Tanzania has become one of the most sought-after travel destinations in Africa, attracting adventurers, wildlife enthusiasts, honeymooners, and beach lovers alike. From the legendary Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater to the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania offers something for every traveler. But before you can experience the magic, the journey begins with booking your flights.
At Little Lion Tours & Safaris, not only do we create unforgettable safari and beach packages, but our website also gives you the ability to book flights to Tanzania and anywhere in the world instantly. Whether you’re planning a safari holiday, a romantic Zanzibar escape, or just your next business trip, we make flight booking easy, fast, and reliable.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best routes, airlines, and insider tips for booking your flights to Tanzania and show you why booking directly with us is the smartest choice.
Where to Fly Into Tanzania
Tanzania has several international airports, but the three main gateways for international travelers are:
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
Located in Dar es Salaam, this is Tanzania’s busiest airport and the main entry point for travelers heading to Zanzibar, the southern safari circuit (Selous, Ruaha, Mikumi), or connecting flights within the country.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Found between Arusha and Moshi, it is the best airport for those visiting the northern safari parks such as Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara, and also for Kilimanjaro treks.
Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ)
Situated on Unguja Island in Zanzibar, this is the ideal entry point for those flying directly to Zanzibar’s beaches and resorts.
- Arusha Airport (ARK) – A small airport mainly serving domestic flights and safari connections in the northern circuit.
- Mwanza International Airport (MWZ) – Located near Lake Victoria, this airport is a convenient gateway to the western Serengeti.
- Kigoma Airport (TKQ) – Serves western Tanzania and is useful for travelers visiting Lake Tanganyika and nearby reserves.
- Songwe Airport (MBI) – Located in Mbeya, it is the main gateway to Tanzania’s southern highlands.
- Tanga Airport (TGT) – A domestic airport serving the northeast coastal city of Tanga.
- Mafia Island Airport (MFA) – Provides access to Mafia Island, known for its marine parks and whale shark diving.
- Pemba Airport (PMA) – Connects travelers to Pemba Island, famous for its pristine beaches and diving spots.
- Lake Manyara Airport (LKY) – A small airstrip that brings you directly to Lake Manyara National Park.
- Mtwara Airport (MYW) – Found in southeastern Tanzania, serving the coastal region and offshore islands.
| Airport | Code | Serves / Location | Best for … |
| Julius Nyerere International Airport | DAR / HTDA | Dar es Salaam | Main gateway for southern circuit safaris, beach holidays (incl. Zanzibar via ferry/flight) |
| Kilimanjaro International Airport | JRO / HTKJ | Hai District, Kilimanjaro Region (serves Arusha & Moshi) | Best for northern circuit safaris (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Manyara) |
| Abeid Amani Karume International Airport | ZNZ / HTZA | Unguja Island, Zanzibar | Direct flights for beach holidays in Zanzibar (Stone Town, Nungwi, Paje) |
Other Important / Regional & Domestic Airports
These are smaller airports or airstrips that serve regional/domestic travel helpful if you want more direct access to certain parks, regions, or islands:
| Airport | Code | Region / City | Notes / What It Serves |
| Arusha Airport | ARK / HTAR | Arusha Region | For domestic flights & safari gateways in the north |
| Mwanza International Airport | MWZ / HTMW | Mwanza Region, near Lake Victoria | For western Serengeti access & Lake Victoria area |
| Kigoma Airport | TKQ / HTKA | Kigoma Region, Western Tanzania | Useful for travel to western Circuit parks, shores of Tanganyika |
| Songwe Airport | MBI / Songwe | Mbeya Region | Gateway into southern highlands & certain remote parks |
| Tanga Airport | TGT / HTTG | Tanga Region | For northeast region, coastal areas near Tanga city |
Best International Airlines to Tanzania
Several major airlines fly into Tanzania, making it easier than ever to reach your dream destination. Popular options include:
- Qatar Airways – Connects Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro via Doha. Excellent service and connections from Europe, North America, and Asia.
- Emirates – Daily flights into Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar via Dubai. Perfect for travelers from Europe, Middle East, Asia, and the USA.
- Turkish Airlines – Flies into Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Kilimanjaro with excellent links from Europe and North America.
- Ethiopian Airlines – Offers good regional connections into Tanzania via Addis Ababa.
- Kenya Airways & Precision Air – Great for regional connections through Nairobi.
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines – Direct flights from Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro and Dar es Salaam.
Recommended Flight Routes
- From Europe: Amsterdam (KLM), Doha (Qatar Airways), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines) are the most efficient hubs.
- From the USA/Canada: Best connections are via Amsterdam (KLM), Doha (Qatar), Dubai (Emirates), or Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).
- From Asia: Emirates, Qatar, and Ethiopian provide smooth links to Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar.
- From Africa: Kenya Airways, Precision Air, and Ethiopian Airlines offer convenient connections.
Why Book Your Flights With Us
While you can find flights through many platforms, Little Lion Tours & Safaris offers unique advantages when you book directly through our website:
- Worldwide Flight Booking – From daily trips to business travel to dream vacations, book flights anywhere, not just Tanzania.
- Tailored Travel Assistance – Need help finding the best routes or coordinating your safari and beach holiday with flights? Our team is here to support you.
- Secure & Hassle-Free Payments – Enjoy peace of mind with a safe booking system.
- One-Stop Service – Combine flights, safaris, Zanzibar packages, and transfers all in one place.
Travel Tips for Flying to Tanzania
- Book Early – International flights to Tanzania can get busy, especially during peak safari season (June–October) and festive holidays (December–January).
- Consider Multi-Destination Tickets – For example, fly into Kilimanjaro and out of Zanzibar to save time.
- Pack Smart – Check baggage allowance carefully, especially if you’re taking domestic flights within Tanzania.
- Arrival Times – If your international flight lands late at night, consider an overnight in Arusha or Dar es Salaam before your safari begins.
Final Thoughts
Flying to Tanzania is the first step to an unforgettable adventure. With so many airlines and routes available, getting here has never been easier. But instead of wasting hours comparing options, let Little Lion Tours & Safaris be your trusted partner.
Book your flights directly through our website today whether to Tanzania or anywhere in the world and enjoy the convenience of professional support every step of the way.
Your dream safari and Zanzibar holiday begins with the right flight.
Let’s get you there smoothly!