Arusha to Serengeti | Shuttle flights, 4×4 vehicles

Although located in a rather remote corner of our planet, Serengeti National Park is easily accessible.

Most travellers start their Serengeti safari adventure at either Kilimanjaro International Airport or bustling Arusha. From here you may either travel to your preferred lodge by means of a short transfer flight or by safari vehicle. It is also possible to combine the two and enjoy the best of both worlds!

Even though Serengeti National Park is one of the few places left where nature’s ancient rules and seasonal cycles have been more or less unaltered, the Serengeti is fairly easy to access. The most convenient option is to fly from Arusha to one of the park’s seven airstrips. It is also possible to book an overland safari in a 4×4 safari vehicle from Arusha to Serengeti National Park and visit one or two other parks along the way. Of course it’s also possible to combine these options; book a one way Serengeti overland safari and fly back to Arusha. More information on the different safari possibilities may be found on going on a safari in Serengeti National Park.

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 kilometers 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 our Kilimanjaro Airport page.

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 lodge). More information about flights to Serengeti.

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 airstips)

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 en route is usually part of your safari itinerary.

Although not recommended, 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 Serenget.

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 a 1.5 hours drive from Mwanza and 145 kilometers 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 loacted en route to or from Kenya, but the border is currently closed and unlikely to open soon.

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 safari package. The following entrance fees apply:

1 JANUARY 2021 – 30 JUNE 2021

• Per adult (16+ years old): US$ 70.80 per person per 24 hours.
• Per child (between 5 and 15 years old): US$ 23.60 per child per 24 hours.
• Children below the age of 5 years old: free of charge.

1 JULY 2021 – 14 MARCH 2022

• Per adult (16+ years old): US$ 82.60 per person per 24 hours.
• Per child (between 5 and 15 years old): US$ 23.60 per child per 24 hours.
• Children below the age of 5 years old: free of charge.

15 MARCH 2022 – 15 MAY 2022

• Per adult (16+ years old): US$ 70.80 per person per 24 hours.
• Per child (between 5 and 15 years old): US$ 23.60 per child per 24 hours.
• Children below the age of 5 years old: free of charge.

16 MAY 2022 – 30 JUNE 2022

• Per adult (16+ years old): US$ 82.60 per person per 24 hours.
• Per child (between 5 and 15 years old): US$ 23.60 per child per 24 hours.
• Children below the age of 5 years old: free of charge.

Please 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.
• Fees at the gates can only be paid by Mastercard, Visa or Tanapa (Tanzania National Parks) Smartcard. Cash or other cards are not accepted.
• 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.