Kilimanjaro and Safari Route Guide: Airports, Gates, Transfers and Border Crossings

The route is simple: you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, base yourself in Moshi or Arusha, climb from one of the mountain gates, and then head into the safari parks.

Border crossings only matter if you arrive from Kenya or continue there afterwards. This page describes the movements in general terms, and your operator will confirm timings and procedures.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Arriving at Kilimanjaro Airport

Most international visitors arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, which lies between Moshi and Arusha. Transfers to either town are straightforward, and your operator will meet you. Late arrivals usually sleep in town and start the next day. See Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha and Arusha to Moshi for the road between the two bases.

Choosing Moshi or Arusha

Moshi sits at the foot of the mountain and suits climbers who want an early start and a quiet base. Arusha is the larger safari hub, with more hotels, restaurants and tour offices, and it is close to Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro. Many travellers use both, staying in Moshi before the climb and Arusha after. See Moshi town guide and Arusha gateway guide.

Mountain Gates and Start Points

Each route begins at a specific gate or trailhead. Machame and Marangu have their own gates on the southern side, Lemosho begins on the west side via Londorossi, Rongai starts on the north near the Kenyan border, and Umbwe also starts on the south. Your operator will tell you the pick-up time and the length of the drive. See Moshi to Kilimanjaro gates and routes compared.

From the Mountain to the Parks

After the descent, you return to Moshi or Arusha for a rest night. Tarangire is a reasonable drive from Arusha, and Ngorongoro and the Serengeti lie further along the northern circuit. See Arusha to Tarangire, Arusha to Ngorongoro and Arusha to the Serengeti for details on those legs.

Light Aircraft and Domestic Flights

Flying saves a long road day, especially between the Serengeti and Arusha or Zanzibar. Small aircraft have luggage limits and require soft bags, so store mountain gear at your hotel if you can. Schedules change seasonally, so ask your operator. See Tanzania domestic flights and the luggage rules.

Arriving From Kenya

If you combine a Kenya safari with Kilimanjaro, you can fly into Kilimanjaro or cross by road. The Namanga border post links Kenya and the Arusha area, and a crossing near Taveta and Holili links the Mombasa side with Moshi. Procedures, opening hours and road conditions should be checked with your operator. The East Africa Tourist Visa does not cover Tanzania, so see the visa guide and the Kenya and Tanzania route and border guide.

Timing Transfers Around the Climb

Road transfers to and from the gates take time, so the first and last days on the mountain are partly spent in vehicles. Leave the afternoon after your descent free of anything demanding, and avoid booking an early flight the morning after. Because road and airport conditions can change, confirm pick-up times with your operator the evening before each leg. If you are stacking a safari straight afterwards, build in the rest night discussed in the Kilimanjaro FAQs.

Planning the Whole Route

A sensible order is arrival, a night in Moshi or Arusha, the climb, a rest night, then the safari, ending with a flight from Kilimanjaro or Arusha or a beach stay on Zanzibar. For visas, health and gear, see the practical guide, and for dates, see the best time page. The pillar guide links the whole set.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team