Should I fly into Nairobi or Arusha?

Fly into Nairobi. It is the major international hub for East Africa, offering significantly cheaper and more frequent long-haul flights compared to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Are bush flights safe?

Yes, bush flying is the standard way to reach remote parks. Ensure you book with established operators like Safarilink or Coastal Aviation.

Can I drive across the border instead of flying?

Yes, the Namanga border crossing is common. However, it can take 6-8 hours by road. If your time is limited to less than 14 days, fly.

Booking Flights for a Multi-Country Safari in Kenya and Tanzania

Book a multi-city ticket flying into Nairobi (NBO) and out of Kilimanjaro (JRO) to avoid backtracking. Use regional carriers like Precision Air or AirKenya for the mid-trip jump to keep your total transit time under six hours.

Use the Multi-City search tool. Do not search for two one-way tickets or a round trip. Select 'Multi-City' on sites like Google Flights. Set your arrival in Nairobi (NBO) and your departure from Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Dar es Salaam (DAR) depending on your safari end point.
Prioritize direct arrivals to Nairobi. Fly into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO). Carriers like Kenya Airways, British Airways, and KLM offer the most reliable direct international connections, reducing the risk of lost luggage during a short safari.
Book the regional leg separately. The flight between Nairobi (NBO/WIL) and Tanzania (JRO/ARK) is often cheaper and more flexible when booked as a standalone ticket. Use regional airlines like AirKenya, Safarilink, or Precision Air.
Confirm luggage allowances. Safari bush planes often have a 15kg (33lb) hard limit for soft-sided bags. Even if your international flight allows 23kg, your internal regional flight will enforce the lower limit.

Should I fly into Nairobi or Arusha?: Fly into Nairobi. It is the major international hub for East Africa, offering significantly cheaper and more frequent long-haul flights compared to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Are bush flights safe?: Yes, bush flying is the standard way to reach remote parks. Ensure you book with established operators like Safarilink or Coastal Aviation.
Can I drive across the border instead of flying?: Yes, the Namanga border crossing is common. However, it can take 6-8 hours by road. If your time is limited to less than 14 days, fly.