Kilimanjaro International Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Kilimanjaro airport is not inside either of the two cities it serves: it sits isolated on the plain between Arusha, about 55-60 km away, and Moshi, closer at about 40 km, with few flights and schedules often overnight for those arriving from Europe. Those leaving the next day for a Kilimanjaro trek or a last-minute safari can stay in the handful of lodges just minutes from the terminal. Those instead wanting a base for climbing the mountain aim for Moshi, closer to the park gates, while those organising a safari toward the Serengeti and Ngorongoro move to Arusha, home to the upscale hotels and the offices of the main operators.

Boma la Ngombe, next to the airport

Airport area · Kia Airport Lodge is about 4 km from the terminal, 4-5 minutes by car; Catherine Home is about 14 km away, 15-20 minutes, in the same Boma la Ngombe area between the airport and Moshi.

Best for: Night or dawn flights and same-day safari departures, when every kilometre less toward the terminal counts.

Pros

No risk from traffic, almost absent on this rural road outside the two cities
Useful for those arriving late at night on intercontinental flights or needing to leave at dawn for a safari

Cons

A rural area with no shops or restaurants outside the properties: dinner is wherever you sleep
Far from both Moshi and Arusha, best avoided if staying more than one night in the area

Recommended hotels in this area

Kia Airport Lodge: About 4 km from the terminal, with a free shuttle running around the clock on request; designed specifically for those arriving or departing at awkward hours who don't want to face the road to Arusha or Moshi.
Catherine home near kilimanjaro international airport JRO: A family-run homestay near Boma la Ngombe, about 14 km from the terminal; reviews mention the owner, Catherine, as especially attentive in arranging the transfer and tuk-tuk for those with a dawn flight.

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Moshi, at the foot of Kilimanjaro

Neighbourhood · About 40 km from the airport, 45-60 minutes by car; no direct bus from the terminal, only taxi or a transfer arranged by the lodge or trekking operator.

Best for: Those climbing Kilimanjaro or who want to stay closer to the mountain, with the park gates an hour or less away compared with Arusha.

Pros

A closer starting point for Kilimanjaro's access gates than Arusha
A smaller, less touristy town than Arusha, with a centre you can walk around

Cons

Fewer upscale hotels and fewer safari operator offices than in Arusha
Connections toward the Serengeti and Ngorongoro still go through Arusha

Recommended hotels in this area

Ameg Lodge Kilimanjaro: In a quiet residential area about 3 km from the centre of Moshi, with a pool and views of Kilimanjaro on clear days; has its own in-house operator for organising treks up the mountain.

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Arusha, the gateway to safaris

Neighbourhood · About 55-60 km from the airport, 60-90 minutes by car depending on traffic; no direct bus, only taxi or a private transfer arranged by the hotel or operators.

Best for: Those organising a safari toward the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire who want the widest choice of hotels and agencies, accepting an hour or more from the airport.

Pros

The greatest concentration of safari operators and agencies for the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Tarangire
More choice of upscale hotels and restaurants than Moshi

Cons

The longest transfer among the areas in this guide, best avoided for those arriving late at night
Further from Kilimanjaro's gates than Moshi

Recommended hotels in this area

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha, The Arusha Hotel: In the heart of Arusha, 750 metres from the centre: opened in 1894, it is among East Africa's oldest hotels, now run by Marriott; gardens, outdoor pool and the Parachichi restaurant.
Gran Meliá Arusha: On Simeon Road, in an 18-acre coffee and tea plantation with views of Mount Meru; reviews particularly mention the buffet breakfast and the scenery.

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