Getting To Serengeti National Park
Getting to Serengeti National Park is easier than most imagine. Tucked away in northern Tanzania, Serengeti National Park may feel remote, but it's surprisingly easy to reach. Most journeys begin at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha, two major gateways into this renowned Tanzania National Park.
From there, visitors can travel by road through scenic landscapes or take a quick domestic flight to one of Serengeti’s airstrips. Each route offers its charm—what matters most is arriving ready to explore the timeless beauty and wildlife of the Serengeti.
Travelling to Serengeti National Park
Once you're set to explore Serengeti National Park, there are a few great ways to get around. The quickest option is flying from Arusha to one of the park’s seven airstrips. You can also choose an exciting road safari in a 4x4 vehicle, often stopping at other parks along the way.
Many travellers mix both—driving one way and flying the other. Planning your journey during the Best Time to Visit Tanzania helps you enjoy smooth travel and the best wildlife views.
Getting to Serengeti by Air
Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania, and the easiest way to get there is by air. There are several airports nearby that provide access to the park, including Seronera Airstrip, Grumeti Airstrip, and Kogatende Airstrip.
- International air travel-The main airport for international flights is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located near the town of Arusha. From there, you can take a connecting flight to one of the airstrips within or near the park.
- Regional air travel-The best way for a Serengeti fly-in safari is by flying from the Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. From here, it will take around 1 to 5 hours to fly to one of the seven airstrips within the Serengeti National Park. All flights are operated by local airlines such as Grumeti Air or Coastal Aviation.
- Serengeti self-drive safaris- Though, self-drive Safaris In The Serengetiis not recommended but can be accessed when travelling by rental vehicle.
Flying to Serengeti National Park is a convenient and time-efficient way to reach the park. It allows you to spend more time exploring the stunning landscapes and wildlife within the reserve.
Getting To Serengeti National Park By Road
Serengeti National Park is a large protected area located in northern Tanzania, bordering Kenya's Maasai Mara National Reserve. The park is accessible by road, and there are several routes to get there depending on where you are coming from.
Here are some of the popular ways to get to Serengeti National Park by road:
- Serengeti drive-in safaris-Serengeti drive in safaris are a popular way to explore the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. These safaris involve driving through the park in a specially designed vehicle, with open sides and a roof that provides shade from the sun. During the game drive, visitors can see a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more. The experienced guides who accompany the safari provide information about the animals and their behaviour, as well as the ecology of the park.
- Serengeti self-drive safaris- Though, self-drive Safaris In The Serengeti is not recommended but can be accessed when travelling by rental vehicle.
- The Serengeti National Park is a protected area with strict regulations in place to preserve wildlife and their natural habitats. To ensure the safety of both visitors and animals, all safaris must be conducted by licensed tour operators who have experienced guides to accompany visitors.
Serengeti National Park Access gate
Serengeti National Park has several access gates that allow visitors to enter the park. Here are the main gates:
- Seronera Gate: This gate is located in the central part of Serengeti National Park and is the most popular entrance for visitors. It's located about 5 hours from Arusha by road and is open all year round.
- Ndutu Gate: This gate is located in the southern part of the park, close to Lake Ndutu, and is open from December to May when the wildebeest migration is in the area.
- Klein's Gate:This gate is located in the northeast part of the park and is the closest entrance to Arusha. It's open all year round, but it's less popular than the Seronera gate.
- Grumeti Gate:This gate is located in the western corridor of the park and is the closest entrance to Mwanza. It's open all year round and is a good option for visitors coming from Lake Victoria.
- Mara River Gate:This gate is located in the far north of the park and is the closest entrance to the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. It's open all year round, but it's less popular than the Seronera gate.
Domestic Flights
Serengeti National Park has several airstrips that allow visitors to fly directly into the park. This is a convenient option for travellers who want to avoid long and bumpy road journeys during Tanzania Safari Tours. Here are some of the airlines that operate domestic flights to Serengeti:
- Coastal Aviation:This is one of the most popular airlines for flights to Serengeti, with daily flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and Zanzibar.
- Auric Air:This airline offers flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, and other destinations in Tanzania to Serengeti.
- Regional Air:This airline offers flights from Arusha and other destinations in Tanzania to Serengeti.
- Safari Air Link:This airline offers flights from Arusha, Zanzibar, and other destinations in Tanzania to Serengeti.
The main airstrips in Serengeti National Park are Seronera Airstrip, Grumeti Airstrip, and Kogatende Airstrip. These airstrips are located in different parts of the park, and the choice of the airstrip will depend on your Tanzania Safari Packages and preferences.
Kilimanjaro and Arusha airports connect you to the Serengeti’s skies. Prefer the scenic route? Drive through Ngorongoro Conservation Area—spot wildlife en route and stop at the Crater before reaching the plains.
What is the best way to get to Serengeti?
The best way to Get to Serengeti National Park depends on your travel preferences, budget, and Tanzania Safari Packages. Travellers have the option to take domestic flights to Arusha International Airport which is closer to the park. But there are some other alternatives that can also be followed.
- By road:If you have plenty of time and want to enjoy scenic views and local culture, travelling by road is a good option. You can take a private or shared shuttle or hire a private car with a driver from Arusha or other nearby towns. The road trip can take several hours, depending on your starting point and the route you choose.
- By air: If you want to save time and avoid the long and off-the-beaten road journey, flying to Serengeti is a good option. There are several airlines that offer domestic flights from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, and other Tanzania Destinations to Serengeti. The flight can take around 1-2 hours, depending on your departure point and the airstrip you land at.
- By combination:Another option is to combine road and air transport, depending on your itinerary and the areas you want to visit. For example, you can take a road trip from Arusha to Serengeti and fly back to Arusha or other destinations. This can save time and allow you to see more of the local scenery and culture.
Experience the Wild: Journey To Serengeti National Park
Well, to make your dream of visiting the Serengeti National Park a reality, start by researching licensed tour operators who specialize in the park. These operators can assist you in arranging all aspects of your safari experience, from transportation to accommodations to guided tours.
Don't miss out on the opportunity to witness the natural beauty and wildlife of Serengeti National Park. Start planning your Safari In Tanzania today with African Scenic Safaris and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to get to Serengeti National Park is by flying to Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania and then taking a connecting flight to one of the park's airstrips.
Yes, it is possible to drive to Serengeti National Park, but the roads can be difficult to navigate, and it's easy to get lost or stuck in the mud.
The closest town to Serengeti National Park is Arusha, which is about 335 kilometres away.
Yes, visitors to Serengeti National Park are required to obtain a parking permit, which can be obtained at the park's entrance gates.
The length of time it takes to explore Serengeti National Park depends on how much of the park you want to see. A typical safari in the park lasts for three to five days, but some visitors choose to stay longer to explore more of the park's diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.
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