Road vs Flight - The Journey from Arusha City to Serengeti Central

Unveiling Tanzania's Wonders: Exploring Safaris Through Internal Flights

Arusha Airport (ARK) is a crucial domestic airport located in the vibrant city of Arusha, Tanzania, often referred to as the safari capital of the country. This airport serves as the primary launching point for tourists embarking on journeys to some of Africa's most iconic national parks and conservation areas, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Kilimanjaro National Park. Despite its relatively small size, Arusha Airport efficiently handles a significant volume of domestic flights, connecting adventurers from Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and beyond. Its proximity to major tourist attractions makes it an essential hub for safari operators, NGOs, and international visitors seeking to explore Tanzania's unparalleled natural beauty.

Arusha is generally considered safe for travellers, but it's wise to exercise standard precautions, especially in crowded areas and after dark. For health, vaccinations for hepatitis A, typhoid, and yellow fever are recommended, along with malaria prophylaxis. Consult a healthcare provider well in advance of your trip to ensure you have all necessary vaccinations and health advice.

Safety & Vaccinations

Arusha Airport is easily reachable by road from Arusha city, with taxis and private transfers providing the main means of transport. For international travelers, connecting flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam are the most common routes to Arusha.

Getting There

Taxis and car hire services are readily available at the airport for travel within Arusha and to surrounding destinations. Many visitors also opt for arranged safari tours, which include transportation to and from the airport as part of their package.

Getting Around

Visitors to Tanzania, including those arriving at Arusha Airport for domestic transfers, typically need a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival, through Tanzanian diplomatic missions, or online via the e-visa system. Ensure your passport has at least six months of validity beyond your stay. The e-visa application should be submitted in advance of your travel, and the process is streamlined for ease of entry. Always check the latest visa requirements and exemptions before your trip to ensure compliance with Tanzanian immigration policies.

Visas

Arusha Airport

Everything went well.  Check in was easy.  The staff was very helpful.  Quick getting in and the plane was on time and ready to go.  The flight to Zanzabar was  comfortable, and they served ice cream!  I would highly recommend this airport.

Small, cozy airport. Check-in was easy and quick. The waiting area offers enough space for all passengers.  There are small stores with souvenirs and snacks in the airport. And you will have a great view of the surrounding mountains.

It's a small airport for small planes but kudos a lot of improvement in infrastructure has been done, a lot of tourists use this airport to come to Arusha for  visiting national parks like ngorongoro manyara

For being such a tiny airport, we had a positive experience: fast check-in and security check, clean toilets, bar with drinks and snacks. It might be less pleasant on rainy days as the waiting room is basically in open air with just a roof.

Small bit very busy Airport with a nice view to the Dodoma - Arusha road

Arusha Airport (ARK)

The rooms all have individual lock boxes to store personal items.

In-Room Lockable Box

Hot Water Showers

Swimming Pool

There is a lounge and bar at this property. 

Lounge & Bar

Laundry Service

This property has a gift shop on the premises.

Gift Shop

Wifi

The closest airport to this lodge is Arusha Airport (ARK) - which is only 15 minutes away.

By road, the lodge is roughly 90 minutes from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), 2 hours from Tarangire National Park, and 4 hours from Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

Legendary Lodge

Very Beautiful. The location is very nice and the staff is always helpful and friendly.
It’s also a nice place for children much space to play with a ball or something like that.
I rate it a 10-10.

Wonderful!

From the moment your greeter collects you at the airport, to the moment you leave, you're in good hands.

Accommodations are well-appointed, spacious and comfortable.

The food is delicious.

The waitstaff is attentive.

The grounds are beautiful.

Amazing and accommodating staff. Stayed before and after hiking Kilimanjaro and it was absolutely worth it! Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. The grounds are beautiful, food is great, rooms are huge! Would absolutely stay here again.

The place is great with nice reception😊

Fantastic and friendly service. Five star quality. I’ve of the most peaceful and quiet hotels we’ve ever had the pleasure of staying. The food is top rate.

Legendary Lodge's tranquil coffee plantation setting immerses guests in the beauty of Mount Meru's foothills while offering captivating coffee tours

Serving as a gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit, Legendary Lodge provides convenient access to Tanzania's renowned National Parks for wildlife exploration

Relish exceptional comfort in well-appointed cottages and indulge in a delectable culinary experience featuring a blend of international and local flavors

Legendary Lodge boasts a collection of elegant and spacious rooms designed to provide the utmost comfort and relaxation. The ten private cottages and two generously sized family cottages offer a serene escape, each adorned with oversized beds and romantic billowing mosquito nets. The rooms feature a harmonious blend of classic and contemporary decor, exuding a sense of African charm while providing all the modern amenities one would expect from Arusha's finest lodge. With attention to detail and a focus on guest well-being, Legendary Lodge's accommodations ensure a restful and enjoyable stay amidst the picturesque surroundings of this enchanting coffee plantation in Tanzania.

By vehicle, the lodge is in Arusha National Park, which is around 1.5 hrs from Arusha Airport.

