How to Get to Serengeti National park ?

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Getting to Serengeti National Park involves several steps, depending on where you start. Although located in a rather remote corner of our planet, Serengeti National Park is easily accessible.

How to Get to Serengeti : Most travellers start their Serengeti safari adventure at either Kilimanjaro International Airport or bustling Arusha. From here you may either travel to your preferred lodge by means of a short transfer flight or by safari vehicle. It is also possible to combine the two and enjoy the best of both worlds!

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Travelling to Serengeti National Park

How to Get to Serengeti : Even though Serengeti National Park is one of the few places left where nature’s ancient rules and seasonal cycles have been more or less unaltered, the Serengeti is fairly easy to access. The most convenient option is to fly from Arusha to one of the park’s seven airstrips. It is also possible to book an overland safari in a 4×4 safari vehicle from Arusha to Serengeti National Park and visit one or two other parks along the way. Of course it’s also possible to combine these options; book a one way Serengeti overland safari and fly back to Arusha. More information on the different safari possibilities may be found on going on a safari in Serengeti National Park.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Getting to Serengeti by air

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : International air travel

How to Get to Serengeti : The recommended point of entry is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) which lies between the towns of Moshi and Arusha. The airport is located about 200 miles / 320 kilometers from the park’s southern entrance. There are a couple of international flight options such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (daily), Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian Airlines (a few of times per week). Kilimanjaro International Airport also has daily connections with Nairobi (NBO) in Kenya, which offers more international flight possibilities. Additional airlines such as British Airways, Emirates and others fly into Tanzania’s capital Dar es Salaam (DAR). Please note that arriving at Dar es Salaam may require an extra overnight and a domestic flight on a small regional airline with luggage restrictions. More information about flights may be reviewed on our Kilimanjaro Airport page.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Regional air travel

The favoured route for a Serengeti fly-in safari is by flying from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). From here it will take approximately 1 to 5 hours to fly to one of seven airstrips within the Serengeti National Park. All flights are operated by local airlines such as Grumeti Air or Coastal Aviation. Once landed at the airstrip, the lodge staff will pick you up and transfer you to your final destination where a cold drink will be ready and waiting (please allow another 45 minutes to 2 hours for road transfer – depending on the chosen lodge). More information about flights to Serengeti.

It is also possible to fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). When travelling from the Lake Victoria area, the favoured airport is Mwanza Airport (MWZ). There are also direct flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and other national parks in Tanzania such Lake Manyara and Tarangire.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Serengeti fly-in safaris (private airstips)

Looking for a faster and even more convenient option to get to the Serengeti? A scheduled or private charter flight is the way to go. Some of the more exclusive lodges have their own airstrip and are able to arrange direct scheduled and/or private charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) to their airstrip.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Getting to Serengeti National Park by road

How to Get to Serengeti : Serengeti drive-in safaris

The most popular way to travel to Serengeti National Park by road is by booking a drive-in safari. In general the drive-in safaris start from the town of Arusha. As it will take approximately eight hours to travel from Arusha to the Serengeti National Park, an overnight stay at one or more wildlife sites en route is usually part of your safari itinerary.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Serengeti self-drive safaris

Although not recommended, the Serengeti National Park is accessible when travelling by (rental) vehicle. Please keep in mind that careful planning is necessary when driving by yourself through the Serengeti National Park. A 4×4 vehicle is required to be able to access all roads throughout the year. Petrol is sold at Seronera in the Southern Serenget.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Serengeti National Park access gates

The Serengeti has four main entry and exit point:

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Naabi Hill Gate

Serengeti’s main gate, and therefore also the busiest. Naabi Hills Gate is located approximately 45 kilometers from Seronera. Gate is open between 06h00 and 18h00 daily.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Ndabaka Gate

Main access gate for the Western Corridor area; approximately a 1.5 hours drive from Mwanza and 145 kilometers from Seronera. Gate is open between 06h00 and 18h00 daily but please note that last entry is at 16h00.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Klein’s Gate

Klein’s Gate is located in the far north-east of the Serengeti. Gate is open between 06h00 and 18h00 daily but please note that last entry is at 16h00.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Bologonya Gate

Bologonya Gate is loacted en route to or from Kenya, but the border is currently closed and unlikely to open soon.

How to Get to Serengeti National park ? : Travel Tips

How to Get to Serengeti :- Booking Flights: Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (June to October and December to February).
How to Get to Serengeti :- Visas and Health: Ensure you have a valid visa for Tanzania. Check vaccination requirements, including yellow fever and malaria prophylaxis.
How to Get to Serengeti :- Luggage: Be aware of luggage restrictions on small aircraft; typically, 15 kg (33 lbs) per person in soft bags is allowed.
How to Get to Serengeti :- Transfers: Arrange airport transfers to your hotel or lodge if not included in your safari package. Many lodges offer pick-up services from the nearest airstrip.