How to Get To There
When booking flights for your trek or safari, consider these options before making the final decision.
Flights into Kilimanjaro vs. Nairobi
Ideally, you want to fly into the Kilimanjaro Airport, which is the closest airport to Moshi, where you will be based for your trek and safari. These flights tend to be more expensive than flying just to Nairobi, but you save travel time and expenses (flights or shuttle bus, Kenya visa, and possible hotel night).
Choosing an Airline
The airlines that fly into the Kilimanjaro Airport are Northwest/KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Kenya, Air Tanzania, and Precision Air. Northwest/KLM has a non-stop from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro. Kenya Air partners with United, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic and go through Nairobi from various cities in Europe.
NOTE: Ethiopian Air flights can be cheap, but we have had problems with them changing flight time and number of stops last minute and often.
KLM and Zanzibar
The KLM flight legs are Amsterdam - Kilimanjaro - Dar es Salaam - Amsterdam. If taking KLM into Kilimanjaro Airport at the beginning, then flying to Zanzibar, you will want to fly back to Dar es Salaam from Zanzibar to catch the KLM flight back to Amsterdam -- rather than flying back to Kilimanjaro, getting on the plane and "returning" to Dar, before flying to Amsterdam.
ARRIVAL TO MOSHI
When you are booking your flight to coincide with your trek or safari start date, be sure to check the arrival time at Kilimanjaro Airport. Some flights arrive late in the evening. We suggest that you then plan a rest day before starting your trek. This eases any jet lag, acclimates you to Africa, and gives time for any lost luggage to arrive. Your Kilimanjaro guide will meet with your group the evening before the trek. This is not possible when you arrive late, so there is a bit of a rush the next morning, if you are starting your trek the next day. The rest day allows time for this meeting, time to get your rental equipment if you need any and time to explore the Moshi area.
If you arrive early in the morning to Kilimanjaro Airport, there should be enough time in that same day to acclimatize and get ready for your trek or safari, which can start the next day. On the other end, you may want to consider a rest day after your trek or safari before heading home. Based on feedback from other trekkers, you get back from the trek mid to late afternoon and are exhausted! If your schedule allows, this rest day is recommended. We provide transportation between the Kilimanjaro Airport and your hotel in Moshi for $60/group one-way for up to 6 people.
FROM/TO ZANZIBAR
Many of our guests go on to Zanzibar after their trek or safari. There are flights from the Kilimanjaro Airport, Arusha Airport, and from the Serengeti. The flights between Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar are $170-200/person one-way. Flights between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are $60-80/person one-way. Flights from Zanzibar to Nairobi are around $200/person one-way. Flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar are around $300/person one-way, and with great views! Precision Air has the most flights to Zanzibar.
FROM/TO NAIROBI
The first option is to take a shuttle bus that leaves every morning around 8am from Nairobi, Kenya. It costs $35-45 per person one way and takes approximately six hours. You can also fly to the Kilimanjaro International Airport, which is located halfway between Moshi and Arusha. This costs around $200 per person one way from Nairobi, Kenya. The third option is to take a private car from Nairobi to Moshi. The car fits 7-8 people and costs $700 total each way, or a mini-bus for $900 total each way (20-25 people). You determine time and place of pick-up.
Shuttle Buses
This is not the most comfortable route (bumpy and dusty), but it is a quintessential African experience.The shuttle stops at the Tanzanian border where all passengers must disembark and go through immigration. A visa is required to enter Tanzania. Luggage may also be removed and randomly inspected by customs agents. There is one bathroom stop on the Kenya side of the border where you can also purchase refreshments. There is also a stop in Arusha to switch vehicles. You may want to bring your own snacks and drinks for the trip.
The shuttles pick up at various hotels in the Nairobi city center. Arrive at the shuttle 1/2 hour early to get your luggage loaded. Travel times vary greatly, but allow at least 6 hours. The shuttle operates every day of the year, including holidays.If you take the afternoon shuttle, it only goes as far as Arusha. We can arrange for a private car to drive from Arusha to Moshi for $80 one-way for the car.
