Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is located in northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi and approximately 80 kilometres from the regional hub of Arusha. Getting to the mountain is straightforward, with good international flight connections, established transfer services, and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. This guide covers everything you need to know about the logistics of reaching the starting point of your climb.
Flying to Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Kilimanjaro International Airport is the primary gateway for climbers. Despite its name, it is located roughly midway between Moshi and Arusha, in the town of Sanya Juu.
Direct international flights to JRO:
- KLM - Amsterdam (AMS) direct, several times per week
- Turkish Airlines - Istanbul (IST) direct
- Qatar Airways - Doha (DOH) direct
- Ethiopian Airlines - Addis Ababa (ADD) with onward connections worldwide
- Kenya Airways - Nairobi (NBO) with connections from many global cities
- Precision Air / Air Tanzania - Dar es Salaam (DAR) domestic connections
If you cannot find a direct flight to JRO, flying via Nairobi (Kenya) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopia) typically offers the widest range of connections and competitive pricing. The Nairobi-to-JRO flight is just 45 minutes.
Alternative Airport: Julius Nyerere (DAR)
Some climbers fly into Dar es Salaam and take a domestic flight to JRO (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). This can sometimes offer cheaper international fares but adds a transit and an additional domestic flight.
Airport Transfers
JRO to Moshi
- Distance: Approximately 40 kilometres
- Drive time: 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Options: Pre-arranged transfer through your operator (recommended), taxi, or shuttle service
- Cost: $30-50 USD for a private transfer
JRO to Arusha
- Distance: Approximately 80 kilometres
- Drive time: 1 to 1.5 hours
- Options: Pre-arranged transfer, taxi, or shared shuttle
- Cost: $40-70 USD for a private transfer
Most climbing operators include airport transfers as part of their package. This is by far the easiest option - your driver will meet you at arrivals with a signboard bearing your name, handle your luggage, and deliver you directly to your hotel.
Pre-Climb Base: Moshi vs Arusha
Moshi
Moshi is a small, pleasant town sitting at the base of Kilimanjaro. On clear mornings, the mountain dominates the northern skyline. It is the primary base for Kilimanjaro climbs, and most operators are headquartered here.
Advantages of Moshi:
- Closest to all Kilimanjaro gate stations (30-60 minutes)
- Relaxed, walkable town with a local feel
- Good range of hotels from budget to mid-range
- Pre-climb briefings are typically held here
- Less traffic and hassle than Arusha
Recommended accommodation: Mid-range hotels in Moshi cater well to climbers, offering secure luggage storage (for gear you do not need on the mountain), early breakfast service, and post-climb celebrations. Expect to pay $50-120 per night for a comfortable double room with breakfast.
Arusha
Arusha is a larger, busier city and the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as the gateway to both Kilimanjaro and the northern safari circuit (Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire).
Advantages of Arusha:
- More dining and nightlife options
- Better shopping for last-minute gear
- Ideal if combining your climb with a safari
- Larger range of accommodation, from budget hostels to luxury lodges
- International conference centre and more urban amenities
Consideration: Arusha is further from the Kilimanjaro gates, adding 30-60 minutes to your transfer on climb day.
Gate Locations
Each climbing route starts from a specific gate station where you register with the national park, your porters organise loads, and you begin the trek.
Machame Gate (1,800m)
- Route: Machame Route
- Distance from Moshi: Approximately 30 kilometres (45 minutes)
- Facilities: Registration office, toilets, picnic area, small shops selling basic items
- Note: The drive from Moshi passes through banana plantations and Chagga villages
Londorossi Gate (2,250m)
- Routes: Lemosho Route, Northern Circuit (both use Londorossi for registration, then drive to the actual trailhead at Lemosho Glades)
- Distance from Moshi: Approximately 80 kilometres (2-2.5 hours via the western side of the mountain)
- Facilities: Registration office, basic toilets
- Note: The longer drive is compensated by the quieter, more pristine forest on the western approach
Marangu Gate (1,860m)
- Route: Marangu Route
- Distance from Moshi: Approximately 35 kilometres (1 hour)
- Facilities: The most developed gate with a small museum, gift shop, registration office, and established car park
- Note: Also the exit gate for climbers descending the Marangu Route
Rongai Gate (1,950m)
- Route: Rongai Route
- Distance from Moshi: Approximately 80 kilometres (2-2.5 hours via the northern side of the mountain near the Kenya border)
- Facilities: Basic registration point
- Note: The drive passes through drier, less-visited countryside north of the mountain
Umbwe Gate (1,600m)
- Route: Umbwe Route
- Distance from Moshi: Approximately 25 kilometres (40 minutes)
- Facilities: Basic registration point, toilets
- Note: The lowest starting gate, entering dense forest immediately
Mweka Gate (1,640m)
- Route: Descent route for Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, and Northern Circuit
- Note: This is where most climbers finish their trek. Your vehicle will be waiting here for the transfer back to Moshi.
Visa Requirements
Tanzania Visa
Most visitors to Tanzania require a visa. The options are:
E-Visa (recommended): Apply online at eservices.immigration.go.tz before your trip. Processing takes 5-10 business days. Single-entry visa costs $50 USD for most nationalities.
Visa on Arrival: Available at JRO airport for most nationalities. Cost is $50 USD (single entry) payable in US dollars cash. US citizens pay $100 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
Exempt nationalities: Citizens of some East African Community countries do not require a visa. Check the Tanzanian immigration website for the current list.
Important Documents
- Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates
- Proof of yellow fever vaccination (required if arriving from a yellow fever endemic country)
- Return or onward flight booking
- Proof of accommodation (your operator's confirmation letter suffices)
Arrival Day Timeline
A typical arrival day for a Kilimanjaro climb looks like this:
- Arrive at JRO - clear immigration and collect luggage
- Transfer to Moshi - 45 minutes to your hotel
- Settle in - relax, explore Moshi town if time allows
- Pre-climb briefing - your operator will review the itinerary, check your gear, and answer questions (usually in the late afternoon or evening)
- Final gear check - sort what goes on the mountain vs what stays at the hotel
- Early dinner and bed - you will leave for the gate early the next morning
Most operators recommend arriving at least one day before your climb starts to allow for rest after your international flight and time to handle any last-minute logistics.
Currency and Payments
The Tanzanian shilling (TZS) is the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted in the tourism sector. ATMs are available in Moshi and Arusha. Credit cards are accepted at larger hotels and some restaurants but not at the gates or on the mountain. Carry cash in small denominations for tips, market purchases, and incidental expenses.