Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most amazing inactive volcanoes on the planet, making it a popular and adventurous destination. Located in the Kilimanjaro National Park, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. While this region is known for its natural beauty and wildlife, it is also home to over 1.3 million citizens.
When traveling to the Kilimanjaro Region, the nearest airport for private aviation traffic is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO / HTKJ). Peak season for travelling to the Kilimanjaro Region of Tanzania is from January through March as well as June through October, which coincides with the drier months. In-flight catering is available out of Kilimanjaro International Airport through the ACW Network.
If this is your first trip to Tanzania, it is important to research culture and gain an understanding of the local area ahead of your flight. English and Bantu Swahili are the two most commonly spoken languages in the country, out of more than 120 languages. National holidays in Tanzania are Zanzibar Revolution Day (January 12), Union Day (April 26) and Independence Day (December 9).
In addition to Kilimanjaro National Park, there are several other World Heritage Sites in Tanzania. The closest sites are the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (home to the world’s largest caldera) and the famous Serengeti National Park, located in the Arusha and Mara Regions to the west of Kilimanjaro. Ngorongoro is a four-hour trek from Kilimanjaro and Serengeti is a bit over four hours. Both offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences if you have enough time on the ground for these extended trips.
If you are planning to stay closer by, you may want to visit Moshi, the capital of the Kilimanjaro Region, which is a forty-minute drive from the airport. Here you will have the opportunity to shop for handcrafted goods from local artists, designers and businesses. Handmade designer bags from Kauli are a favorite souvenir, as well as Tanzanian arts and craft from local groups like the Women’s Arts and Crafts Cooperative.
When discovering Tanzanian cuisine, you will notice influences from the Iberian Peninsula and India. Cassava is an ingredient used in popular dishes like “ugali” (a doughy starch), which is commonly served with items like “nyama choma” (grilled, skewered chunks of meat, similar to kabobs) and “ndizi kanga” (fried bananas, similar to platanos). You will also find “chapatii” (similar to Indian roti) and “supu ya ndizi” (plantain soup).
Questions?
If you have any questions about this article or in-flight catering in Tanzania, contact weborders@airculinaire.com.
