To reach Mount Kilimanjaro from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania’s business hub and former capital city, you have two options: fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport or take a bus.
Buses depart Dar es Salaam early in the morning and arrive in Moshi late in the afternoon or early evening — it’s a full day’s travel! Unfortunately, no mechanism for pre-booking tickets exists at this time, not even for local tour companies. This implies you should provide enough time to purchase your ticket in Dar es Salaam at least one day before your trip. To do so, our local partners propose the Kilimanjaro Express, a coach/bus service that runs from Dar es Salaam to Moshi.
The best ways to get from Dar es Salaam (DAR) to Kilimanjaro (Moshi/Arusha area) are by air or bus.
1. Flying (Recommended – Fastest & Most Comfortable)
- Direct or short connecting flights from Dar es Salaam to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) take about 1 hour 15 minutes.
- Airlines: Precision Air, Air Tanzania, and others operate daily flights.
- From JRO, it’s a 45–60 minute drive to Moshi (main base for most climbs) or about 1.5 hours to Arusha.
- Your tour operator will usually arrange a transfer from the airport.
Pros: Quick, reliable, and far less tiring.
Cons: More expensive than the bus (typically $100–250 one way depending on booking timing).Tip: Book internal flights together with your international ticket when possible for better baggage allowance and smoother connections.
2. Bus / Shuttle (Budget Option)
- Several daily coach services (e.g., Kilimanjaro Express, Dar Express) run from Dar es Salaam’s Ubungo Bus Terminal to Moshi or Arusha.
- Journey time: 8–12 hours (can be longer with traffic or border issues if going via other routes).
- Cost: Around $20–40 one way.
Pros: Cheap.
Cons: Long, tiring, dusty, and less reliable. Not ideal if you’re carrying climbing gear or arriving jet-lagged.Recommended Route Summary
| Option | Time | Cost (approx.) | Comfort | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight + Transfer | 2–4 hours total | $150–300+ | High | Most climbers (recommended) |
| Bus | 8–12 hours | $20–40 | Low | Budget travelers with time |
Practical Tips
- Arrive a day early in Moshi or Arusha to rest, meet your guide, and do a gear check.
- Most reputable Kilimanjaro operators offer airport transfers as part of the package.
- If flying internationally, consider routing through Nairobi (NBO) or Addis Ababa — sometimes cheaper than via Dar.
- Book internal flights early, especially during peak season (Jan–Mar, Jun–Oct).
