Overview
Kilimanjaro is your gateway to one of Africa's most extraordinary regions: home to the roof of Africa itself, Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the game-rich plains of the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) sits in the shadow of the mountain between the towns of Moshi and Arusha, making it the natural starting point for climbers, safari-goers and beach-bound travellers heading on to Zanzibar. For UK travellers, reaching Kilimanjaro means a journey with at least one connection, but the reward at the other end is well worth the flight time.
Best time to fly to Kilimanjaro
Tanzania's dry seasons offer the most reliable conditions, running roughly from late June to October and again from January to February. These months suit both Kilimanjaro climbs and wildlife viewing, as vegetation thins and animals gather near water sources. The long rains typically fall from March to May and the shorter rains in November, which can affect visibility on the mountain, though flights and fares are usually at their most attractive during these quieter months. Use the When to book chart above to see how fares shift across the year.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights from the UK to Kilimanjaro, so travellers connect via a major hub. KLM operates a long-standing direct link from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro, making it a popular choice with an easy onward connection from UK airports. Qatar Airways routes via Doha, Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa, Kenya Airways via Nairobi, and Turkish Airlines via Istanbul. Depending on the routing and layover, total journey time from London typically runs from around 12 to 16 hours.
Things to do in Kilimanjaro
Beyond the mountain itself, the Kilimanjaro region has plenty to fill a pre- or post-climb itinerary.
- Mount Kilimanjaro: Africa's highest peak, climbed via routes such as Machame, Marangu and Lemosho, ranging from six to nine days.
- Materuni Waterfalls and coffee tour: A scenic hike to a dramatic waterfall combined with a local Chagga coffee-growing experience.
- Arusha National Park: A compact, often-overlooked park with giraffe, buffalo and views of Mount Meru.
- Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti: World-class safari destinations reachable on short transfers or fly-in trips from Kilimanjaro.
- Chagga cultural villages: Guided visits exploring the traditions and history of the local Chagga people on the mountain's lower slopes.
At Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
JRO sits roughly 45km from Arusha and 40km from Moshi. Most travellers arrange a private transfer through their lodge, tour operator or climbing company, as this is by far the easiest option outside peak arrival times. Taxis are also available, and some hotels run scheduled shuttle services, though public transport links are limited, so pre-booking a transfer is strongly recommended.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Kilimanjaro
- Book several months ahead for travel in the July to September peak climbing and safari season, when seats sell out early.
- Flying midweek rather than at weekends can often unlock lower fares on the connecting legs.
- Stay flexible with your dates and consider shoulder months either side of peak season for better value.
- Compare fares across different connecting hubs, as prices via Amsterdam, Doha, Addis Ababa, Nairobi and Istanbul can vary considerably — see the price charts on this page.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to enter Tanzania; applying for an eVisa online in advance is the simplest option. The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling, though US dollars are widely accepted for park fees and tourism services. Malaria risk is present, so anti-malarial precautions are recommended, and it's worth checking the latest NHS or gov.uk travel health advice, including routine vaccinations, before you go.
