Route: Zanzibar to Arusha
Many passengers flying this route are on their way home, transferring from Arusha by road and then connecting with their international flights out of Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). This is due to Zanzibar being the ‘beach’ part of the ‘bush and beach’ combination, and usually follows travellers’ experiences on the safari circuits of the country.
Arusha is commonly known as the gateway to the northern safari circuit, consisting of the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Conservation area, Arusha and Kilimanjaro National Parks. For those setting out on a hike up Mount Kilimanjaro, it is often their initial base depending on where they have entered the country.
Distance and Flight Time
The 500 km route is covered in approximately an hour in As Salaam’s fast, 30 seat Embraer aircraft.
Not to Miss During Flights
Flying from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam is an experience on its own, taking off from Zanzibar airport and heading across the Indian Ocean, crossing the coadt north of Dar Es Salaam overhead the only National Park with an ocean as a border, Saadani. On very clear days the coastal city of Tanga, Tanzania’s third largest, can be seen on the coast off to the north. On approach to Arusha, the ice capped peaks – there are 3 peaks – of Mount Kilimanjaro are often seen, either sticking above the clouds or in their full majesty.
Airport & Layover Tips
Arusha airport is Tanzania’s busiest in terms of number of flight departures and arrivals with many smaller aircraft carrying safari goers to and from the bush. It services only domestic flights, and has no emigration and customs facilities.
The airport is a 15-minute drive to town, with several taxi and transfer businesses present. The transfer to Kilimanjaro International airport takes about 40 minutes.
Whilst not the most modern airport, Arusha’s is fun, busy and has the facilities expected such as restaurants, ATMs and shops.