Welcome to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Welcome to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the main airport in Northern Tanzania and the ideal gateway to your safari adventure. JRO is between Arusha and Moshi, making it the nearest airport to famous destinations such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater.

This guide provides the practical details you need for smooth arrival or departure, including information on flights, transportation, cargo services, and airport facilities.

Airport Location & Basic Information

  • IATA Code: JRO

  • Location: Approximately 40 km from Arusha and 30 km from Moshi.

  • Runway: A 3,600-meter runway capable of handling large aircraft like the Boeing 747.

  • Operating Hours: 24 hours a day.

  • Key For: Travelers visiting Northern Tanzania’s safari parks and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Before Your Flight: Check-In & Security

  • International Passengers: Arrive at least 3 hours before your flight. Have your passport, visa, and tickets ready.

  • Domestic Passengers: Arrive at least 1 hour before departure.

  • Baggage Rules: Please check prohibited items in advance. Sharp objects, flammable materials, and certain tools are not allowed in checked or carry-on luggage.

Transportation From Kilimanjaro Airport

After you land, you can choose from several safe and reliable ways to get to your hotel or the start of your safari:

  • Taxi Service: Taxis are available just outside the terminal and are a reliable way to get directly to Arusha, Moshi, or nearby lodges.

  • Private Transfer: For extra comfort, we can arrange a private vehicle and driver to meet you when you arrive.

  • Self-Drive: If you want to drive yourself, car rental agencies are available at the airport.

Cargo Services at JRO

Kilimanjaro Airport is a key cargo hub, especially for exporting Tanzania’s flowers and fresh produce.

  • Facilities: The airport has a modern cargo terminal that operates 24 hours a day and is located near the runway for quick service.

  • Specialty: The terminal is equipped with cold storage to handle perishable goods like flowers and food.

  • Global Connections: Direct cargo flights connect JRO with important markets in Europe and the Middle East.

Safety & Operations

The airport follows strict safety standards and has a skilled fire and rescue team with modern equipment to keep all flights safe.

Starting Your Safari from JRO

For most travelers, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the starting point of their Tanzanian adventure. Usually, a Blessing Safaris representative will meet you here and help you transfer smoothly to your first night’s stay in Arusha or Moshi before your safari starts the next day.

Do you need help with airport transfers or planning your safari itinerary?

Contact Blessing Safaris to set up a meet-and-greet, arrange a private transfer, or start planning your whole Tanzania safari adventure from JRO.

Frequently Asked Questions: Kilimanjaro International Airport
frequently asked questions

1. Which airlines fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)?

Major airlines flying to JRO include KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Precision Air. There are also regional flights from Nairobi and Dar es Salaam operated by Kenya Airways and Air Tanzania.

2. How do I get from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha or Moshi?

The easiest ways to get to Arusha or Moshi are to book a private transfer through your tour operator, take an official airport taxi available at any time outside the terminal, or rent a car from agencies such as Avis or Europcar at the airport. The drive to Arusha takes about 45 minutes, and to Moshi, about an hour.

3. Is there a visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport?

Yes, most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa for Tanzania on arrival at JRO. You will need a valid passport, a completed form, payment in USD (typically $50–$100), and a return ticket. For a smoother entry, you can also apply for an e-Visa online before travel.

4. What facilities are available at Kilimanjaro Airport?

At JRO, you’ll find free Wi-Fi, ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, cafés, car rental desks, and a tourist information booth. There isn’t a hotel at the airport, but many lodges in Arusha and Moshi offer shuttle services.

5. How early should I arrive for my flight from JRO?

Arrive at least 3 hours before your international flight, or 2 hours before a domestic flight. This provides sufficient time for check-in, security, and immigration.

6. Can I store luggage at Kilimanjaro Airport?

Yes, you can store your luggage at the airport. This is helpful if you have a late flight and have already checked out of your hotel. There is a fee per bag, per day.

7. Is Kilimanjaro Airport the best airport for my Serengeti safari?

Yes, JRO is the closest major international airport to the Northern Safari Circuit, which includes the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara. It’s more convenient than flying into Dar es Salaam or Nairobi if you’re starting a safari in northern Tanzania.

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Tanzania Travel Tips

Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.

Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.

Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges.

The answer is absolute yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.

Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park’

(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho, or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.

Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

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