Kilimanjaro International Airport (IATA: JRO – ICAO: HTKJ) is the main gateway for travelers heading to Tanzania’s northern circuit, including Mount Kilimanjaro, Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Crater. Located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of Arusha and 50 kilometers (31 miles) west of Moshi, the airport is a crucial hub for domestic and international flights.

The airport accommodates international airlines connecting East Africa to Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, making it a popular arrival point for climbers, safari-goers, and business travelers.

Passengers can expect modern terminals with helpful amenities, including lounges, restaurants, duty-free shops, and currency exchange services. The airport is designed for smooth arrivals and departures, helping travelers start and end their journeys comfortably and conveniently. You can learn more about the facilities and services at Kilimanjaro International Airport.

General Information about Kilimanjaro Airport

Location: Between Arusha and Moshi, Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Country: Tanzania
Airport Type: Public, International
IATA Code: JRO
ICAO Code: HTKJ
Elevation: 2,932 feet (894 metres)
Coordinates: 03°25′31″S 037°04′47″E
Timezone: UTC+3 (EAT)
Distance from Arusha: Approx. 40 km (25 miles)
Distance from Moshi: Approx. 50 km (31 miles)
Website: www.kilimanjaroairport.co.tz
Operator: Kilimanjaro Airports Development Company (KADCO)
Services: International and domestic flights, cargo services, general aviation, VIP lounge

Parking Information

Short-Term Parking

Rate: Approx. TZS 2,000/hour (~ USD 0.80)
Distance: In front of the terminal
Ideal For: Pick-ups and short visits

Long-Term Parking

Rate: Approx. TZS 10,000/day (~ USD 4)
Distance: Walkable or shuttle-accessible lots
Suitable For: Tourists and extended stays

Payment Methods: Cash, mobile money (M-Pesa, Tigo Pesa), limited card options
Security: 24/7 monitored access with on-site staff

Contact Information

Airport Info Line: +255 27 255 4331
Email: info@kadco.co.tz
FBO Services: Kilimanjaro Aviation and other private handlers for charter and general aviation support

Passenger Information

Immigration Requirements: Passport required; visa on arrival and e-visa available for many nationalities
Crew Requirements: Passport, crew ID/licence, General Declaration
Transport Options: Taxis, private transfers, pre-booked shuttles from hotels or safari lodges
Nearby Accommodation: Kia Lodge, Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel, Mount Meru Hotel (Arusha)
Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS); USD accepted in tourism zones

Location and Accessibility

Kilimanjaro Airport is situated in the northern region of Tanzania, about 40 kilometers from Moshi city and 33 kilometers from Mount Kilimanjaro. The airport is positioned between the Arusha and Kilimanjaro regions, making it suitable for travelers heading to either location or nearby national parks like Serengeti and Ngorongoro.

Public transport options are limited, but taxis and private shuttles are available for easy transfers to hotels and towns. The main road to the airport is well-paved, so most visitors experience smooth travel by car. This location helps travelers reach their destinations quickly.

Car rentals are available at the terminal. Visitors often pre-book a transfer or arrange a pickup from a tour operator, especially those arriving late at night or with a lot of luggage. Traffic around the airport is usually not heavy.

Airport Facilities

The airport offers several services for passengers. Facilities include ATMs, money exchange desks, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable waiting areas. Basic shops and snack bars allow travelers to purchase simple meals, drinks, or travel essentials.

A small duty-free store is available for international travelers. Restrooms and public phones are located throughout the terminal building. Wheelchair access and assistance services are provided for those with support needs.

Security checks are straightforward, making the process less stressful for most passengers. Mobile phone services and SIM card kiosks are also available, so travelers can easily connect after arrival. Luggage carts are free of charge and can be found near the baggage claim area.

Airlines and Destinations

Kilimanjaro Airport is served by a mix of regional and international airlines. Major carriers include KLM, Qatar Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Turkish Airlines, and Kenya Airways. This variety gives travelers more options for arriving directly from Europe, the Middle East, and other African cities.

The airport mainly handles flights to cities like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Amsterdam, and Doha. Domestic airlines operate regular services to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar and regional flights to other Tanzanian locations. Seasonal charter flights may add extra destinations.

The official Kilimanjaro Airport website has a current list of airlines and up-to-date routes. The destination network benefits tourists joining safaris or climbing expeditions in northern Tanzania. Most international flights arrive and depart from a single terminal, simplifying connections.

Passenger Services at Kilimanjaro Airport

Kilimanjaro International Airport offers support and facilities for both domestic and international travelers. Services are designed to help with quick arrivals and departures, border control, and easy transportation.

Arrivals and Departures

Passengers arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport are greeted with clear signage and a straightforward process. Arrivals are processed in a single central terminal, making navigation easy. Monitors display up-to-date arrival and departure times, and staff can answer questions.

Departure procedures begin with check-in counters for each major airline. Security checks are organized, and staff assist with directions if needed. Boarding gates are close together, reducing the time it takes to walk from check-in to departure.

Baggage claim is simple and located near the exit. Lost and found and baggage assistance are available for those who need help. VIP lounge options and meet-and-greet services are also available for travelers looking for extra comfort or privacy.

Customs and Immigration

Customs and immigration at Kilimanjaro Airport are handled in a dedicated area. Staff work to keep lines moving quickly, especially during busy international arrivals and departures. Tanzanian officials check all required documents, including passports, visas, and customs forms.