The closest airport to the lodge is Arusha Airport (ARK), followed by a 1.5 hour drive.

Hatari Lodge (Inside Arusha National Park)

We stayed for two nights. We arrived late in the evening and the friendly staff prepared a delicious soup for us. Staff was very friendly and the food delicious. The terrace offers a very nice view of a large plane right in front of it where you can see animals all day. The terrace also offers a great view of Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro. To fully appreciate the view you should bring good binoculars. The room was spacious and clean.

We stayed 2 nights at this lodge after arriving in Tanzania. Everything was great but there is a great potential to improve things to make the stay even better.
The water pressure of the shower could be improved + the water in the shower is very difficult to mix. Either it's too cold or too hot. You waste a lot of water finding the right "point"...
The floor of the shower is very slippery.
Could be roughened up to prevent slipping/accidents.
The room is very dark. There's just a few (and too dark) lamps. We had to use our flashlights to look for things in our suitcases. I normally love indirect, cozy, romantic lights, but this this was just too much "no light".
Carpets where nice but a constant stumbling hazard so we just rolled them up and placed them on the side.
We loved the chimney and the hot water bottles every night.
Crew is fabulous.
Sundowner on the special deck = ❤️
Food was very good.
I recommend this place.

I think preparing food and feeding guests brings nourishment not only to their bodies but to our spirits, warm and passion that Hatari lodge provide to exceed the expectation of our clients. Feeding people is a way of loving them, in the same way that feeding ourselves is a way of honoring our own creativeness and fragility.” –

Pretty cool...... it's an amazing place, loved it

Very friendly and Professional couple managing the place. The personal in services are great and very friendly. beautiful place, excellent food!

Luxurious escape amidst untamed natural beauty, celebrating the spirit of adventure and integrated design

With a fascinating Hollywood pedigree, this lodge was the setting for the legendary 1963 film "Hatari!" and has been creatively restored into a luxury bush lodge

Immerse yourself in the vibrant history and chic decor of Hatari Lodge while enjoying an unforgettable African safari experience in the picturesque Arusha National Park

Hatari Lodge

The rooms at Hatari Lodge offer a harmonious blend of rustic elegance and African chic. With nine well-appointed deluxe rooms and three luxurious villas, the lodge provides a unique and sophisticated interpretation of the traditional safari aesthetic. Each room features vibrant decor, paying homage to the safari era, and offers a comfortable and stylish retreat. Eight of the deluxe rooms are equipped with open fireplaces, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, while the three spacious villas are ideal for honeymooners and families, accommodating a minimum of four people. The accommodations are a testament to the lodge's commitment to preserving its historical charm while providing modern comfort in the heart of the wilderness. Guests can unwind in the lap of luxury and soak in the mesmerizing natural surroundings, experiencing the true spirit of adventure and integrated design that Hatari Lodge embodies.

By flight, you can get a regular chartered flights to Arusha or Kilimanjaro international airport

By road, Kahawa House is 51 km away from Kilimanjaro international airport and will take just over an hour to get to

Kahawa House

We experienced a lot of mosquitoes here and surprisingly it was the only hotel we visited that didn't have mosquito nets around the beds. There is a pool here but other than that not a whole lot to do.

It is well designed and the best place to be.
I love this Hotel.

Really nice hotel close to Arusha Downtown. Welcoming staff and good room (keep in mind that the Kilimanjaro International Airport is far from everything, so it will take you like 1h 20 min to get there)

A lovely place to stay with excellent service and facilities. The food is wonderful too. Great stop off spot before or after a Safari or even a great place to stay for a business trip. Highly recommend this Arusha spot.

Great place to stay in arusha.

Big and totally refurbished rooms with great service.

The Only thing is that It is almost 1 hour to kilimanjaro airport so you might plan un advance when to leave

 Nestled amid lush landscapes with views of Mount Meru, the resort offers a stunning natural backdrop for guests

The resort's diverse menu showcases both Tanzanian and international cuisine, ensuring a memorable dining experience

Thoughtfully designed rooms and suites provide modern comforts and elegant decor for a relaxing stay

Kahawa House - Arusha

The house offers a collection of beautifully appointed rooms that seamlessly blend comfort and elegance. Each room is thoughtfully designed, featuring modern amenities and tasteful decor, creating a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere for guests. With attention to detail, the rooms offer a tranquil retreat after a day of adventure or business meetings in Arusha. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding natural beauty, ensuring a serene and rejuvenating stay. Whether you choose a standard room or a luxurious suite, Kahawa House provides a cozy and inviting home away from home for all types of travelers.

Serves as a gateway for the attractions in the northern circuit of Tanzania.

Arusha Airport (ARK)

Arusha Airport (ARK)

About Arusha Airport (ARK)

What to do

Featured Experiences

Unveiling Tanzania's Wonders: Exploring Safaris Through Internal Flights

Where to stay

Hotels & Lodges

Legendary Lodge

Hatari Lodge

Kahawa House - Arusha

Related destinations

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Road vs Flight - The Journey from Arusha City to Serengeti Central

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