How To Get To Serengeti National Park: Access and Travel Options

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This guide is just the beginning of your journey toward an unforgettable African adventure! If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or soaking in the endless beauty of the Serengeti, now is the perfect time to start planning.

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Travelling to Serengeti National Park

The Serengeti National Park is one of the last places on Earth where nature’s timeless rhythms and seasonal cycles remain largely unchanged. Despite its remote reputation, getting to the Serengeti is relatively straightforward. You can easily fly from Arusha to one of the park’s seven airstrips or embark on an overland safari from Arusha, which also gives you the chance to visit other parks along the way. Many travelers also choose to combine both options: driving to Serengeti and flying back to Arusha. You can find more information about various safari options to Serengeti National Park here.

Reaching the Serengeti by Air

International Flights

When arriving from abroad, Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) is your best point of entry, situated between Moshi and Arusha, roughly 320 kilometers (200 miles) from the park’s southern entrance. Airlines such as KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (daily), Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines offer flights to JRO. There are also daily connections from Nairobi (NBO) to Kilimanjaro, which opens up more international options. Other international carriers like British Airways and Emirates fly into Dar es Salaam (DAR), Tanzania’s capital, though arriving here means an extra domestic flight with limited luggage allowances. For more details on flights, check out our Kilimanjaro Airport page.

Domestic Flights

For a Serengeti fly-in safari, it’s common to fly from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) to one of the park’s seven airstrips. Depending on your destination, your flight will take between 1 to 5 hours. Airlines such as Grumeti Air or Coastal Aviation operate these flights. Upon arrival, your lodge staff will pick you up and transfer you to your accommodation, with a refreshing drink waiting for you upon arrival. Be sure to allow an additional 45 minutes to 2 hours for the road transfer, depending on the location of your lodge.

It’s also possible to fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If you’re traveling from the Lake Victoria region, Mwanza Airport (MWZ) is the ideal point of departure. There are also direct flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and other Tanzanian national parks such as Lake Manyara and Tarangire.

Private Fly-In Safaris

For a more luxurious experience, consider booking a scheduled or private charter flight directly to the Serengeti. Some exclusive lodges have their own private airstrips, making it possible to fly directly from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports to your lodge.

Reaching Serengeti by Road

Drive-In Safaris

One of the most popular ways to get to the Serengeti is by road, starting from Arusha. Expect an 8-hour drive, so many itineraries include overnight stays at wildlife sites along the way. This scenic journey also allows you to see parts of the Tanzanian countryside and other parks.

Self-Drive Safaris

While not recommended for first-time visitors, it is possible to drive to Serengeti in a rental vehicle. However, careful planning is essential. You’ll need a 4×4 vehicle to navigate the park’s roads, which are not always accessible in the rainy season. Fuel is available in Seronera, located in the southern Serengeti.

Serengeti National Park Access Points

There are four main gates to access the Serengeti:

Naabi Hill Gate

This is the busiest and most popular gate, located about 45 kilometers from Seronera. It’s open daily from 06:00 to 18:00.

Ndabaka Gate

Serving the Western Corridor area, Ndabaka Gate is about a 1.5-hour drive from Mwanza and 145 kilometers from Seronera. It’s open daily from 06:00 to 18:00, with the last entry at 16:00.

Klein’s Gate

Located in the far north-east of the Serengeti, Klein’s Gate is open from 06:00 to 18:00 daily, with the last entry at 16:00.

Bologonya Gate

Bologonya Gate provides access for travelers en route to or from Kenya, but the border is currently closed, and no opening is expected soon.

Serengeti National Park Fees

When you enter Serengeti National Park, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee, which is often included in organized safari packages. The following are the park fees for various periods:

• 1 January 2025 – 30 June 2025

  • Adults (16+ years): US$ 70.80 per person per 24 hours

  • Children (5–15 years): US$ 23.60 per child per 24 hours

  • Children under 5 years: Free

• 1 July 2025 – 14 March 2026

  • Adults (16+ years): US$ 82.60 per person per 24 hours

  • Children (5–15 years): US$ 23.60 per child per 24 hours

  • Children under 5 years: Free

Please note:

• East African Community (EAC) citizens receive reduced rates (passport required for entry).

• Proof of identification is necessary for all visitors at the gate.

• Fees must be paid with Mastercard, Visa, or the TANAPA Smartcard; cash and other cards are not accepted.

• All fees are for single-entry access.

• Once paid, the park fees are non-refundable.

• Expatriates and residents in Tanzania must present a resident permit or other specified documents.

Please remember that all rates and conditions are subject to change without notice.

Immigration and Visa Information for Tanzania

Most international travelers will need a visa to enter Tanzania, which can be obtained upon arrival at major airports, though the process can be slow due to long queues. Alternatively, you can apply for a visa in advance through your local Tanzanian embassy by submitting an application, two passport-sized photos, payment, and a stamped self-addressed envelope. Visa fees range from US$ 50.00 to US$ 100.00 for a single entry, depending on your country of origin. Be sure to check the current visa fees, as they may vary.