Arusha Airport — ARK · HTAR · Tanzania
The highland gateway to Tanzania’s northern safari circuit
Arusha Airport is the small domestic airport eight kilometres west of Arusha town — the place light aircraft leave from for the Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Zanzibar.
First, the one thing everyone gets wrong
Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO)?
They are two different airports, about fifty kilometres apart, and mixing them up is the most common way to start a safari late. Here is the short version.
Arusha Airport ARK · HTAR
Small and domestic, eight kilometres from Arusha town. Scheduled and charter flights to the safari parks, Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam. No international flights land here — you are already inside Tanzania when you use it.
Kilimanjaro International JRO · HTKJ
Large and international, about fifty kilometres east between Arusha and Moshi. Where nearly every long-haul and regional international flight arrives.
Most safari trips run like this: land at JRO → sleep in Arusha → fly out of ARK to the parks the next morning.
Why ARK matters
Fly to the parks
From ARK, a light-aircraft hop reaches most of the northern circuit in well under an hour — the reason so many safaris fly in one way and drive the other.
Serengeti
Central Seronera and the wider Serengeti airstrips — the classic fly-in for the migration plains.
Flights & airstrips → ARK → LKYLake Manyara
The airstrip for Lake Manyara — and the usual way to reach the Ngorongoro Crater by air, then drive up.
Flights & airstrips → ARK → TARANGIRETarangire
Dry-season elephant country, and an easy pairing with a Lake Manyara stop on the same circuit.
Flights & airstrips → ARK → ZNZZanzibar
The safari-and-beach finale, and one of the busiest routes out of Arusha Airport.
Flights to Zanzibar →Packing for a bush flight: small aircraft mean luggage is usually a soft duffel of around 15 kg — no hard cases. Always confirm the exact allowance with your airline before you fly.
Ground transport
Getting to and from the airport
To Arusha town
A short run along the A104 — allow longer during school-run and market hours, or in the rains.
Airport to town → ≈ 50 km · 50–90 minTo & from Kilimanjaro (JRO)
The international airport sits east of the city. Plan extra time in heavy rain or peak traffic.
ARK ↔ JRO transfer → Taxis & transfersTransfers & taxis
Prearranged transfers meet you with a name board. At the taxi stand, agree the fare before you set off, and carry shillings.
All transfer options → Self-driveCar hire
Local and international agencies operate in Arusha. Remember, Tanzania drives on the left.
Renting a car →Inside the terminal
At the airport
One compact terminal handles everything: check-in, a single security point, the departure lounge and baggage claim are all a short walk apart. There is no jet bridge — when it is time to board, you walk out to the aircraft.
Arrive 60–90 min ahead
Check-in and security are quick, but domestic departures can shift with the weather, so leave a margin.
Café and a few shops
A café and a couple of small shops cover snacks, drinks and souvenirs. It is limited — bring anything essential with you.
Terminal parking
Parking is available right by the terminal, usually for a small charge.
Wi-Fi (and a SIM)
There is Wi-Fi, but it can be slow. A local SIM card is the reliable way to stay online.
Step-free, on request
The terminal is on one level with no stairs to the aircraft. Wheelchair assistance can be arranged — ask your airline in advance.
Being upgraded
Arusha Airport is being expanded, with new terminal and apron works underway to handle more flights.
Terminal & facilities →Who flies here
Airlines flying from Arusha
ARK is a busy little hub of scheduled safari hops and charters. Airlines serving the airport include:
Routes and schedules change with the season — book domestic legs early for the June–October and December–February peaks. See the airline directory →
Practical planning
Before you fly
Entering Tanzania
You clear immigration where you first land in the country — usually JRO or Dar es Salaam, not ARK. Most visitors need a visa (eVisa or visa on arrival) and a yellow-fever certificate.
Entry requirements → MoneyCash & currency
The currency is the Tanzanian shilling. Carry some cash for taxis, snacks and parking — ATMs are in town rather than at the airport.
Trip planning → When to goBest time to fly in
The dry months — roughly June to October and December to February — are peak safari season, so book flights well ahead.
Seasons & timing →Quick answers
Common questions
Is Arusha Airport the same as Kilimanjaro Airport?
No. ARK is the small domestic airport beside Arusha town; JRO (Kilimanjaro International) is the large international airport about fifty kilometres east. They are separate airports — always check which one your ticket says before you travel.
Does Arusha Airport handle international flights?
No — ARK is domestic only, with the one cross-border route being to Nairobi. International arrivals come through Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar es Salaam, where you clear immigration before connecting on to ARK.
How early should I arrive for my flight?
About 60 to 90 minutes before a domestic departure. Check-in and security rarely take long, but the extra time covers weather-related schedule changes.
What can I bring on a bush flight to the parks?
Usually a soft bag of around 15 kg, with no hard cases, because the aircraft are small. Confirm the exact weight and baggage rules with your airline when you book.
Is there Wi-Fi and an ATM at the airport?
There is Wi-Fi (often slow) and a café, but don’t count on an airport ATM — withdraw Tanzanian shillings in town before you head out to ARK.