Arusha Airport

Arusha Airport (ARK) is a cosy aerial gateway to the "safari capital" of Tanzania, located literally on the city's doorstep. Unlike its large international neighbour, Kilimanjaro (JRO), this airport offers travellers an intimate atmosphere and incredible convenience for those planning domestic flights to national parks or the beaches of Zanzibar. It serves as the ideal starting point for small aircraft whisking tourists straight into the heart of the wild, offering breathtaking views of Mount Meru right from take-off.

Features and Advantages of Arusha Airport:

The main advantage of this air harbour is its location. The airport is situated just a 15–20 minute drive from the city centre, which saves a significant amount of time compared to travelling to the distant Kilimanjaro International Airport. This makes it the best choice for tourists who are already in Arusha and plan to continue their journey across the country.

The airport specialises in serving light aviation, making the flight itself part of the adventure. Small aircraft (often referred to as "bush planes") depart from here directly to the airstrips of national parks such as the Serengeti, Manyara, and other reserves of the Northern Circuit. Check-in and security procedures here are quick and free from the bustle typical of large hubs.

Although the airport primarily handles domestic flights (for example, to Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam), its status has been elevated in recent years, and it has begun serving select regional routes connecting Tanzania with neighbouring countries. The terminal offers picturesque views of the surrounding coffee plantations and the majestic Mount Meru volcano.

Below is the contact information for Arusha Airport (ARK). Please note that the airport is managed by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA), and most official contacts lead to their head office.

• Official Website: Arusha Airport is managed by the Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA). It is recommended to check all official information, including flight schedules and news, on their website: www.taa.go.tz.
• Helpline Phone: For general enquiries, you may contact the Tanzania Airports Authority. It is advisable to verify the current number on the official website before calling.
• Airport Address: Arusha Airport, Dodoma Road, Arusha, Tanzania. The airport is located in the western part of the city.
• Email: To contact via email, please use the contact forms or the address provided on the official TAA website. A direct email address for Arusha Airport for the general public is usually not provided.
• Social Media: To stay up to date with the latest news, you can find the official pages of the Tanzania Airports Authority on social media.
• Lost Luggage Information: Important: For all issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline directly. The airport service does not handle passenger luggage tracing.
• Passenger Support Contacts: Upon arrival at the airport, you can approach the information desk or representatives of the airline you arrived with to resolve any issues.

Getting to Arusha Airport (ARK), which mainly serves domestic flights within Tanzania, is quite simple due to its close proximity to the city centre. The journey will take just 15–30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. It is important not to confuse it with Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is located much further away. There are several ways to get to Arusha Airport, suitable for any budget and travel style.

Taxi or Pre-booked Transfer — the most popular and convenient option for tourists. You can hail a taxi anywhere in the city. The trip will cost approximately 20,000–30,000 Tanzanian Shillings. It is extremely important to agree on the fare with the driver before starting the trip, as taximeters are rarely used. An even more reliable method is to book a transfer through your hotel or travel company. This guarantees a fixed price and eliminates unnecessary hassle, which is especially convenient if you have a lot of luggage or are travelling for the first time.

For the most budget-conscious and adventurous travellers, there is local public transport — dala-dala minibuses. This is the cheapest way to travel, though not the most comfortable. Minibuses are often overcrowded, lack a strict schedule, and you may need assistance from locals to find the right route. If you are travelling light and want to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, this can be an interesting experience. There are no direct rail or metro lines to the airport.

Car Rental offers maximum freedom of movement, especially if you plan to explore the surroundings of Arusha and the national parks on your own. Both local and international rental agencies operate in the city. Remember that traffic in Tanzania is on the left-hand side, and city traffic can be chaotic. Arusha Airport has a car park where you can leave your vehicle during your absence.

Arusha Airport (ARK) is a small and compact regional aviation hub that serves as the main departure point for safari tours in northern Tanzania. Its structure is very simple, making navigation intuitive even for first-time visitors.

The airport consists of one main terminal which handles both departing and arriving flights. There is no division into numerous buildings or levels, eliminating the need for long walks. All key areas — check-in counters, security screening, the departure lounge, and baggage claim — are located in a single building within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is logical: upon entering the building, you immediately find yourself in the general area with check-in counters for small local airlines. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers pass through a single security checkpoint leading directly to a small departure lounge. For arriving passengers, the process is even simpler: after disembarking the aircraft, they proceed to the baggage claim area and then to the terminal exit, where representatives of hotels or safari operators usually meet them.

Completing all formalities usually takes minimal time. Due to the low passenger traffic and the airport's compactness, check-in and security rarely take more than 20-30 minutes. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 60-90 minutes before departure to go through all procedures without rushing. The main advice for navigation is simple: getting lost here is practically impossible. Follow the signs or simply move with the flow of other passengers — you will easily find the zone you need.

Arusha Airport (ARK) is not just a transport hub, but a true starting point for unforgettable adventures across Northern Tanzania. Its history began in the mid-20th century when, with the growing administrative and tourist importance of the city, the need for a local air harbour arose. Initially, it was a small airstrip serving mainly private and government needs.

A key stage in the airport's development is inextricably linked to the boom of safari tourism in Tanzania. Gradually, from a modest airfield, it transformed into a bustling hub for light aviation, becoming the main gateway to the world of wildlife. Its growth has always mirrored the popularity of the national parks: the more travellers sought to see the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara, the more actively the airport infrastructure developed, becoming a base for dozens of airlines operating "air safaris".

