Getting To Serengeti National Park

Travelling to Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is a vast and stunning park that spans over 14,750 square kilometres. This is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including the famous African Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo.

To get to Serengeti National Park, the main gateway is through the nearest airports:

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
• Arusha Airport (ARK)

From there, you can take a connecting flight or drive to the park's entrance. The drive is approximately 7-8 hours, but it's a scenic journey through the Tanzanian countryside.

Once inside the park, there are several options for transportation, including guided safari tours, self-drive options, and hot air balloon rides, allowing you to witness the park's wildlife and stunning landscapes up close.

Serengeti National Park is an all-year-round destination, but the Best Time To Visit Serengeti is during the dry season from June to October. During this time, the wildlife gathers around waterholes, making it easier to spot them.

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 Serengeti is 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.

Suggestions: It's worth noting that the roads leading to Serengeti National Park can be bumpy and dusty, so it's advisable to remember that careful planning is necessary when driving by yourself.

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.

Our Suggestions: It's important to note that visitors to Serengeti National Park must pay park fees and obtain a permit at the gate before entering the park.

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.

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.