How to get to Serengeti National Park : Serengeti National Park is northern Tanzania’s National Park renowned as one of rewarding best National Park in Africa with the most outstanding wildlife species in Africa. Covering over 14,750 square Kilometers, The Park is famous for its Vast, sweeping landscapes dotted with iconic acacia trees and home to a high number of beautiful diverse wildlife. The park is particularly celebrated for its annual migration of millions of wildebeest, Zebras, and other different herbivores, followed closely by Africa’s Predators. This Natural spectacle, combined with its rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes makes Serengeti National Park a gem of conservation and a must visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife admirers.
However, much Serengeti National Park is a remote National Park, The Park can be accessed in very different ways according to means of visitors. Serengeti can be reached by either Air, Road, most Visitors embark on their safari to Serengeti through Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport from there visitors uses tour vehicles or short transfer flights to their accommodations or even opt to combine both for the best experience.
Travelling to Serengeti National Park
Serengeti National Park is one of the few virgin national parks nature and old beauty rules seasonal cycles have been more and less unchanged, the park is easily accessed the easy and convenient way is to fly either from Kilimanjaro international Airport or fly from Arusha to Serengeti’s airstrips since it has several airstrips where were flights can drop off the Visitors. Or the other way could be to booking tour vehicles still from Arusha to Serengeti where you can opt to visit or check on nearby parks in the same. Another rewarding option would be opting for using both ways which is fly to Serengeti and come back with safari vehicles for more enjoyment and connecting to Nature. Focus east Africa tours is one of the best tours operates that can organize your safari to Serengeti National park for the Most rewarding experience.
Getting to Serengeti by air
International air travel
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 kilometres 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 Kilimanjaro airport page by visitors who want to know fares.
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 Accommodations.
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.
Serengeti fly-in safaris (private airstrips)
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.
Getting to Serengeti National Park by road
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 and route is usually part of your safari itinerary.
Serengeti self-drive safaris
However not recommended due to its long distance 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 Serengeti.
Serengeti National Park access gates
The Serengeti has four main entry and exit point:
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.
Ndabaka Gate
Main access gate for the western corridor area approximately 1.5 hours drive from Mwanza and 145 kilometres from Seronera. Gate is open between 06h00 and 18h00 daily but please note that last entry is at 16h00.
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.
Bologonya Gate
Bologonya Gate is located on route to or from Kenya, but the border is currently closed and unlikely to open soon.
Park fees Serengeti National Park
Upon entering Serengeti National Park through one of the above-mentioned gates, you are required to pay park fees. These Serengeti park fees are usually included in the rate when booking an organised Tanzania safari package. However, there are no Permanent costs for they change accordingly.
It’s important to note that:
- Reduced rates are applicable for EAC member state citizens (passport required upon entry.
- Proof of identification (for all visitors) is mandatory at the entry gate.
- All fees are for single entry.
- Serengeti park fee once paid is non-refundable.
- Expatriates / residents and their dependants living in Tanzania must have one of the following documents: resident permits Class A, B, C, exemption certificate, temporary pass attached with government receipt plus acknowledgement letter, diplomatic passport or ID.
Kindly note that all above rates and conditions are subject change without notice.
Immigration and visa information in Tanzania
Iinternational travellers require a visa when arriving in Tanzania, which can be arranged upon arrival at one of the major airports. However, queues for these visas usually entail wasted hours spent at the airport. Alternatively, you may download your visa application from your local Tanzanian embassy website and submit these via post. Applications require two passport-sized photographs, payment for visa fees and a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of your passport, visa and other materials. More information about the visa application can be obtained from your nearest Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate. The current Tanzanian visa rates are US$ 50.00 to US$ 100.00 for single entry – depending on your country of origin. Please note that these rates are subject to change.
