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We hope you will find this information helpful in deciding that Serengeti National Park is your next travel destination. If you have any questions or need more specific details about the various lodges, please fill out the contact form and we will respond promptly! Alternatively, you can email us at safarioffers@ajkenyasafaris.com or james@ajkenyasafaris.com. You can also reach us via WhatsApp or phone at +254 748 258880.

Traveling to Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park is one of the few remaining places where nature’s ancient rhythms and seasonal cycles remain largely untouched. Yet, it is relatively easy to access. The most convenient way is to get to serengeti; fly from Arusha to one of the park’s seven airstrips. Alternatively, you can book an overland safari in a 4×4 safari vehicle from Arusha to Serengeti National Park, possibly visiting other parks like Lake Manyara or Ngorongoro Crater en route. You can also mix these options; take an overland safari to the Serengeti and fly back to Arusha. For more details on the various safari itineraries, visit going on a safari in Serengeti National Park.

Remember to pay park fees upon entry, which are typically included in organized safari packages.

Reaching Serengeti by Air

International Air Travel

The recommended entry point is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) situated between Moshi and Arusha. This airport is about 320 kilometers (200 miles) from the park’s southern entrance. There are several international flight options, including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (daily), Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines (several times a week). Kilimanjaro International Airport also maintains daily connections with Nairobi (NBO) in Kenya, providing more international and domestic flight to possibilities. Additional airlines such as British Airways and Emirates fly into Tanzania’s capital, Dar es Salaam (DAR). Note that arriving at Dar es Salaam may necessitate an overnight stay and a domestic flight on a small regional airline with luggage restrictions. For more flight information, check our Kilimanjaro Airport page.

Regional Air Travel

For a Serengeti fly-in safari, the preferred route is from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK). It takes approximately eight hours from 1 to 5 hours to fly to one of the seven airstrips within Serengeti National Park. These flights are operated by local airlines such as Grumeti Air or Coastal Aviation. Once you land at the airstrip, lodge staff will greet you and transfer you to your final destination, where a refreshing drink awaits (expect a road transfer of 45 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the lodge). For more details, visit flights to Serengeti.

You can also fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). If traveling from the Lake Victoria area, Mwanza Airport (MWZ) is the preferred international airport of choice. Direct flights from Serengeti to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam, and other national parks like Lake Manyara and Tarangire are also available.

Serengeti Fly-in Safaris (Private Airstrips)

For a quicker and more convenient option, consider a scheduled or private charter flight. Some more exclusive lodges have their own airstrips and can arrange direct scheduled or private charter flights from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) to their airstrips.

Getting to Serengeti National Park by Road

Serengeti Drive-in Safaris

The most popular road travel option to Serengeti National Park is by booking a drive-in safari. Typically, these, drive in safaris start from Arusha. The journey from Arusha to Serengeti National Park takes about eight hours, and your safari itinerary often includes overnight stays at one or more wildlife sites along the way.

Serengeti Self-Drive Safaris

While not recommended, Serengeti National Park is accessible by rental vehicle. Keep in mind that planning is crucial when driving through the park. A 4×4 vehicle is necessary for year-round access to all roads. Fuel is available at Seronera in the Southern Serengeti. Remember to pay park fees at the entry gate, which are not included in self-drive arrangements.

Serengeti National Park Access Gates

The Serengeti offers four primary entry and exit points: Naabi Hill Gate, Ndabaka Gate, Klein’s Gate, and Bologonya Gate. Visitors must pay park fees at these gates, which are often included in organized safari packages.

Naabi Hill Gate

Known as the main entrance to the Serengeti, Naabi Hill Gate is the serengeti national busiest access point. Located roughly 45 kilometers from Seronera, this gate operates daily from 06:00 to 18:00.

Visitors are required to pay park fees at this gate, which are often included in organized safari packages.

Ndabaka Gate

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

Ensure you pay park fees at this gate, which are typically included in organized safari packages.

Klein’s Gate

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

Bologonya Gate

Located on the route to or from Kenya, Bologonya Gate remains closed and is unlikely to reopen soon.

Park Fees for Serengeti National Park

Upon entering Serengeti National Park through one of the aforementioned gates, visitors are required to pay park fees upon entry, which are often included in the price of organized safari packages. Park fees must be paid. These fees are typically included when booking an organized safari package. Entrance fees are as follows:

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 of charge.

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 of charge.

15 March 2026 – 15 May 2026

• 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 of charge.

16 May 2026- 30 June 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 of charge.

Please note:

• EAC member state citizens benefit from reduced rates (passport required upon entry).

• Identification is mandatory for all visitors at the entry gate.

• Payment at the gates is accepted only via Mastercard, Visa, or Tanapa (Tanzania National Parks) Smartcard. Cash or other cards are not accepted.

• All fees are for single entry.

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

• Expatriates or residents in Tanzania and their dependents need specific documents like resident permits (Class A, B, C), exemption certificates, temporary passes with government receipts, diplomatic passports, or IDs.

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

Immigration and Visa Information: Tanzania

Most international travelers require a visa to enter Tanzania, which can be obtained upon arrival at major airports. However, expect long queues for these visas. Alternatively, you can download the visa application from your local Tanzanian embassy website and submit it by post. Applications require two passport-sized photos, visa fee payment, and a stamped, self-addressed envelope for the return of your passport, visa, and other materials. For more information, contact your nearest Tanzanian Embassy or Consulate. Current Tanzanian visa rates range from US$ 50.00 to US$ 100.00 for single entry, depending on your country of origin. Note that these rates are subject to change.