Best Way to Get To Serengeti National Park
Getting to Serengeti National Park: By Air, Road & Flights.
Serengeti National Park can be reached through both land and air transport, which makes it possible for Serengeti to be visited during a number of Tanzania safaris. The majority of tourists start their journey from Arusha or from the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) before reaching the park via either safari car or charter plane to one of the park’s airstrips.
Quick Answer: How Do You Get to Serengeti National Park?
The main ways to reach Serengeti National Park are by road or domestic flight. Most travellers on northern Tanzania safaris start from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Driving from Arusha typically takes several hours depending on the route and destination within the park, while flights connect JRO, Arusha and other Tanzanian hubs with Serengeti airstrips such as Seronera, Kogatende and Ndabaka. Flying is generally faster; driving lets you combine Serengeti with stops like Tarangire, Ngorongoro or Lake Manyara.
Best Way to Get to Serengeti National Park
- For the fastest journey: fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to a Serengeti airstrip.
- For a classic Tanzania safari: travel by 4×4 from Arusha and combine Serengeti with Ngorongoro, Tarangire or Lake Manyara.
- For a short safari: fly in and out of Serengeti.
- For a longer northern circuit: drive between destinations and use a safari vehicle throughout.
- For a Serengeti + Zanzibar trip: consider flying between the safari circuit and Zanzibar, subject to current schedules.
Getting to Serengeti National Park by Air
International Air Travel
To get to Tanzania internationally for your Serengeti safari, it is highly recommended that you fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). JRO is located between the towns of Moshi and Arusha and serves as the main international gateway for northern Tanzania safaris. From JRO, travellers continue to Serengeti by road or by connecting domestic flights. International airlines serving Kilimanjaro and other Tanzanian gateways vary by season and schedule, check current flight availability when planning your trip. Travellers arriving through Dar es Salaam can connect onwards by domestic flight or other transport arrangements depending on their safari itinerary.
Travellers who find better international connections through Nairobi can also fly into Kenya and connect onwards to Tanzania. Depending on the itinerary and airline schedule, onwards travel may be by flight to Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or directly to a Serengeti airstrip.
Regional/Domestic Air Travel
For travellers prioritising time and convenience, flying from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport to a Serengeti airstrip can be a practical option. Flight times vary considerably depending on the departure airport, destination airstrip and routing, some flights are direct, while others make intermediate stops. Domestic flights to Serengeti are operated by several local carriers, with schedules and routes that can change seasonally. Once you land at your airstrip in the Serengeti, you will meet your driver-guide or lodge staff to transfer you to your lodge or start your safari in the Serengeti immediately. Upon completion of your Serengeti Safari, you can fly back to JRO or Arusha Airport, or you can fly directly to Zanzibar for beach holidays.
Serengeti National Park Airstrips
- Seronera Airstrip (SEU) is located in central Serengeti and provides access to numerous lodges and camps in the Seronera area. Read more about Seronera Airstrip.
- Kogatende Airstrip (KOG) serves northern Serengeti and is particularly useful for travellers visiting the area during the Great Migration season, when flights and accommodation in the area can be in high demand.
- Ndabaka Airstrip serves the western Serengeti and is useful for travellers visiting the Western Corridor.
- Ndutu Airstrip (NDT) in southern Serengeti National Park provides access to lodges and camps in the Ndutu area.
- Lobo Airstrip (LOB) is also located in northern Serengeti, providing access to accommodation in the Lobo area.
Airstrips Serving Nearby Private Reserves
Sasakwa Airstrip (SSK) serves the Grumeti Game Reserve and surrounding private tourism areas west of Serengeti National Park, providing access to properties including Singita Sasakwa Lodge and Singita Sabora Tented Camp.
Getting to Serengeti by Road
Road travel is one of the most common ways to get to Serengeti National Park, particularly for travellers following a northern Tanzania safari circuit. The drive from Arusha to Serengeti generally takes several hours, with the exact journey depending on the park gate, route, road conditions and stops along the way. Many travellers break up the drive with stops at Tarangire, Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro rather than treating it as a direct transfer. The drive-in by road is done with 4×4 safari land cruisers fit for the terrain, with experienced driver guides.
