-60 per item for the entire climb). Just let us know in advance, and we'll have it ready for your gear check.
5. Luggage Storage During Your Climb
Leave your main luggage (extra clothes, travel gear, souvenirs) at your pre-climb hotel while you're on the mountain. We'll store it securely and return it to you when you're back in Moshi. No need to drag your entire suitcase up Kilimanjaro.
6. Post-Climb Hotel Night (Optional Add-On)
Most climbers want a hot shower and real bed after descending. We offer post-climb accommodation as an optional add-on ($30-80 depending on hotel tier). Highly recommended—you'll be exhausted, sore, and in desperate need of comfort.
Need more than basic logistics? We've got you covered:
Dar es Salaam (DAR) Pickup: Flying into DAR instead of JRO? We can arrange pickup and either a domestic flight connection to JRO or a private transfer to Moshi (additional fee applies).
Safari Extensions: Combine your Kilimanjaro climb with a northern Tanzania safari (Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire). We'll handle the entire itinerary, transfers, and logistics. See our Safari Combo guide for details.
Zanzibar Beach Extensions: After summiting, head to Zanzibar for white-sand beaches and turquoise water. We'll arrange flights, transfers, and hotel bookings.
Gear Shipment: Some climbers prefer to ship bulky gear (sleeping bags, boots) ahead to Moshi to avoid airline baggage fees. We can receive and store shipments for you (coordinate in advance).
We've guided hundreds of climbers from dozens of countries. We know what goes wrong, what causes stress, and what makes for a smooth, enjoyable experience. Our logistics aren't an afterthought—they're core to our service philosophy.
When you book with KiliPeak, you're not just getting a climb. You're getting:
Our goal is simple: get you to the summit safely, comfortably, and with minimal hassle. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on the adventure.
Ready to start planning? Get in touch and let's build your Kilimanjaro itinerary.
Before we wrap up, here are a few final pieces of advice to ensure your travel to Kilimanjaro goes smoothly:
Kilimanjaro climbing permits are limited (especially during peak season), and popular operators fill up months in advance. Book your climb first, then book your flights. Once your climb dates are confirmed, book flights 3-6 months ahead for the best prices.
International flights get delayed. Connections get missed. Weather causes diversions. Don't book your outbound flight on the same day you descend from Kilimanjaro—give yourself at least one buffer day. If your climb ends on Day 8, fly out on Day 9 or later. This protects you from missing your flight if the climb runs long or if you face travel delays.
Get travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000m) and emergency evacuation. Standard travel insurance often excludes mountaineering and high-altitude activities. Look for adventure/trekking-specific policies from providers like World Nomads, Allianz, or IMG.
What your insurance should cover:
Costs typically range from $100-$250 for a 2-3 week trip. Don't skip this. One helicopter evacuation pays for a lifetime of insurance premiums.
Airlines impose baggage limits (usually 23 kg for checked bags on international flights, but check your specific carrier). You'll also be limited by porter weight restrictions (12-15 kg in your duffel). Don't over-pack. Bring essentials, layer efficiently, and wear clothes multiple days. You're climbing a mountain, not walking a fashion runway.
For a detailed packing checklist, see our Complete Kilimanjaro Packing List.
WiFi is unreliable in Moshi and nonexistent on the mountain. Download offline maps (Google Maps allows offline downloads) for Moshi and the route from JRO to your hotel before you leave home. Save important contact info (your operator's phone/WhatsApp, hotel addresses, embassy numbers) in your phone.
Send your flight details (flight number, arrival time, airline) to your tour operator at least 1-2 weeks before departure. Confirm again 2-3 days before you fly. This ensures your driver knows when and where to meet you.
Tipping is customary (and expected) for your guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters. Industry standard is $250-$350 total for an 8-day climb, distributed among the crew. Bring small-denomination USD bills ($5, $10, $20) or withdraw Tanzanian shillings in Moshi. Don't rely on credit cards for tips—cash is king.
