How to Get to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania

How to Reach Serengeti National Park in Tanzania: Unveiling the Travel Options

How to Get to Serengeti National Park in Tanzania — Getting to Serengeti National Park requires a journey to one of the remote corners of our planet, and fortunately, it offers accessibility through both driving and flying options.

Commencing your Serengeti Adventure Safari provides two primary starting points: Kilimanjaro International Airport or the bustling Arusha Airport. From either location, you can reach your chosen Safari Lodge via a domestic flight or a safari vehicle. Alternatively, you can blend both modes of transportation for a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Exploring Serengeti National Park:

Situated where nature’s ancient rules and seasonal cycles remain relatively unaltered, Serengeti National Park is easily accessible. The most convenient approach involves a flight from Arusha to one of the National Park’s seven airfields. Alternatively, you can opt for an overland safari in a 4×4 safari vehicle from Arusha to Serengeti National Park, possibly visiting one or two other National Parks along the way. Another option is a one-way Serengeti Overland Safari, coupled with a return flight to Arusha.

Air Travel to Serengeti: International Travel:

Kilimanjaro International Airport, nestled between Arusha and Moshi towns, serves as the primary international gateway. Situated approximately 200 miles / 320 kilometers from the National Park’s southern entrance, the airport is accessible via international carriers like KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. Daily connections to Nairobi in Kenya open up more international flight possibilities. Other airlines, including British Airways and Emirates, fly into Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania’s capital, although this may involve an extra overnight stay and a subsequent domestic flight with luggage restrictions.

Regional Air Travel:

For a Serengeti fly-in safari, the recommended route is flying from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport. The journey takes approximately 1-2 hours, landing at one of seven airstrips within the Serengeti National Park. Local airlines such as Grumeti Air or Coastal Aviation operate these flights. Upon landing, lodge staff will transfer you to your accommodation, where a refreshing welcome awaits before checking in.

For those coming from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport or Wilson Airport, a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport is a viable option. Travelers from the Lake Victoria Area may find Mwanza Airport the most convenient. Direct flights from the Serengeti National Park to destinations like Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire are also available.

Serengeti Fly-in Safaris:

For a faster and more convenient option, scheduled or private charter flights directly to lodges with airstrips are available. Exclusive lodges often arrange these flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport.

Reaching Serengeti National Park by Road:

Drive-in Safaris: The most popular way to travel to Serengeti is through drive-in safaris, typically starting from the town of Arusha. The approximately eight-hour journey may include an overnight stay at wildlife sites en-route, enhancing the safari experience.

Serengeti National Park Access Entry:

• Naabi Hill Gate: Serengeti’s main gate, located about 45 kilometers from Seronera, opens daily between 06:00 and 18:00.
• Ndabaka Gate: The primary access gate for the Western Corridor Area, located approximately 1.5 hours from Mwanza, opens daily between 06:00 and 18:00, with the last entry at 16:00.
• Klein’s Gate: Located in the far northeast, Klein’s Gate opens daily between 06:00 and 18:00, with the last entry at 16:00.

Immigration and Visa Information for Tanzania:

Most international travelers require a Visa upon arrival in Tanzania, obtainable at major airports. However, lengthy queues are common, prompting an alternative option: downloading the Visa application from the local Tanzanian embassy website and submitting it via post. Applications typically require two passport-sized photographs, Visa payment, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope for passport and Visa return. For current Visa rates and information, contact the nearest Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate. Note that these rates are subject to change.