How To Get To Serengeti

Getting to Serengeti National Park by Air

Travelling by air is a convenient way of Getting to Serengeti National Park. Here’s how you can arrive at Tanzania's premier wildlife destination.

International Flights

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is the main gateway for visitors, located about 320 kilometres from Serengeti’s southern entrance.

Airlines like KLM, Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines have regular flights here. You can also fly into Dar es Salaam, but this usually means an extra overnight stay and another flight due to the distance.

Domestic Flights from Tanzania

From JRO or Arusha Airport (ARK), you can catch a quick flight to the Serengeti. These flights drop you at one of the park’s airstrips within 1 to 5 hours depending on which part of the park you’re staying.

Flights from Nairobi

Direct flights from Nairobi to JRO are available, which is handy for travellers from Kenya.

From Lake Victoria

If you’re near Lake Victoria, you can start your safari from Mwanza Airport, flying directly into the Serengeti.

Fly-In Safaris

For a touch of luxury and less travel hassle, book a fly-in safari. Some high-end lodges have their airstrips, and you can fly directly from JRO or Arusha.

Serengeti is served by several airstrips which make park access a breeze. These include Kogatende, Seronera, Grumeti, Kusini, Lobo, Ndutu, and Fort Ikoma.

These airstrips serve a different area of the park and help you start your safari adventure as soon as you land. Choose your airstrip based on where the wildlife is during your Serengeti National Park Safari.

Getting to Serengeti National Park by Road

Travelling to Serengeti National Park by road is an exciting way to start your safari adventure, offering several travel options.

Drive-in Safaris

Booking a drive-in safari with a reputable Tanzania Tour Operator is one of the most popular ways to get to Serengeti National Park. These safaris typically start from Arusha and take about eight hours to reach the Serengeti. The journey often includes stops at wildlife locations where you might stay overnight.

Self-Drive Safaris

Driving yourself in a rental vehicle is possible when you opt for a Tanzania Self-Drive Safari but requires careful planning. A 4x4 vehicle is necessary for all park roads throughout the year. Fuel is available at Seronera in Southern Serengeti.

Serengeti National Park Gates

There are four main gates to enter the Serengeti:

• Naabi Hill Gate

This is the main gate, about 45 kilometres from Seronera, and it's the busiest.

• Ndabaka Gate

This gate provides access to the Western Corridor. It is about 1.5-hour drive from Mwanza and 145 kilometres from Seronera Though the gate is open between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm daily still it is recommended to make the last entry by evening 4:00 pm.

• Klein’s Gate

It is located in the northeast of Serengeti National Park and is ideal for accessing quieter areas of the park.

• Bologonya Gate

This gate is situated near the Kenyan border and is currently closed.

Choosing the right gate can help optimize your travel time and ensure a smooth start to your Serengeti National Park Safari.

Driving to the Serengeti allows you to experience more of Tanzania at your own pace, turning the journey into a memorable part of your Tanzania Safari Holidays.

Guide to Serengeti National Park Entry Fees

Preparing for your Trip to Serengeti National Park includes understanding the fee structure, which is essential for all visitors. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Each visitor aged 16 and above pays US$ 82.60 for a full 24 hours in the park.
• For children aged 5 to 15, the Serengeti National Park Entry Fee is US$ 23.60 per day.
• Admission is free for children under 5 years old.

Other Important Points:

• Citizens of East African Community (EAC) countries (Uganda, Kenya, and Rwanda) benefit from reduced rates but must present a valid passport upon entry.
• Entry fees can be paid with a Mastercard, Visa, or a Tanzania National Parks (Tanapa) smart card. Please note that cash and other types of cards are not accepted.
• The fee allows for a single entry into the park and is non-refundable.
• Residents and expatriates in Tanzania must show appropriate documentation, such as a residency permit or diplomatic ID.

These fees contribute to the conservation efforts and maintenance of the park. Ensure you have the correct payment method and necessary documentation for a smooth visit.

The Tanzania National Park Entry Fees are subject to change. Check for the latest updates on fees to keep your trip planning accurate and enjoy your time at Tanzania's renowned Serengeti National Park.

Visa Requirements for Entering Tanzania

If you’re planning to Get into Serengeti National Park, then you need to know some basic information regarding entering Tanzania. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind:

• Note that most visitors from abroad will need a visa to enter Tanzania.
• You can get your visa when you arrive at major Tanzanian Airports but be prepared for possible long waits.
• To save time, you can apply for a Tanzania EVisa beforehand through your nearest Tanzanian embassy or consulate.
• Make sure to have two recent passport-sized photos, the visa fee, and a stamped envelope addressed to yourself.
• The fee for a single-entry visa ranges from US$ 50 to US$ 100, varying by country.

To make your journey to Serengeti National Park smoother, we recommend considering getting your Tanzania Visa before you travel. This way, you can skip the long lines at the airport.

Check the most current visa fees and application details on the Tanzanian Embassy's website or by contacting them directly.