How to Get to Serengeti National Park
How to Get to Serengeti National Park
The easiest way to get to Serengeti National Park is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) and continue by domestic flight directly into the park. You can also reach Serengeti by road from Arusha via the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. Most travelers combine both: flying one way and driving the other to enjoy the scenery.
International Arrival Points
Most visitors begin in Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital.
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – the main gateway for Serengeti safaris, about 1 hour from Arusha
- Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – in Dar es Salaam; best if combining Zanzibar, Pemba, or the southern parks -Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) – in Zanzibar; offers daily connections to the Serengeti
Flights from Europe, the Middle East, and the U.S. typically land at JRO. After arrival, travelers continue to Serengeti by small aircraft or a guided overland safari.
Flying to Serengeti National Park
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Serengeti is by taking a domestic bush flight from Arusha or Kilimanjaro. These flights land at several airstrips inside the park, including Seronera, Kogatende, Grumeti, Lobo, and Klein’s Camp — each serving different regions of the Serengeti.
Local carriers include: • Coastal Aviation • Auric Air • Regional Air • Flightlink
Safari companies often bundle these flights into packages. Flight time is usually 45–90 minutes, depending on which airstrip you’re heading to.
Flying is ideal if you want to maximize game viewing time or are traveling during the wetter months when road conditions vary.
Getting to Serengeti by Road
Driving from Arusha to the Serengeti is a scenic adventure and allows you to pass directly through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. This is one of the most popular overland safari routes in East Africa.
Arusha → Ngorongoro Crater → Serengeti • Arusha to Ngorongoro: ~3.5 hours • Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Seronera): ~3 hours • Total Arusha → Serengeti distance: ~325 km (200 miles) • Total travel time: 7–8 hours
The journey includes smooth tarmac roads and rougher gravel sections, especially after entering Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Wildlife sightings often begin long before you reach your lodge.
Many travelers break the trip by spending a night at the crater before continuing to Serengeti the next morning.
Practical Tips for Reaching Serengeti
• Road conditions vary, especially during the rainy seasons. Always check with your tour operator before traveling. • If you’re short on time, choose to fly into the Serengeti and drive back out. • The northern Serengeti (Wildebeest Migration river crossings) is far — flying is strongly recommended from July to October. • Compare flight options using tools like Skyscanner or airline websites, as prices change seasonally. • Check your passport, visa, and vaccination requirements before travel. Tanzania requires at least six months of passport validity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about this tour.
1
How do most travelers get to Serengeti National Park?
Most visitors start their Serengeti journey from Arusha, a popular safari hub in northern Tanzania. The main international gateway is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located about 50 kilometers from Arusha, but travelers can also arrive via Dar es Salaam’s Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and connect by flight. From Arusha, visitors can either fly directly into the park or drive through scenic routes that pass the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
2
Are there flights directly into Serengeti National Park?
Yes, several local airlines operate regular scheduled flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports to multiple airstrips inside Serengeti National Park. These flights are often included in safari packages and significantly reduce travel time compared to driving. Flying directly into the park allows travelers to maximize their time on game drives and enjoy stunning aerial views of the Serengeti plains.
3
Can you drive from Arusha to Serengeti?
Yes, it’s possible to drive from Arusha to Serengeti, covering a distance of about 325 kilometers (200 miles). The journey takes roughly 8 hours and offers spectacular scenery as you pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, where wildlife sightings are common. Many travelers combine flying one way and driving the other to experience both the aerial and overland perspectives of Tanzania’s landscapes.
4
How long is the drive from Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti?
The drive from Ngorongoro Crater to the Seronera region of Serengeti National Park is approximately 140 kilometers (90 miles) and takes around 3 hours. The route is known for its rugged beauty and frequent wildlife sightings along the way. It’s a memorable leg of the journey for those exploring northern Tanzania’s safari circuit.
5
What practical tips should travelers know before heading to Serengeti?
Travelers should check airline schedules in advance, as domestic flight times and routes can vary by season. Road conditions may affect driving times, so it’s wise to plan extra time for overland travel or to consider combining flights with driving. Additionally, ensure your passport, visa, and entry documents meet Tanzanian requirements to avoid any last-minute issues at the airport or border.
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