How to Get to Serengeti National Park

Most visitors begin their journey to Serengeti from the town of Arusha. The main international gateway is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) from Arusha. Another option is flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, then taking a connecting flight to Arusha or Kilimanjaro airports.

Flight Options

From Arusha, there are regular scheduled flights to various airstrips inside Serengeti National Park. Local airlines operate these domestic flights, which are often included in safari packages. Flying directly into the park is the quickest way to reach your safari destination.

Overland Travel

Driving to Serengeti is also possible, covering approximately 325 kilometers (200 miles) from Arusha. The trip takes about 8 hours and involves some bumpy and scenic sections. The route passes through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing en route. Many travelers prefer to combine flying one way and driving the other, often stopping overnight at Ngorongoro Crater before continuing to Serengeti.

From Ngorongoro Crater to the Seronera region in Serengeti, the distance is around 140 kilometers (90 miles), with a drive time of roughly 3 hours.

Practical Tips

• Driving times can vary significantly due to road conditions.
• It's best to check airline schedules and ticket prices using flight comparison tools like Skyscanner.
• Passport, visa, and other entry requirements should be verified ahead of travel.