Tarangire National Park, located in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, is well-connected by both domestic and regional flights, making it easily accessible for safari-goers. While there are no direct international flights to Tarangire itself, nearby airports offer convenient entry points for travelers heading to the park. This guide provides detailed information on how to fly into Tarangire National Park, the closest airports, and tips for booking your flights.
Closest Airports to Tarangire National Park
1. Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Location: Kilimanjaro International Airport is approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Arusha and about 190 kilometers (118 miles) from Tarangire National Park.
- Flight Connections: JRO is the main entry point for international flights into northern Tanzania. It serves major airlines with direct flights from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa. Carriers such as KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Ethiopian Airlines operate flights to Kilimanjaro.
- Travel to Tarangire: From Kilimanjaro Airport, travelers can either fly directly to nearby airstrips or drive to the park. The drive from JRO to Tarangire takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, making it a popular option for those who want to explore the surrounding areas.
2. Arusha Airport (ARK)
- Location: Located just 7 kilometers (4 miles) from Arusha town, Arusha Airport is a small domestic airport primarily serving domestic and regional flights.
- Flight Connections: Arusha Airport connects to other parts of Tanzania through flights operated by airlines such as Coastal Aviation, Air Excel, Regional Air, and Precision Air. These airlines offer flights to major safari destinations, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam.
- Travel to Tarangire: Arusha is a common starting point for safaris to Tarangire. From Arusha Airport, it’s a 1.5 to 2-hour drive to the park. Alternatively, chartered flights can be arranged to nearby airstrips closer to Tarangire.
3. Lake Manyara Airstrip (LKY)
- Location: Lake Manyara Airstrip is located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Tarangire National Park, making it the closest airstrip for those looking to fly directly to the area.
- Flight Connections: Small aircraft operated by Coastal Aviation, Air Excel, and Regional Air fly to Lake Manyara Airstrip from Arusha, Serengeti, and other northern Tanzania locations.
- Travel to Tarangire: From the airstrip, travelers can either take a short 45-minute drive to the park or be picked up by a safari tour operator.
Domestic Flight Options
1. Scheduled Domestic Flights
Several domestic airlines operate scheduled flights to and from Kilimanjaro and Arusha airports, making it easy to reach Tarangire from other popular destinations such as Serengeti, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam.
- Airlines: Coastal Aviation, Air Tanzania, Precision Air, Regional Air
- Routes: Direct flights to Kilimanjaro or Arusha from Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Serengeti, and other parts of Tanzania.
2. Charter Flights
Charter flights are a convenient and fast way to access Tarangire National Park. Several tour operators offer fly-in safaris, where you can board small aircraft that land directly at nearby airstrips.
- Private Charters: For a more personalized and flexible travel experience, private charter flights can be arranged to land at Kuro Airstrip, located within the park, or Manyara Airstrip, which is the closest external airstrip.
- Safari Transfers: Many safari companies offer package deals that include charter flights as part of the overall safari experience, providing travelers with a seamless journey from landing to game viewing.
Popular Flight Routes to Tarangire
Here are some common flight routes travelers take to reach Tarangire:
1. From Europe or the Middle East
- Via Kilimanjaro (JRO): Flights from Amsterdam (KLM), Doha (Qatar Airways), Istanbul (Turkish Airlines), and Addis Ababa (Ethiopian Airlines) arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Connecting Flights: From Kilimanjaro, travelers can either drive to Tarangire or take a short domestic flight to Arusha or Manyara.
2. From Other Parts of Tanzania
- From Zanzibar: Direct flights from Zanzibar to Arusha or Manyara Airstrip are available. Coastal Aviation and Air Excel offer these connections.
- From Serengeti: Small aircraft link Tarangire with Seronera or Kogatende airstrips in the Serengeti, allowing for multi-park safari trips.
- From Dar es Salaam: Several daily flights operate between Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam and Kilimanjaro or Arusha.
Best Time to Fly to Tarangire
Tarangire is a year-round destination, but flights to the park’s nearby airstrips are typically more frequent during the dry season (June to October), which is the peak safari season in Tanzania. During this time, wildlife is concentrated near the Tarangire River, and game viewing is excellent.
- Dry Season: Flights are more available, and the weather is clear, making it the best time for aerial views of the park and its wildlife.
- Rainy Season: The rainy season (March to May) sees fewer flights, but discounted rates and fewer crowds make it an attractive time for budget travelers. Be sure to check the flight schedules, as some flights may be reduced during this period.
Booking Flights to Tarangire
1. Booking International Flights
For international travelers, the most convenient entry point is Kilimanjaro International Airport. Book your international flight directly to JRO through major carriers such as KLM, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, or Ethiopian Airlines. Once in Kilimanjaro, you can choose a domestic flight or drive to the park.
2. Booking Domestic Flights
Domestic flights to Arusha, Lake Manyara, or nearby airstrips can be booked through Tanzanian domestic airlines like Coastal Aviation, Air Excel, Regional Air, and Precision Air. Flights can be booked online or through safari tour operators as part of a package.
3. Charter Flights
If you prefer a quicker, more direct route to Tarangire, charter flights can be arranged through safari operators or specialized flight services. Charter flights can land directly at the Kuro Airstrip in Tarangire for the ultimate convenience.
Conclusion
Flying to Tarangire National Park offers the most convenient and time-efficient way to access one of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations. Whether you opt for a scheduled domestic flight or a private charter, reaching Tarangire is made easy by its well-connected nearby airports and airstrips. Once you’ve landed, the beauty of the park’s wildlife and landscapes will be just a short drive or transfer away. Be sure to book your flights early, especially during peak safari season, to ensure availability and a smooth travel experience.
Start planning your Tarangire adventure today and book your flights for an unforgettable safari experience!