Visitors traveling to Tanzania have a variety of options for making their way into the country, including plane, bus, train and ferry/boat. Many will find that traveling via plane offers the most expeditious (and often, the only available) method of travel, especially when reaching some of the country’s remote parks and reserves. The following is a break-down of some of the more popular options for arriving into the country.
By plane
Most international visitors to Tanzania will fly into either Julius K. Nyerere International Airport (for access to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or points south and west) or Kilimanjaro International Airport (for access to points in the northern circuit). Consider your complete itinerary to determine which option is right for you.
If you’re traveling from within Africa, you may consider regional flights, which fly regularly from Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, the Comoros Islands, and South Africa. For those flying within Tanzania, Precision Air, Air Tanzania, ZanAir, and Regional Air Services offer reliable service between major Tanzanian towns and attractions.
In any case, most hotels will arrange airport pickup upon request; taxis are also available.
By bus
If you have some time on your hands (or a hole in your budget), you might consider arriving to Tanzania via bus from Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda, Zambia or Rwanda. Numerous operators offer service, but journeys can last up to 36 hours depending on your final destination, as noted below:
Mombasa (Kenya) to Dar es Salaam: 12 hours
Nairobi (Kenya) to Dar es Salaam: 13 hours
Nairobi to (Kenya) Arusha: 5 hours
Lilongwe (Malawi) to Dar es Salaam: 27 hours
Kampala (Uganda) to Dar es Salaamvia Nairobi: 25 hours (obtain Kenya visa before transit)
Kigali (Rwanda) to Dar es Salaam: 36 hours
Lusaka (Zambia) to Dar es Salaam: 30 hours
As always, practice caution when traveling on buses, as you may be a prime target for pick-pocketing.
By Train
Train service is available between Kapiri Mposhi, Zambia, and Dar es Salaam. Though interesting, the trip takes two nights.
By Boat
Those looking to take a boat to Tanzania will need to be a bit flexible in their travel schedules. The ferry between Nkhata Bay (Malawi) and Mbamba Bay (Tanzania) runs just twice per month. A weekly ferry between Kigoma (Burundi) and Bujubura takes 14 hours. Ferries to various points in Kenya run once per week.
If you’re looking for adventure, you might consider taking the ferry from Mpulungu (Zambia) to Kigoma, which stops at small and quaint villages along the coast, including Lagosa, the main point for traveling to Tanzania’s Mahale Mountains National Park, a spot known for its chimpanzee population.
Visas
Business or tourist visas are required for most foreign nationals visiting Tanzania. Though it’s possible to obtain a visa at the airport or other border crossing stations in the country, it’s advised to obtain one before your trip from your local Tanzanian High Commission or embassy. To find your local office, visit www.tz.embassyinformation.com. Visas are valid for three to six months and do not service as a permit to work while in the country.
