Arusha Airport (ARK, airport code: ARK), officially known as Arusha Regional Airport, is a small domestic airport located 10 km west of Arusha city center in northern Tanzania. Serving as a vital hub for the northern safari circuit, it facilitates access to iconic destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tarangire, and Lake Manyara National Parks. Situated at an elevation of 1,387 meters (4,550 feet), the airport handles primarily domestic and charter flights, with a single runway and a compact terminal offering basic amenities, including check-in counters, a small waiting area, and limited food options. Airlines like Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Precision Air operate daily flights to destinations such as Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and Serengeti airstrips, with charter services connecting to remote parks. Handling around 100,000 passengers annually, Arusha Airport is ideal for travelers seeking quick transfers to safari lodges or parks, complementing the larger Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA). Kilisherpas provides seamless transfers from Arusha Airport to your hotel or safari destination, ensuring a smooth start to your Tanzanian adventure.
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Arusha Airport’s climate reflects its location at 1,387 meters near Arusha, with a temperate, savannah climate influenced by altitude and distinct wet and dry seasons:
Dry Season (June–October): Pleasant days averaging 20–25°C (68–77°F) and cool nights (8–13°C, 46–55°F). Minimal rainfall ensures clear skies and smooth flight operations, with excellent conditions for immediate transfers to nearby parks or Arusha city.
Short Dry Season (January–February): Warm and slightly humid, with daytime temperatures of 22–28°C (72–82°F) and nights around 10–15°C (50–59°F). Occasional light showers may occur, but they rarely disrupt flights or ground transfers.
Wet Season (March–May and November–December): Warmer and more humid, with daytime temperatures of 23–30°C (73–86°F). The long rains (March–May) bring heavier showers, occasionally causing minor flight delays or muddy roads for transfers, while the short rains (November–December) feature brief afternoon showers, allowing smooth morning and evening travel.
Key Notes: The airport’s open-air areas can feel chilly at night, especially during the dry season, so pack a light jacket for early or late flights. Mosquito repellent is recommended during the wet season. The equatorial climate ensures consistent daylight hours, with sunrise around 6:30 AM and sunset around 6:30 PM year-round.
Weather conditions can vary throughout the year at Arusha airport.
Arusha Airport is conveniently located 10 km from central Arusha (a 15–20-minute drive) via the Arusha-Dodoma Road. The closest international gateway is Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA), 50 km east (a 45-minute drive), serving flights from hubs like Doha (Qatar Airways), Amsterdam (KLM), and Nairobi (Kenya Airways). Domestic flights from Dar es Salaam (Julius Nyerere International Airport, DAR) to Arusha Airport take about 1–1.5 hours, while flights from Zanzibar take 1 hour. Charter flights to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Lake Manyara airstrips (30–60 minutes) are popular for safari-goers. From Moshi, the airport is 80 km (a 1–1.5-hour drive). Ground transfers from Arusha Airport to key destinations include Arusha National Park (30 minutes), Lake Manyara (2 hours), Ngorongoro Crater (3–3.5 hours), and Serengeti (8 hours by road or 1-hour flight). Public transport options like dala-dalas or taxis are available to Arusha city (~10,000 TZS, £3.5), but private transfers are more reliable. Kilisherpas offers private 4x4 transfers or shuttle services from Arusha Airport to hotels, lodges, or park gates, handling all logistics for a hassle-free experience. Travelers from Nairobi, Kenya, can reach Arusha via a 5–6-hour drive through the Namanga border, requiring a Kenyan visa, with the airport a short additional drive.
We can arrange transportation to Arusha airport as part of your tour package.
The best time to use Arusha Airport as your entry or transit point depends on your travel plans for Tanzania’s northern safari circuit:
June–October (Dry Season): The peak season for arrivals, with pleasant weather, minimal rain, and clear skies, ideal for smooth flights and immediate transfers to safari destinations or Arusha city. The airport is busier, so pre-arrange transfers and book flights early.
January–February (Short Dry Season): A quieter period with warm, stable weather, perfect for seamless transfers to parks or lodges. Fewer passengers at the airport ensure quicker processing and a relaxed start to your trip.
November–December (Short Rains): Brief afternoon showers rarely disrupt flights, allowing smooth morning or evening transfers. The airport sees fewer visitors, and lower lodge rates in nearby parks make this a budget-friendly time to arrive.
March–May (Long Rains): Heavy rainfall can cause minor flight delays or affect road transfers, particularly to remote parks, but flights to Arusha Airport remain reliable. The airport is quiet, and discounted safari packages are available.
For the best experience, plan your arrival at Arusha Airport during the dry season (June–October) for smooth transfers and optimal conditions for safaris or day trips to nearby attractions like Lake Duluti or Napuru Waterfalls. A 1–2 day stay in Arusha post-arrival is recommended to explore the city before heading to parks. Contact Kilisherpas to arrange tailored airport transfers and itineraries, ensuring a seamless and unforgettable adventure in Tanzania’s northern circuit!
Book your visit during these recommended times for the best experience.
