Domestic flights
The fastest way between the safari circuit, Zanzibar, and Dar es Salaam.
Main carriers: Precision Air, Air Tanzania, and Coastal Aviation run most scheduled domestic routes. Coastal Aviation also does scenic charter flights direct into smaller safari airstrips.
Key airports: Julius Nyerere Intl (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, Kilimanjaro Intl (JRO) near Arusha, Arusha Airport (ARK, smaller domestic strip), and Zanzibar (ZNZ).
Typical routes: Dar–Zanzibar (~20 min), Kilimanjaro–Zanzibar (~1 hr), Arusha–Zanzibar (~1 hr), Dar–Kilimanjaro (~1 hr).
- Book directly through the airline's site or a travel agent — third-party resellers can be unreliable.
- Bush-plane flights into safari airstrips usually cap luggage at 15kg in a soft-sided bag.
- Domestic flights are often the better trade-off over a long road transfer — a 1-hour flight can replace a 6+ hour drive.
Ferry to Zanzibar
The main sea link between Dar es Salaam and Stone Town.
Operator: Azam Marine (Kilimanjaro Fast Ferries) is the most established option, running several times daily. The crossing takes roughly 1.5–2 hours.
Classes: Economy, Tourist, VIP, and Royal — higher classes get a quieter lounge, snacks, and priority boarding.
Payment: Foreign passengers are required to pay in USD (or GBP/EUR) — Tanzanian Shillings aren't accepted from tourists at the counter.
Bring your passport — it's checked for the crossing in both directions, even though it's a domestic route.
Taxis, tuk-tuks & ride apps
Dar es Salaam: Uber and Bolt both operate and are the easiest way to get a fair price without negotiating.
Arusha: Bolt has limited coverage in tourist areas; otherwise negotiate with taxi or bajaj (tuk-tuk) drivers before you get in.
Zanzibar: Ride apps are unreliable — agree a price with taxi or tuk-tuk drivers upfront. Checking the Bolt app's estimated fare first (even if you end up booking locally) helps you gauge a fair price.
- Always confirm the price before the ride starts if you're not using an app.
- Small notes help — drivers often can't break large bills.