Tanzania operates on "pole pole" time. Flights may be delayed. Immigration may take longer than expected. Transfers may encounter traffic. Roads may flood. This is East Africa, not Europe or North America. Stay flexible, patient, and good-humored. Everything usually works out—just not always on the exact schedule you expected.
Getting to Kilimanjaro is part of the adventure. The long flights, the arrival at a foreign airport, the drive through Tanzanian villages, the first glimpse of the mountain—it's all part of the story you'll tell for the rest of your life. Don't stress about every detail. Trust your operator, trust your preparation, and enjoy the journey.
We handle all the logistics—airport pickup, hotel, briefings, and getting you safely to the summit. Expert guides, ethical service, transparent pricing. Let's plan your adventure.
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Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the primary airport for Kilimanjaro climbers. It's located between Moshi and Arusha, about 45 minutes from Moshi where most climbs begin. Flying into JRO means direct access to the mountain with minimal ground transfer time. Alternatively, you can fly into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, but this requires either a domestic connection to JRO or Arusha (ARK), or an 8-hour drive. JRO is strongly recommended for convenience.
Flight duration depends on your origin. From Europe (Amsterdam, London, Istanbul), expect 8-12 hours including layovers. From North America (New York, Toronto, Los Angeles), flights typically take 16-24 hours with one or two connections. From Asia or Australia, plan for 15-20+ hours. Most routes involve at least one connection in a major hub like Amsterdam (KLM), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines), or Doha (Qatar Airways).
Flight prices vary significantly by origin, season, and booking timing. From Europe, expect $600-$1,200 round trip. From North America, budget $900-$1,800. From Asia/Australia, plan for $1,000-$2,000+. Prices are lowest during shoulder season (March-May, November) and highest during peak climbing months (July-September, January-February). Booking 3-6 months in advance typically yields the best deals. Ethiopian Airlines often offers the most competitive fares.
Yes. All KiliPeak climbing packages include complimentary airport pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Our driver will meet you at arrivals with a KiliPeak sign, assist with luggage, and transport you to your hotel in Moshi. We also include one night of pre-climb accommodation. If you're arriving at Dar es Salaam (DAR), we can arrange transfers for an additional fee, or help you book a domestic flight to JRO.
Yes, but it's less convenient. Dar es Salaam (DAR) is Tanzania's largest international airport and has more flight options, but it's on the coast—far from Kilimanjaro. From DAR, you'll need to either book a domestic flight to JRO or Arusha (1.5 hours, $100-200), or arrange a private transfer (8-10 hour drive, $300-500). Flying into DAR makes sense if you're combining your climb with a Zanzibar beach extension or southern Tanzania safari. Otherwise, fly directly into JRO.
Yes. Most visitors need a visa to enter Tanzania. Citizens of most countries can obtain a single-entry tourist visa on arrival at JRO or DAR for $50 USD (or $100 for US citizens). Visa-on-arrival is available for tourists from the US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, and many other countries. You'll need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, proof of onward travel, and cash in USD (cards are not always accepted). Alternatively, apply for an e-visa online before departure at eservices.immigration.go.tz.
Arrive at least one full day before your climb starts. Never attempt to climb on the same day you land—international flights are exhausting, and starting altitude gain while jet-lagged dramatically increases altitude sickness risk. KiliPeak packages include one night of pre-climb accommodation in Moshi. Use this day to rest, recover from travel, attend your pre-climb briefing, organize gear, and acclimate to the local time zone. If your schedule allows, arriving two days early is even better for recovery.
Yellow fever vaccination is required only if you're arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country (parts of Africa and South America). If you're flying from Europe, North America, or Asia with no stops in endemic regions, you don't need the vaccine. However, if you're transiting through countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, or any part of West/Central Africa, you may be asked to show your yellow fever vaccination card upon arrival. Airlines from endemic countries may also require proof before boarding. Check the latest requirements based on your routing.