Self-driving is possible, but it requires careful route planning, navigation and familiarity with park regulations, along with awareness of limited services and variable road conditions inside the park. Fuel and other essential services are available only at limited locations inside the park, so self-drivers should plan fuel and supplies carefully before entering.
Serengeti National Park Gates
Serengeti National Park gates include the following:
- Naabi Hill Gate is a major entry point for travellers approaching Serengeti from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and is commonly used on northern Tanzania safari routes.
- Ndabaka Gate provides access to the Western Corridor and is one of the main western entry points into Serengeti. It is about 1.5 hours from Mwanza, and the last entry is 1600 hrs.
- Klein’s Gate is found in the far north-east of the park, and just like Ndabaka, the last entry is 1600 hrs.
- Bologonja Gate is a historic crossing point near the Kenya border. The crossing is currently closed, so travellers should confirm its status with TANAPA before planning a route around the northern border.
The gates are open from 6 am to 6 pm daily, apart from Ndabaka’s and Klein’s gate closing hours noted above. Gate hours and entry cutoffs are set by TANAPA and can be subject to change; confirm current operating times when planning your route. Check out our guide on the gates of Serengeti National Park.
Serengeti by Air vs Road: Which Is Better?
| Factor | By Air | By Road |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time | Faster | Longer |
| Convenience | High | Moderate |
| Cost | Usually higher | Often more economical when part of a safari |
| Scenic experience | Limited | Excellent |
| Multi-park itinerary | Less flexible | Excellent |
| Best for | Short trips and fly-in safaris | Classic northern circuit |
Flying is particularly useful for travellers with limited time or those staying in remote northern or southern areas of the park. Road travel is often better for travellers who want to combine Serengeti with Ngorongoro, Tarangire or Lake Manyara.
How Long Does It Take to Get to Serengeti National Park?
Travel time depends heavily on where you start and which part of Serengeti you are visiting. From Arusha, a road safari generally takes several hours and can take longer when stops at Ngorongoro or other northern Tanzania destinations are included. Flying is considerably faster, although some scheduled flights make intermediate stops before reaching the final Serengeti airstrip.
Central Serengeti is generally easier to reach than the more remote northern areas by road. Travellers visiting Kogatende or other northern sectors should allow additional travel time if driving.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Serengeti
What is the best way to get to Serengeti National Park?
Flying is generally the most time-efficient option, while driving is ideal for travellers combining Serengeti with other northern Tanzania destinations.
Can you fly directly to Serengeti?
Yes. There are domestic flight services that link various airports within Tanzania and other safari destinations to airstrips within the Serengeti region.
Which airport is closest to Serengeti National Park?
Serengeti does not have one single airport serving the entire park. Instead, several airstrips are located within different areas of the park. Seronera Airstrip is the main air access point for central Serengeti, while Kogatende, Ndutu and Lobo serve other regions.
How long does it take to drive from Arusha to Serengeti?
The journey takes several hours, depending on the route, gate, road conditions and stops.
Can you self-drive in Serengeti?
Yes, self-driving cars are feasible; however, tourists have to be aware of the park rules, navigational skills, road conditions, and limited services within the park.
Can I combine flying and driving on a Serengeti safari?
Yes. Fly-in/drive-out itineraries are a practical way to save time while still experiencing a road safari through northern Tanzania.
Can You Fly From Zanzibar to Serengeti?
Yes. Depending on the airline and seasonal schedule, travellers can connect from Zanzibar to airstrips in or near Serengeti, making it possible to combine a Zanzibar beach holiday with a Serengeti safari without returning to the mainland by ferry or road. Flight routing varies, so confirm the current schedule when booking. Check out our guide on how to get Serengeti from Zanzibar for a safari.
Plan Your Serengeti Safari
Flying is generally the best option for travellers prioritising time and convenience, while road travel works well for those who want to combine Serengeti with other northern Tanzania destinations. A fly-in/drive-out itinerary can combine the efficiency of air travel with the flexibility of a road safari. Contact us for a customised Serengeti itinerary combining flights, transfers, accommodation and game drives.
