Tanzania Travel Essentials
Arrive with confidence. Local advice on airports, park transfers, seasons, visas and health — from the Arusha-based guides who know the journey firsthand.
One commercial gateway. A dozen bush strips.
Kilimanjaro International (JRO) is the only airport in the northern circuit that takes scheduled international flights. Everything else — Arusha town, the crater rim, the heart of the Serengeti — is reached by road transfer or a short hop on a Cessna Caravan from a bush airstrip.
The only airport in northern Tanzania served by commercial international carriers — KLM, Qatar, Turkish, Ethiopian, Emirates, Kenya Airways and RwandAir all land here. Sits between Arusha and Moshi; ≈50 min by road to Arusha town. Visa on arrival available; eVisa strongly recommended.
Small in-town airfield, 10 min from the city centre. No scheduled international flights — this is the hub for light-aircraft safari transfers and private charters operated by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Regional Air and Air Excel into the parks.
Landing on the savanna.
Inside the parks, "airport" means a graded murram strip with a windsock, a thorn-tree shade and the occasional giraffe to be shooed off the runway. Flights run on fixed daily circuits in 12-seat Cessna Caravans; your guide and Land Cruiser meet you at the strip.
Central Serengeti — the busiest bush strip in the country. Multiple daily rotations from ARK and the northern Mara strips.
Western corridor of the Serengeti. Best for the June–July river crossings on the Grumeti.
Northern Serengeti, near the Mara River. The dry-season migration gateway, Jul–Oct.
Southern Serengeti / Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The calving-season strip, Dec–Mar.
Tiny strip just outside the park gate — useful for stitching Manyara into a fly-in itinerary.
Inside Tarangire National Park. Skips the 2.5-hour road transfer from Arusha.
Light-aircraft baggage is capped at 15 kg per guest in soft duffels (no hard cases). We store extra luggage in Arusha and have it waiting when you fly back out.
Make room for one more day.
Discover the parks, meet welcoming local hosts or unwind beside springs and forest lakes. Our day trips start and finish in Arusha; for a longer adventure, the six-day Manyara, Ndutu, Serengeti and Crater circuit brings together contrasting northern landscapes.
From Arusha, the country opens up.
| From | To | Time | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| JRO Airport | Arusha | ≈50 min | 45 km |
| Arusha | Tarangire gate | ≈2.5 hrs | 120 km |
| Arusha | Lake Manyara | ≈2 hrs | 115 km |
| Arusha | Ngorongoro Crater rim | ≈3.5 hrs | 190 km |
| Crater rim | Central Serengeti | ≈4 hrs | 145 km |
| Arusha | Central Serengeti (drive) | ≈8 hrs | 335 km |
| Arusha (ARK) | Seronera airstrip (fly) | ≈75 min | Charter |
Times are vehicle-only; game drives, stops and viewing are additional. Most road sections are gravel inside the parks.
The practical stuff.
eVisa online (recommended) or visa on arrival at JRO. Tourist single-entry US$50–100.
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country. Anti-malarials advised. Talk to your travel doctor.
Comprehensive travel + medical evacuation insurance required for all guests. We can recommend providers.
Dry season Jun–Oct is busiest. Jan–Mar for migration calving. Apr–May for green-season value.
Private 4×4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, fridge, charging, satellite comms. Max 4 guests per vehicle for window seats.
20% deposit on confirmation. Balance due 45 days before arrival. USD bank transfer or card.
Common questions.
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?+
Most visitors do — apply online via the official eVisa portal before you fly, or get one on arrival at JRO (longer queue). US, UK, Canadian, EU, Australian passport holders typically receive a single-entry tourist visa for US$50–100.
Which vaccinations are required?+
Yellow fever is required if you're arriving from a country with risk of transmission (bring the certificate). Routine vaccines plus typhoid and hepatitis A are recommended. Anti-malarials are strongly advised — consult your travel doctor 6 weeks before departure.
Is Tanzania safe for tourists?+
Yes. The parks, lodges and main tourist corridors are very safe. We provide 24/7 ops support, satellite-linked vehicles, and your guide is a trained first-aider. Standard travel precautions apply in cities.
What's the best time of year to go?+
Jun–Oct is dry season — the most popular. Jan–Mar is calving season in the southern Serengeti (predator action). Apr–May is the long rains: green, quiet, and the best value. See our journal for a month-by-month breakdown.
How many days do I really need?+
One day works for an Arusha-based wildlife, culture or nature excursion. Three days suit a short Tarangire and Crater escape; our six-day circuit links Arusha, Manyara, Ndutu, central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. Seven days offer more breathing room, while longer trips can add Zanzibar. Ndutu's seasonal herds are usually best January–March.
Which day trips can I take from Arusha?+
Choose Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, Lake Eyasi cultural visits, Chemka Hot Springs, Materuni Waterfall and coffee, Napuru Waterfall or Lake Duluti. All return to Arusha. Ngorongoro and especially Lake Eyasi are long road days; a nearby overnight is more relaxed. Water activities and community visits depend on safe conditions and local consent.
How do I pay?+
20% deposit to confirm the booking, balance due 45 days before arrival. We accept USD bank transfer, USD cash, and major credit cards (with a fee). Pricing is per person, in USD.