Arrival in Arusha
Airport to Arusha ~45 minutes
Your Tanzania safari adventure begins today with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), set between the twin peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. The airport handles direct flights from major European hubs as well as connections through Nairobi, Addis Ababa, or Dar es Salaam. Depending on your flight schedule, morning arrivals offer the best introduction to the northern Tanzania highlands — bright light, cool temperatures, and the extraordinary sight of Kilimanjaro's snow-capped summit rising above the clouds. Gather your luggage, clear immigration, and step outside into the East African sun. Your safari driver will be waiting to begin your adventure.
Transfer the short 40 kilometres from Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha, Tanzania's safari capital and gateway to the northern circuit parks: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Kilimanjaro itself. The city sits at 1,400 metres on the slopes of Mount Meru, surrounded by coffee and banana plantations. If your schedule permits, visit the Arusha Cultural Heritage Centre or the colourful Central Market. Check in, take a guided walking tour of the town, and meet your safari team for a briefing on the itinerary ahead.
Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel or a local Arusha restaurant, sampling Tanzanian dishes such as ugali, pilau rice, and mishkaki (spiced grilled meat). Your guide presents a detailed briefing for the days ahead, covering park rules, photography tips, and what wildlife to expect on the northern circuit.