In the 21st century, the airport underwent several important modernization stages to meet growing passenger traffic and modern safety standards. The terminal building and apron were reconstructed and expanded, significantly improving comfort for travellers. Of historical note, the airport played an important logistical role during the operation of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, headquartered in Arusha, serving flights for staff and delegations.

One of the most interesting and practically important facts about Arusha Airport is its clear specialisation. It is often confused with the nearby Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). It is important to remember: ARK primarily serves domestic flights and is a base for safari airlines using small aircraft (Cessna, Twin Otter, etc.), while JRO receives the majority of large international liners. That is why the atmosphere at Arusha Airport is special — everything here is imbued with the spirit of impending adventure.

Arusha Airport (ARK) is a compact regional airport serving mainly domestic flights and acting as a starting point for many safari tours across northern Tanzania. The airport infrastructure offers a basic but sufficient set of services for a comfortable wait before your flight.

Dining, Shopping, and Lounges. In the terminal, you will find several small cafes where you can have coffee and a snack with sandwiches or local pastries. There are also a couple of souvenir shops offering handicrafts, jewellery, and memorable gifts. Specialised VIP lounges, like those in major international airports, are not available here, but there is a general waiting area for all passengers.

Connectivity and Finance. Wi-Fi is available at the airport, although its speed and stability may be limited. It is recommended to have a local SIM card for reliable internet access. Power outlets are provided in the waiting hall for charging gadgets. Additionally, there is a currency exchange point and an ATM in the terminal where you can withdraw local shillings.

Passenger Services. For travellers with reduced mobility, staff assistance and wheelchairs are available upon prior request through the airline. Families with small children can use the baby changing rooms. There is also a first aid station operating at the airport.

Accommodation and Business Services. There are no hotels, conference halls, or business centres within the airport grounds. However, due to its proximity to the city, travellers can easily find numerous accommodation options — from budget guest houses to comfortable lodges — in the city of Arusha itself, which is just a few minutes' drive away.

Arusha Airport (ARK) is a small regional aviation hub that serves as a starting point for many safaris across northern Tanzania. Dining options here correspond to its compact size, offering passengers basic amenities for a snack before departure.

Main Dining Spots

At the airport, you will find a few small cafes and snack bars rather than full-service restaurants. Usually, one establishment is located in the general hall before security control (landside), and another in the departure zone after it (airside). The selection in the departure lounge may be more limited, so if you have time, it is better to have a snack before checking in for your flight.

Menu and Cuisine

The assortment mainly consists of light snacks and drinks. Here you can find:

• For a quick snack: Sandwiches, pastries (croissants, local 'mandazi' pastries), crisps, chocolate. Sometimes samosas — a popular local street food — are available.
• Drinks: Bottled water, carbonated drinks, juices, as well as hot tea and coffee. Be sure to try local Tanzanian coffee — it is famous for its rich taste. In some cafes, local beverages (such as Kilimanjaro or Serengeti beer) may be offered.
• Full meals: Opportunities for a hot lunch are extremely limited. Do not count on a large selection of dishes; it is better to eat beforehand in the city if you require a substantial meal.

Special Dietary Needs

Options for vegetarians, vegans, or people with gluten intolerance are practically non-existent. The most a vegetarian might expect is a cheese sandwich or simple pastry. Passengers with strict dietary restrictions are strongly advised to bring food with them.

Prices and Opening Hours

Prices at the airport are expectedly higher than in the city of Arusha. Cafes and bars usually operate according to the flight schedule — opening with the first morning departures and closing after the last evening flight leaves.

Travelling through Arusha Airport is your first step towards exciting adventures in northern Tanzania. To make it as comfortable as possible, use our tips.

Arrival Time: Arusha Airport (ARK) handles mainly domestic flights. It is recommended to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before your flight's departure. This time will be sufficient to check in, drop off luggage, and pass through security control without rushing.

Check-in and Security: Procedures at the airport usually proceed quite quickly due to its small size. Keep your passport, visa (if required), and ticket handy. Note that security screening can be thorough, so prepare all liquids and electronics for inspection in advance.

Seat Selection: Many flights from Arusha are on small aircraft to national parks. If your route passes near Mount Kilimanjaro or Meru, try to get a window seat — in clear weather, breathtaking views await you, which will be an excellent start or finish to your safari.

Hand Luggage: Standard security rules prohibit carrying liquids over 100 ml, as well as sharp and cutting objects. Pay special attention to the rules of airlines operating safari flights: they often require luggage to be in soft bags (not hard suitcases) and strictly limit its weight (usually up to 15 kg per person, including hand luggage).

Customs Control and Important Rules: When entering the country, be prepared to declare valuable items. A crucial tip: Tanzania has a strict ban on the import and use of plastic bags. Ensure there are none in your luggage to avoid fines.

Saving Time and Money: If possible, check in for your flight online. It is better to book a transfer from the airport in advance through your hotel or a trusted company — this will help save money and avoid surcharges from taxi drivers on site.

In Case of Flight Delay: Arusha Airport is small, and facilities for long waits are limited. In the event of a delay, immediately contact your airline representative for the latest information. It is recommended to have a portable charger, a book, and some cash to buy water or snacks.