Getting From the U.S. to Your Tanzania Safari
The international flight is the one piece of the trip EXG Safaris doesn't book for you — but everything on the ground, starting the moment you land, is handled. Here's how the journey from a U.S. airport to your first lodge actually works.
Private airport meet · Road transfers included · Bush flights arranged where needed
Quick Answer
International flights between the U.S. and Tanzania are not part of the EXG Safaris package — travelers book those directly. Once you land, everything is handled: a private airport meet, road transfers between your lodges, and domestic bush flights between parks where your itinerary calls for them.
Where You Land
Which Airport Should You Fly Into?
Kilimanjaro (JRO) — Safari Start
Best for trips beginning in Arusha, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, or Lake Manyara — the most common start for a Tanzania safari.
Zanzibar (ZNZ) — Beach Start
Best for beach-first trips, honeymoons, or itineraries that add relaxation days before or after the safari portion.
Not Sure Which One Fits Your Trip?
Tell the EXG team your priority — wildlife first or beach first — and your home airport, and they'll recommend the airport that fits your route.
What To Expect
The Reality of Flying From the U.S. to Tanzania
Expect one connection
Most U.S. departures route through a single major hub before continuing on to Tanzania. Some dates and home airports require two connections.
Routing varies by season
Available connections change by month and airline schedule, so the cleanest routing for your travel dates is confirmed closer to booking rather than fixed in advance.
EXG syncs your arrival
Once your flight details are confirmed, your private airport pickup is timed to your actual arrival — and adjusted if your flight changes.
No Surprises
What's Included, What Isn't
International flights (USA ↔ Tanzania)
Not included in the safari package
VIP airport meet & private road transfers
Included
Domestic bush flights between parks (where the itinerary uses them)
Included when part of your route
Exact inclusions are confirmed in your written itinerary before booking.
Landing Day
What Happens When You Land
You will not be left to figure out arrival on your own — here's the handoff at each arrival airport.
Landing at Kilimanjaro (JRO)
- Clear immigration and collect your baggage
- Walk into the arrivals hall
- Your EXG Safaris team meets you and guides you to your private transfer
- Private road transfer to Arusha or your first lodge
Landing at Zanzibar (ZNZ)
- Clear immigration and collect your baggage
- Your EXG Safaris team meets you and transfers you to your beach hotel
- If safari follows, the connection onward is arranged as part of your itinerary
Between Parks
Moving Between Parks: Road or Bush Flight
Once you're on the ground, getting between parks is either a private road transfer or a short domestic bush flight, depending on your itinerary and pacing preferences.
Domestic bush flights between parks are used on itineraries where minimizing road time matters most — cutting down long drives so more of the trip is spent at your lodges and on game drives rather than in transit.
FAQ
Flights & Connections Questions
Let's Plan Your Route From Door to Safari.
Share your home airport and travel dates — the EXG team will help you plan around your international flight and handle everything from the moment you land.