Tanzania is a popular tourist destination in East Africa, known for its vast savannas, national parks, and stunning coastline. The country is home to some of the most iconic attractions in Africa, including Mount Kilimanjaro, the Serengeti National Park, and the Ngorongoro Crater. If you’re planning to visit Tanzania, you’ll need to know how to book international flights to get there.
How to Book International Flights to Tanzania
There are several airlines that operate international flights to Tanzania from various destinations around the world. Some of the major airlines that offer flights to Tanzania include:
- Ethiopian Airlines
- Qatar Airways
- Turkish Airlines
- Emirates
- KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
- British Airways
- Swiss International Airlines
- Lufthansa
You can book your flight directly through the airline’s website or through a travel agent. It’s important to book your flight in advance to ensure availability and to take advantage of any discounts or promotions that may be available.
Tanzania’s International Airports
Tanzania has several international airports that serve as gateways to the country’s various attractions. Some of the main airports include:
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) near Arusha
- Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (AAKIA) in Zanzibar
Julius Nyerere International Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Tanzania, serving as the main entry point for many visitors to the country. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the second-busiest airport and is located near Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is the main airport in Zanzibar and serves as a gateway to the island’s beaches and historical sites.
Flights from Europe to Tanzania
There are only two direct flights from Europe to Tanzania: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from Amsterdam and Turkish Airlines from Istanbul Ataturk International Airport operate daily to Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro.
Alternatively, visitors from Europe can fly to Nairobi, the important East African “hub.” Then, Kenya Airways links to all of Tanzania’s gateway airports at least once daily.
British Airways from London Heathrow, Air France from Paris, Swiss Air from Zurich, Brussels Airlines from Brussels, Lufthansa from Frankfurt, and Kenya Airways from London Heathrow or Amsterdam are all options for Nairobi. Kenya Airways is our travelers’ favorite, traveling less than nine hours overnight from London to Nairobi, then connecting to Dar es Salaam at roughly 09:00.
If you travel into Dar es Salaam, you may connect through Cairo with Egypt Air, Dubai with Emirates, Abu Dhabi with Etihad Airways, Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Airlines, Muscat with Oman Air, or Doha with Qatar Airways. Some of these carriers also fly to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar.
From North America (USA) to Tanzania
There are no direct flights from the United States to Tanzania. Travelers must either make two stops on the way or stop only once in Istanbul or Amsterdam. Turkish Airlines operates direct flights from roughly 13 North American cities to Istanbul, and subsequently to Tanzania; similarly, KLM connects a broader range of North American cities to Tanzania through Amsterdam. For example, travel from New York to Dar es Salaam through Amsterdam takes roughly 21 hours; a flight from Los Angeles takes only an hour or so longer but with a tighter flight connection in Amsterdam.
Travelers from North America can also fly straight to Johannesburg from Atlanta on Delta Air Lines, or from New York (JFK) or Washington-Dulles on South African Airways. Many passengers will then stay near the airport in Johannesburg before continuing on South African Airways’ relatively short (3 hour 30 minute) flight to Dar es Salaam.
From South America to Tanzania
South African Airways direct flight from Sao Paulo to Johannesburg, then connecting to Dar es Salaam is the most direct route from South America to Tanzania. This trek usually takes roughly 15 hours. Other options, which use hubs in Europe or the Middle East, are frequently less convenient: important carriers include Ethiopian Carriers, Emirates, KLM, and Turkish Airlines.
From Asia to Tanzania
Kenya Airways provides three direct flight connections to Asia: Bangkok, Hanoi, and Mumbai, with connections to all of Tanzania’s gateway airports. Alternatively, travelers from Asia will most likely fly through a Middle Eastern hub, most likely with Emirates, Etihad Airways, Oman Air, or Qatar Airways.
From Australasia
There are no direct flights between Australia and Tanzania. A popular South African Airways route connects Perth to Dar es Salaam via Johannesburg; the entire journey takes around 20 hours. Alternatively, the next best routes are most likely to fly through the Middle East on Emirates, Etihad Airways, or Qatar Airways.
Tips for Booking International Flights to Tanzania
Here are some tips to keep in mind when booking international flights to Tanzania:
Plan Ahead
It’s important to plan ahead and book your flight in advance to ensure availability and to take advantage of any discounts or promotions that may be available. Additionally, it’s a good idea to book your flight during the low season when prices are typically lower.
Check Visa Requirements
Before booking your flight, check the visa requirements for Tanzania. Some countries may require a visa to enter Tanzania, while others may be eligible for a visa on arrival.
Compare Prices
Compare prices from different airlines to find the best deal. Consider using price comparison websites to compare prices and find the best deals.
Consider Layovers
If you’re on a budget, consider flights with layovers. Direct flights to Tanzania can be more expensive than flights with layovers, so consider this option if you’re looking to save money.
FAQs About International Flights to Tanzania
Here are some frequently asked questions about international flights to Tanzania:
Q: Which airlines operate international flights to Tanzania?
A: Several major airlines operate international flights to Tanzania, including Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, British Airways, Swiss International Airlines, and Lufthansa.
Q: What are the main international airports in Tanzania?
A: Tanzania has several international airports, including Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro International Airport near Arusha, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport in Zanzibar.
Q: Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
A: It depends on your country of origin. Some countries may require a visa to enter Tanzania, while others may be eligible for a visa on arrival. It’s important to check the visa requirements for Tanzania before booking your flight.
Q: How far in advance should I book my international flight to Tanzania?
A: It’s recommended to book your international flight to Tanzania at least three months in advance to ensure availability and to take advantage of any discounts or promotions that may be available.
Q: Are direct flights to Tanzania available?
A: Yes, there are direct flights to Tanzania available from some destinations. However, direct flights can be more expensive than flights with layovers, so consider this option if you’re looking to save money.
Q: What is the best time of year to book international flights to Tanzania?
A: The best time to book international flights to Tanzania is during the low season, which is typically from April to May and from November to mid-December. Prices are typically lower during this time, and you’ll avoid the crowds that can be present during the high season.
Booking International Flights to Tanzania
Booking international flights to Tanzania is relatively easy, with several major airlines offering flights to the country from various destinations around the world. It’s important to plan ahead, check visa requirements, compare prices, and consider layovers to find the best deal. With the right preparation, you can easily book your flight to Tanzania and start exploring all that this amazing country has to offer.