The road ahead — Arusha to the mountain, the beginning of the journey

Practical Planning

Arriving in Arusha — Your First Day

What actually happens from the moment you land at Kilimanjaro Airport to the morning your climb begins.

The First 24 Hours — Honest Version

If you have never been to Tanzania before, the first 24 hours can feel disorienting — a long flight, a new country, unfamiliar airport, and then the mountain looming in your mind as something abstract and slightly intimidating. This guide is the antidote to that.

Everything that happens on Day 1 is managed. We meet you at the airport. We take you to the hotel. We brief you the next morning. We put you on the mountain. Your only job is to arrive and follow the plan.

Here is exactly what the first 24 hours look like, step by step.

Your Day 1 Timeline

From landing to the start of the climb

Arrival

Driver meets you at JRO Airport arrivals hall

Look for a sign with your name. Bags collected and loaded.

30-60 min

Drive to Arusha hotel

45-60 minutes from the airport to Arusha town centre.

Evening

Check in, rest, recover from travel

No schedule tonight — rest is the priority after a long flight.

Morning

Breakfast at hotel

Your briefing is usually at 9am, giving you time for a proper breakfast.

9:00 AM

Pre-departure briefing at Bobby Tours office

Gear check, itinerary walkthrough, questions answered. Don or senior guide leads.

Midday

Lunch in Arusha + free time

Optional city exploration or rest. We recommend resting — the mountain starts tomorrow.

Evening

Final packing + early night

Climb starts early. You want to be asleep by 9pm at the latest.

7:00 AM

Hotel pickup for Machame or Lemosho Gate

Day 2 of itinerary begins. The adventure starts here.

What You Need to Know Before You Land

Arusha Arrival Day One | Kili Safari Start

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is about 45km from Arusha town. We arrange all airport transfers — our driver meets you in arrivals with your name on a card. The drive goes through semi-rural Tanzania, giving you a first look at the landscape you will be exploring.

Arusha Arrival Day One | Kili Safari Start

You will stay at a vetted Arusha hotel on the first night — clean, secure, and comfortable. We do not use a single default hotel; we match you to the right property based on your flight time, budget, and preferences. Most Arusha hotels offer early check-in if you are arriving in the morning.

Arusha Arrival Day One | Kili Safari Start

The briefing at our Arusha office is not a sales meeting — it is a practical session. Your guide will walk through the route day by day, explain what to expect, check your gear, and answer every question you have. Bring your kit list and anything you are unsure about. We have spare gear and can lend things if something is missing.

Arusha Arrival Day One | Kili Safari Start

Arusha is at 1,400m. You are already higher than Mont Blanc's summit. The mild headache or fatigue some people feel on the first day is normal — your body adjusting to altitude. The cure is rest and water. Do not attempt vigorous activity on Day 1.

Arusha Arrival Day One | Kili Safari Start

The Tanzanian Shilling (TSh) is the local currency. US Dollars are widely accepted for tourism but you will need shillings for tips, small purchases, and incidentals. There are ATMs in Arusha. We recommend carrying approximately $52-100 in small-denomination USD for tips and incidentals on the mountain and safari.

Arusha Arrival Day One | Kili Safari Start

Light, comfortable layers. It is warm in Arusha during the day (25-30°C) and mild at night (15-18°C). Wear something you would wear for a comfortable travel day — you will not need safari gear until the climb is finished. Light trousers and a t-shirt, with a light jacket for the evening.

We Send a Full Pre-Departure Pack With Every Booking

Visa guidance, packing list, fitness advice, altitude information, and everything you need before you board your flight. Sent immediately on booking confirmation.

See the Pre-Departure Guide →

Common Day 1 Questions

Who meets me at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)?+
A Bobby Tours driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall — they will have a sign with your name. The airport is small, so you will find them immediately after you exit baggage claim. They will help with your bags and take you directly to your Arusha hotel. If you have given us your flight details, we will have confirmed the pickup before you land.
What if my flight arrives late at night?+
Late-night arrivals are normal for this route. Our driver will meet you regardless of what time your flight lands — we monitor flight arrivals. If you have a significant delay, let us know and we will confirm the driver is still waiting. Most flights from Europe arrive in the late afternoon or early evening, which works well with the standard Day 1 hotel arrangement.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?+
Most nationalities can obtain a tourist visa on arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or at the border. The visa costs $52 for most nationalities and is valid for 90 days. You will need a passport valid for at least six months beyond your entry date, and proof of a return or onward ticket. We provide full visa guidance in your pre-departure pack. US citizens should note that the visa-on-arrival process at JRO is usually smooth and takes 15-30 minutes.
Can I drink the tap water in Arusha?+
No — do not drink tap water in Arusha or anywhere in Tanzania. Use bottled or filtered water only. We provide a water bottle and water purification tablets in your pre-departure kit, and your hotel will have bottled water available. This is standard practice for all travellers in Tanzania, regardless of where they are staying.
What happens on the first morning in Arusha before the climb?+
Your first morning starts with a briefing at the Arusha office — usually around 9am. Don Kassim or one of our senior guides will walk you through the climb itinerary, check your gear, answer any questions, and ensure everything is in order. If anything is missing from your kit list, we keep emergency supplies and can sort things before you depart. After the briefing, you have the rest of the day to rest, acclimatise to the altitude, and explore Arusha if you feel energetic.
How do I prepare for altitude on the first day in Arusha?+
Arusha sits at approximately 1,400 metres — significant altitude compared to sea level, though mild compared to what is coming. The best preparation on Day 1 is simple: rest, drink water, and avoid alcohol. Do not try to do too much. Some people feel slightly tired or headachy on the first day as their body adjusts — this is normal and resolves within 24 hours for most people. Our pre-departure briefing covers everything you need to know about altitude physiology.
What time does the climb start the next morning?+
Most climbs depart Arusha at 8am on Day 2. You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the Machame Gate or Lemosho Gate, depending on your chosen route. The drive to the gate takes approximately 1.5 hours on paved road and then a further 30-45 minutes on rough track. You will be at the gate by mid-morning, have lunch, and begin walking by early afternoon. Your first camp is typically 4-6 hours of walking from the gate.

Have Questions About Arrival?

If you have a specific concern about your arrival — late flight, special assistance, dietary requirements — tell us before you book and we will make sure it is handled.

WhatsApp Before You TravelHow Many Days Do I Need? →