Welcome to Kilimanjaro International Airport — Your Gateway to Adventure
Landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the moment your Tanzania adventure begins. Nestled between Moshi (base of Mount Kilimanjaro) and Arusha (gateway to the Serengeti), JRO welcomes thousands of trekkers and safari travelers each year.
Since its opening in 1971, this airport has lived up to its nickname—“The Gateway to Africa’s Wildlife Heritage.” Whether you’re here to climb Kilimanjaro or explore Tanzania’s northern circuit, here’s everything you need to know for a smooth arrival and departure.
1️⃣ Domestic & Regional Flights to and from JRO
JRO connects easily with Tanzania’s major cities and neighboring East African destinations, making transfers convenient for both climbers and safari guests.
Top routes:
- Zanzibar (ZNZ) – 1 hr 20 min via Air Tanzania or Precision Air (ideal for a post-climb beach escape).
- Dar es Salaam (DAR) – 1.5 hrs with frequent daily flights.
- Arusha (ARK) – a quick 15-minute hop for those linking straight to safari airstrips.
- Seronera & Lake Manyara – regional flights from Coastal Aviation and Regional Air take you directly into the Serengeti or Manyara National Park.
- Nairobi, Kenya – 1 hr to NBO or Wilson (WIL), perfect for multi-country itineraries.
- Entebbe (EBB) & Kigali (KGL) – 1 to 1.5 hrs for add-on gorilla treks or Rwanda adventures.
- Addis Ababa (ADD) – 2.5 hrs with Ethiopian Airlines connecting to global destinations.
A handful of long-haul flights—like KLM (Amsterdam) and Qatar Airways (Doha)—serve international travelers heading straight to Kilimanjaro.
2️⃣ Kilimanjaro Airport Lounges — Relax Before or After Your Journey
After a long trek—or before a night flight—Kilimanjaro’s lounges offer a welcome retreat.
Twiga Lounge by Aspire (Airside near Gates 3-4) is the main modern facility:
- Open daily (most hours of the day, often 24/7).
- Entry via Business Class ticket, Priority Pass, or USD $30-35 walk-in.
- Amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, charging ports, hot meals, local coffee and drinks, and runway views.
- Showers and quiet workstations make it a perfect spot to refresh after descending Kili.
VIP / Executive Lounge – A private area for diplomats or pre-booked travelers seeking extra privacy. Available 24 hrs (~USD $30 entry).
Whichever option you choose, these lounges provide a comfortable farewell (or welcome) to the Roof of Africa.
3️⃣ Traveler Services & Amenities at JRO
Small but efficient, JRO is designed for easy navigation and traveler comfort.
💰 Money & ATMs
ATMs and a currency exchange desk are available in the arrival hall. Withdraw Tanzanian Shillings for visas or tips—cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted.
📶 Wi-Fi & SIM Cards
Enjoy free unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Local SIM cards (Airtel, Vodacom, Tigo) may be available at arrival kiosks — bring your passport for registration. If booths are closed, your Climb Kili guide can help you purchase one in Moshi or Arusha.
☕ Food & Drinks
Two cafés and a restaurant serve local and international dishes during normal hours. The lounges also offer snacks and beverages. Late-night arrivals should plan to eat before landing.
🛍️ Shops & Souvenirs
Before departure, browse small shops for Tanzanite jewelry, handicrafts, books, and local coffee beans. For trekking gear, however, head to outdoor stores in Moshi or Arusha.
🚻 Facilities & Accessibility
Clean restrooms, charging outlets, baggage trolleys, and porter assistance are available. There are no lockers or luggage storage services, so keep bags with you.
⛑️ Medical Assistance
The 24-hour AAR KIA Clinic is on site for first aid or post-climb health concerns. If needed, they can arrange transfer to nearby hospitals in Arusha or Moshi.
4️⃣ A Brief History of Kilimanjaro International Airport
Opened in 1971 to mark Tanzania’s 10th year of independence, Kilimanjaro International Airport was built with Italian funding and a bold vision—to link the world to Africa’s great wildlife corridor.
In 1998, JRO became Africa’s first privatized international airport under the Kilimanjaro Airport Development Company (KADCO), setting a benchmark for regional aviation. Its strategic position between Arusha and Kilimanjaro has been key to the growth of northern Tanzania’s tourism economy.
A major upgrade in 2015-2017, funded by the Netherlands, doubled capacity to 1.2 million passengers per year and modernized the runway to accommodate Boeing 747s. Today JRO serves 17+ airlines flying to over 20 destinations. In 2023, it became the first airport in Tanzania to join the Airport Carbon Accreditation Program, signifying its commitment to sustainable operations.
From a humble runway to a global gateway, JRO has played a pivotal role in making Mount Kilimanjaro and the Serengeti accessible to the world.
5️⃣ Tips for a Smooth Arrival with Climb Kili
- Keep your arrival card and passport ready for immigration and visa processing.
- Download your eVisa confirmation before flying; Wi-Fi on arrival is reliable but may be slow for uploads.
- Collect checked bags promptly — there are only two baggage belts, so retrieval is quick.
- Look for your Climb Kili driver outside the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name. Our team coordinates all pickups based on flight tracking to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
- Have some small Tanzanian shillings ready for porter tips or snacks if you arrive late.
Your Climb Kili crew will handle everything from airport transfers to gear checks so you can rest and focus on the adventure ahead.
6️⃣ From Runway to Roof of Africa
Every journey to the summit starts here — the buzz of travelers with trekking packs, the backdrop of Mount Meru rising in the distance, and the warm greeting of “Karibu Tanzania.”
Whether you’re descending after reaching Uhuru Peak or just arriving for the challenge of a lifetime, Kilimanjaro International Airport is more than a transit hub—it’s the threshold to your African adventure.
Tutaonana juu ya mlima (See you on the mountain) 💚