For travelers bringing goods, customs officers provide clear guidance on what can be brought into or out of the country. Signs list restricted or banned items, making the process easy to understand.

To speed up service, specific lines are established for visitors, citizens, and diplomats. Security staff are on hand to answer questions and assist passengers who need help or extra time with paperwork.

Transportation Options

Travelers have several convenient ways to leave Kilimanjaro Airport. Taxis are available 24/7 at the arrivals area, offering direct rides to Arusha, Moshi, and other local destinations. Prices are fixed for popular routes, and drivers are licensed.

Car rental companies have booths at the airport, and self-drive and chauffeured cars are available. Shared airport shuttles and private transfers can be arranged in advance or upon arrival for group travel.

Some hotels offer free or paid pick-up services, which can be requested when booking accommodation. Transportation options at Kilimanjaro Airport are made to fit individual and group needs, giving travelers flexibility for the next step of their journey.

Travel Tips and Nearby Attractions

Travelers passing through Kilimanjaro Airport can access many helpful services, places to stay, and local sights nearby. Several shuttle services, day tours, and cultural attractions are within a short drive from the airport.

Accommodation Near Kilimanjaro Airport

There are various lodging choices near Kilimanjaro Airport. Some hotels offer free shuttle transfers, while others arrange private pickups for a fee. Many travelers choose hotels in Arusha or Moshi, which are within a 45 to 90-minute drive.

A few notable hotels and lodges within 10 kilometers of the airport provide early breakfast options and easy check-in for late arrivals. Staying nearby helps reduce travel stress for those with extended layovers or early flights. Facilities such as Wi-Fi, airport parking, 24-hour reception, and meals are standard at these properties. Checking reviews and the distance from the airport can help choose the best option.

Guided Tours and Safari Transfers

Kilimanjaro International Airport is a hub for starting safaris, mountain treks, and day trips. Several safari companies and private guides offer pickup directly from the airport. Pre-arranged transfers make it easier for people to reach destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Kilimanjaro National Park.

Popular nearby activities include guided visits to the Materuni Coffee Plantation and Waterfall, excursions to Lake Chala, and swimming at Chemka Hot Springs. Many of these sights are within an hour’s drive of the airport. Booking a safari transfer or local tour in advance is the best way to save time and avoid hassle upon arrival.

Local Amenities and Shopping

Travelers will find helpful amenities like ATMs, currency exchange, and basic shops inside the airport terminal. Outside, both Moshi and Arusha have supermarkets, pharmacies, and local markets for picking up snacks, toiletries, or souvenirs.

Cultural stops like craft shops and small art galleries are within easy reach for those with extra time. Visitors looking for a quick meal or refreshments can find restaurants and cafes offering Tanzanian and international dishes near the airport. Services such as taxi ranks, shuttle buses, and car rentals are simple to arrange on site or in advance. Local amenities cater to short stops and extended stays, making travel more comfortable for everyone.

Local Attractions Near Kilimanjaro Airport

Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa’s tallest mountain offers hiking, trekking, and climbing routes.

Arusha National Park

A compact park near the airport is known for birdlife, giraffes, and canoeing.

Serengeti National Park

World-famous for the Great Migration and Big Five safaris.

Ngorongoro Crater

UNESCO-listed caldera is home to abundant wildlife and stunning landscapes.

Cultural Heritage Centre (Arusha)

Art galleries, museums, and curio shops offer insights into Tanzanian culture.

Travel Tips

  • Bring printed copies of the visa approval if applying online (e-visa).
  • Expect manual screening and limited air conditioning in terminals.
  • Safari operators often coordinate arrivals and transfers—confirm in advance.
  • Health checks may apply; yellow fever vaccination proof is required if arriving from endemic areas.

Frequently Asked Questions – Kilimanjaro Airport

When heading to Kilimanjaro International Airport, travelers can find information on flight times, transport options, major airlines, and airport details. The airport connects to several towns and provides access for both tourists and locals.

How can I check the arrival and departure schedules for Kilimanjaro International Airport?

Flight arrivals and departures for Kilimanjaro International Airport are listed on the airport’s official website and most airline booking platforms. It is best to check schedules directly before traveling, as delays and changes do occur.

What are the transportation options from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha?

Taxis, shuttles, and private transfers are available outside the main terminal. Many hotels and tour operators also offer pickups from the airport. Public buses are less standard for this route.

Which airlines offer direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport?

Several international and regional airlines, including KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Kenya Airways, provide direct flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Some flights connect through other major African airports.

What is the address and contact information for Kilimanjaro International Airport?

The address is Kilimanjaro International Airport, JRO, Hai District, near Arusha and Moshi in Tanzania. For more information and phone numbers, see Altezza Travel’s Kilimanjaro Airport guide.

Can you provide a map of Kilimanjaro International Airport’s terminals and facilities?

Maps showing the airport layout, terminals, and facilities are available at the airport’s information desk and sometimes on the airport’s official website. These maps help with navigation and show locations for amenities like ATMs, lounges, and baggage claim.

What nearby towns can be accessed from Kilimanjaro International Airport?

Arusha and Moshi are the major towns closest to the airport. Smaller cities and safari camps can also be reached by road with private vehicles or arranged transfers from the airport. The region is well-connected for those visiting Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzania’s national parks.