Are you ready to embark on a journey to your Tanzanian safari destination? Arusha Airport is your gateway! Located in the vibrant city Arusha, the "Safari Capital of Tanzania," this small domestic airport not only provides a quick and hassle-free travel experience but also offers stunning panoramic views of the Tanzanian plains, setting the stage for your next exciting adventure.
A Brief History of Arusha Airport
Arusha airport (ARK), built in 1953 by Colonel Grey, a prominent sorghum and coffee farmer, is significant in Tanzanian history. The airport was handed over to the Tanzanian government in 1961 and originally managed by East African Airways.
The Tanzanian Airports Authority (TAA) was established in 1999, taking over the complete operation and management of all government airstrips across the Tanzanian mainland.
Arusha Airport Location and Accesability
ARK is a conveniently located domestic airport in the Olasiti ward of Arusha. It is famous for charter flights for tourists.
Arusha Airport is situated approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) west of Arusha's city center, making it easily accessible by road. The airport lies along the Arusha-Dodoma highway, ensuring seamless connectivity to the city and surrounding areas. Its proximity to Arusha town, often referred to as the safari capital of Tanzania, makes it a strategic hub for tourists.
For those traveling from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which handles international flights, Arusha Airport is about a 90-minute drive.
Airport Facilities
Even though this airport is not international, we still advise you to check departure and arrival times before scheduled flights and arrive at the airport at least two hours before departures to ensure a smooth check-in process.
Despite being smaller than its international counterpart Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO), Arusha Airport is equipped with essential facilities to ensure a comfortable experience: A few eateries, and shops, free Wi-Fi is available, albeit slow.
- Terminal Building: The airport has a single, modest terminal designed for domestic and regional flights.
- Check-in Counters: There are efficient check-in services for various regional airlines.
- Passenger Lounge: A small but cozy waiting area where travelers can relax before boarding.
- Cafeteria: Basic refreshments and snacks are available within the terminal.
- Parking: The airport offers ample parking space for both private vehicles and taxis.
- Baggage Services: Limited baggage handling services cater to the needs of passengers.
- Wi-Fi is available
Airlines and Destinations
Arusha Airport primarily serves as a hub for domestic flights. Several local airlines operate from here. Better yet, our expert guides can assist in organizing your trip flawlessly from beginning to end.
The airport's runway is 6,102 feet (1,860 m) long and 98 feet (30 m) wide. It serves several top airlines such as:
- Air Tanzania
- Tropical Air
- Regional Air
- Coastal Aviation
- As Salaam Air
- Zan Air
- Precision Air
GPS Co-ordinates: 3° 22' 0" S, 36° 37' 19" E
Key destinations include:
- Serengeti National Park: Popular for its annual wildebeest migration.
- Lake Manyara: Known for tree-climbing lions.
- Tarangire: Known for its vast herds of elephants and majestic baobab trees
- Mount Kilimanjaro : Africa's Rooftop
- Ngorongoro Crater: A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Zanzibar: A tropical paradise with stunning beaches.
- Dar es Salaam: Tanzania's bustling economic hub.
The airport's small size allows for quicker boarding and deplaning, making it a convenient option for short-haul trips.
Scenic Flights and Safaris
One of Arusha Airport’s highlights is its role as a gateway to scenic flights and flying safaris. Passengers often book chartered flights to access remote airstrips in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, or Tarangire National Park. These flights not only save time but also offer breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s landscapes.
Arusha Airport's Major Expansion
ARK soft-opened on September 23, 2024, after undergoing a massive facelift, which included a whopping TZS 6.3 billion expansion (Link Opportunity: Currency in Zanzibar) of its runway.
Additionally, the expansion included constructing and rehabilitating the main apron, providing a much-needed upgrade of the remote apron and the taxiway to the asphalt level. Further funds were also spent to upgrade the parking yard.
This upgrade aims to boost tourism, enable ARK to operate 24 hours a day and night instead of the former 12 hours during the day, and provide private jet facilities.
Mr. Godfrey Kaaya, the Airport Manager, is very optimistic about the new airport terminals' capacity to welcome many more tourists into the country, saying, "The new terminal significantly boosts the airport's capacity, now capable of handling 1,000 passengers at any given time. This is a substantial increase from the previous about 150 passengers only the airport could handle".
Mr. Kaaya also mentioned that the frequency of departures and arrivals will increase, with some estimations of the airport being able to accommodate over 350,000 passengers a year.
The expansion will also subsequently improve the overall passenger experience of tourists, making it a hub for high-end tourism and more convenient to visit top tourist attractions around Arusha and Tanzania's renowned National Parks.
Is Arusha Airport the Same as Kilimanjaro Airport?
ARK is not to be confused with Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located 30.4 miles (49 km) away.
These two airports are not only in different locations but are also entirely different types of airports. Unlike ARK, a relatively small regional airport for domestic air travel, JRO is a large international airport, and you would fly into JRO if you were traveling from anywhere outside Tanzania.
Arusha Airport IATA Code
Arusha Airport (IATA: ARK, ICAO: HTAR)
Arusha Aiport Traveler Tips
- Book Flights Early: Domestic flights can fill up quickly, especially during peak safari seasons (June to October and December to February).
- Carry Essentials: The airport has limited shopping options, so bring any necessities beforehand.
- Weather Awareness: Arusha experiences a tropical climate. Dress comfortably and be prepared for occasional delays during the rainy season (March to May, and November).
- Cash for Transport: Taxis to and from the airport accept cash payments. Confirm the fare with your driver before starting the trip.
Why Choose Arusha Airport?
For travelers looking to explore Tanzania’s northern safari circuit, Arusha Airport offers unmatched convenience. Its strategic location, ease of navigation, and connection to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations make it a preferred choice for adventurers and nature enthusiasts.
Whether you’re embarking on a thrilling safari, flying over the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, or heading to Zanzibar’s pristine beaches, Arusha Airport ensures your journey begins on the right note.
Conclusion
Arusha Airport is so much more than just a small-scale domestic airport. It is the gateway to some of Tanzania's most spectacular tourist attractions. Let Tanzania Safaris help you plan your next adventure!