Visiting Serengeti National Park by Road and by Air
Although Serengeti National Park remains one of the few locations where nature’s age-old patterns and seasonal changes have largely remained intact, it is relatively accessible. The easiest way to reach the park is by flying from Arusha to one of its seven airstrips. Alternatively, travelers can arrange an overland safari using a 4×4 vehicle from Arusha to Serengeti National Park and explore one or two other parks along the way. Of course, combining these methods is also an option; one could book an overland safari to Serengeti and then fly back to Arusha. More details on the various safari options can be found in our guide to safaris in Serengeti National Park.
Reaching Serengeti by air
International air travel
The ideal entry point is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), situated between the towns of Moshi and Arusha. This airport is approximately 200 miles / 320 kilometers away from the southern entrance of the park. A few international airlines operate flights here, including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (daily), Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines (a few times each week). Kilimanjaro International Airport also offers daily flights to Nairobi (NBO) in Kenya, which provides additional international flight options. Other airlines, such as British Airways and Emirates, also fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR), Tanzania’s capital. Keep in mind that arriving in Dar es Salaam may necessitate an overnight stay and a domestic flight with a regional airline that has luggage limitations. Further flight information can be found on our Kilimanjaro Airport page.
Regional air travel
For a fly-in safari to the Serengeti, the preferred route is to fly from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). It generally takes about 1 to 5 hours to reach one of the seven airstrips located within Serengeti National Park. Local airlines, such as Grumeti Air and Coastal Aviation, operate all flights. Once you land at the airstrip, lodge staff will be there to pick you up and take you to your final destination where a refreshing drink will await (please allow an additional 45 minutes to 2 hours for the road transfer, depending on the lodge selected). More details about flights to Serengeti are available.
One can also fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you are coming from the Lake Victoria region, Mwanza Airport (MWZ) is the most favored airport. There are also direct flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and other national parks in Tanzania, including Lake Manyara and Tarangire.
Serengeti fly-in safaris (private airstrips)
For those seeking a quicker and more convenient way to arrive in the Serengeti, a scheduled or private charter flight is an excellent choice. Some of the exclusive lodges feature their own airstrip and can organize direct scheduled or private charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) to their location.
Reaching Serengeti National Park by road
Serengeti drive-in safaris
The most common method to reach Serengeti National Park by road is to book a drive-in safari. Typically, these safaris begin from Arusha. The journey from Arusha to Serengeti National Park takes about eight hours, so an overnight stay at one or more wildlife sites along the way is generally included in your safari itinerary.
Serengeti self-drive safaris
While self-driving through Serengeti National Park is not highly recommended, it is possible with a (rental) vehicle. However, it is essential to plan meticulously when navigating the park on your own. A 4×4 is necessary to traverse all the roads year-round. Fuel can be purchased at Seronera in the Southern Serengeti.
Serengeti National Park access gates
There are four primary entry and exit gates for the Serengeti:
Naabi Hill Gate
As the busiest access point, Naabi Hill Gate serves as the main entrance to the Serengeti. It is situated about 45 kilometers from Seronera and operates daily from 06h00 to 18h00.
Ndabaka Gate
This is the principal access point to the Western Corridor region, located around 145 kilometers from Seronera and approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Mwanza. The gate is open daily from 06h00 to 18h00, but note that the last entry is at 16h00.
Klein’s Gate
Located in the far northeast of the Serengeti, Klein’s Gate operates from 06h00 to 18h00 daily, with the last entry allowed at 16h00.
Bologonya Gate
Located on the route to or from Kenya, Bologonya Gate is currently closed due to the border being shut, and there are no indications it will reopen soon.
