Kilimanjaro International Airport — Local services in Kilimanjaro

I recently had the opportunity to travel through Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, and I wanted to share a brief review based on my experience.

Arrival Experience:

When I arrived at JRO, the first thing I noticed was the beautiful view of Mount Kilimanjaro on the way in—it’s a stunning sight that sets the tone for your Tanzanian adventure. The immigration process, however, was a bit slow. As someone arriving without a visa, I had to go through several steps: making the visa fee payment, getting my photo taken, and then fingerprinting. It took close to an hour, which is something to keep in mind if you're arriving during a busy period. I’d recommend applying for a visa in advance if possible, just to save time and avoid the queues.

Facilities & Amenities:

The airport is relatively small but well-organized. It was clean, and basic amenities were available, including free Wi-Fi and a few charging points. After a long flight, this was definitely appreciated. There are restaurants and shops inside the terminal where you can grab a snack or buy souvenirs, though the variety is somewhat limited.

For those with long layovers or who prefer extra comfort, there are lounges like the Twiga and Tanzanite lounges. I didn’t personally use them this time, but I’ve heard they offer food, drinks, showers, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

Staff & Service:

The airline staff and immigration officers were professional, though not particularly warm. Some travelers might find the staff a bit indifferent, but I didn’t face any major issues. Directions and signage in the terminal are fairly simple, so it's easy to find your way.

Departure Experience:

During departure, I made sure to arrive a few hours early, which turned out to be a good decision. The check-in process was a bit disorganized due to multiple flights leaving around the same time. Security screening was straightforward, but the waiting area near the gates did get crowded. I’d suggest finding a seat early if you’re flying economy.

Once inside the terminal, there are a few options for food and shopping, including local crafts and duty-free items. Be prepared for higher prices than what you'd find in town, as is common in most airports.

Transportation:

Getting to and from the airport is relatively easy. Taxis and hotel shuttles are readily available, especially to places like Arusha and Moshi. I arranged a transfer through my hotel ahead of time, which went smoothly and took about an hour to reach Arusha city.

Final Impressions:

Overall, Kilimanjaro International Airport is functional and safe, with the essentials covered for travelers. It may not be the most modern or efficient airport, but it does its job well as a gateway to one of the most beautiful regions in Africa. With a bit of patience and preparation, your experience here can be a...

My view is from my experience arriving at this airport, not departing. It is run and staffed by a bunch of clowns. How can you run an international airport and gateway to Kilimanjaro and world famous safaris like this?

We got off the plane and on the tarmac itself the airport staff wanted to see our boarding passes. No prior warning, so all the travellers had to stop there and rummage through bags for their boarding pass. What would’ve happened if that was left on the plane? Some foresight to warn tourists on board before carrying out such an unnecessary check would be nice! There was only one flight that landed at that time (not as if it’s a busy airport); if we didn’t get off the Edelweiss how else do you think we got onto the tarmac? We didn’t just climb over the fence (or maybe that is possible)

Then we got over to immigration. Immigration officer immediately asks me: “You have a passsport from XX country? But you look Chinese” (not in a friendly joking way). Would he also ask Barack Obama if he was really American?

Then we get to the baggage belt. It takes godforsaken long for the first 5 bags to arrive. And then another lifetime for the remaining bags to come through. And as I mentioned, ours was the only flight that arrived.

Next was baggage screening. No announcement that all bags need to be screened. No queue, no organization, no nothing. Of course then some tourists assumed that they could walk through the lane without screening because it was wide open… only to be told they have to go back and queue up.

I know this is Africa and we don’t expect first world facilities, but some common sense...

Budget Camping Safari

I was a bit hesitant as a solo traveler, looking for an affordable Tanzania safari, but Kilibest Tanzania Tours completely changed the game. I chose their budget camping safari, and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

We visited Lake Manyara, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater over 5 days. The camping gear was clean and comfortable, with thick mattresses, quality tents, and even hot water buckets for showering in the wild! The crew made delicious hot meals every day from pancakes in the morning to grilled chicken with fresh veggies at dinner.

Game drives were the highlight. I still remember seeing a pride of lions on the hunt in the Serengeti and watching hippos laze in a pool at Ngorongoro. Our guide, Musa, was experienced, funny, and made every moment memorable. I also appreciated the safety, flexibility, and respect shown to nature and us as guests.

Transportation was smooth well kept Land Cruisers with pop-up roofs, stocked with snacks and cold water. Even though I booked a budget package, the experience felt truly premium thanks to the service and personal care.

I made lifelong friends on this trip and left Tanzania with a deep love for its land, people, and wildlife. For any traveler on a budget looking for a real African adventure with high standards, I 100%...