Getting to Serengeti National Park is an exciting journey, and there are several ways to access this world-renowned wildlife destination. Whether by air or road, the Serengeti offers diverse travel options for all types of adventurers. The most popular route is flying from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha to one of the park’s many airstrips, providing breathtaking aerial views of the landscape. Alternatively, overland safaris offer an immersive experience through Tanzania’s countryside, with stops at other national parks along the way. Both methods lead to unforgettable Serengeti adventures.
International Flights: Most visitors fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is approximately 200 miles (320 km) from Serengeti’s southern entrance. Arusha Airport (ARK) is also a common entry point. Several airlines, including KLM and Turkish Airlines, offer daily flights to Kilimanjaro.
Driving to Serengeti National Park offers an adventurous, scenic, and diverse experience, depending on which gate you enter through and your point of origin. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
From Arusha:
Arusha is the main starting point for overland safaris to Serengeti. It’s an 8-10 hour journey by road. You’ll likely pass through Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering Serengeti, allowing you to visit Ngorongoro Crater along the way.
Accessing Serengeti via Different Gates:
- Naabi Hill Gate (Main Entrance):
- Located about 45 km from Seronera, Naabi Hill Gate is the most common entry point to Serengeti, especially for those coming from Ngorongoro or Arusha.
- This gate can get busy during peak times, but it provides a smooth drive into the park, offering fantastic views of the plains as you descend into Serengeti.
- Ndabaka Gate (Western Corridor):
- This gate is ideal for accessing the Western Corridor and is located about a 1.5-hour drive from Mwanza, on the shores of Lake Victoria.
- The drive from Mwanza offers a scenic journey through local villages and lush landscapes before entering Serengeti’s iconic savannah.
- Klein’s Gate (Northeast Serengeti):
- This gate is more remote and located in the far northeast, bordering Kenya. Accessing this gate involves a longer drive through rougher terrain.
- It’s perfect for travelers seeking solitude and wildlife in the less-crowded areas of northern Serengeti, near Lobo and the Mara River.
- Bologonja Gate (Northern Serengeti):
- Ideal for travelers coming from Kenya, though the border crossing is typically closed, Bologonja provides access to the remote northern parts of Serengeti.
- Driving to this gate involves navigating more rugged, off-the-beaten-path routes, offering an adventurous experience through hilly landscapes.
Road Conditions:
- Roads within Serengeti are largely unpaved and can get rough, especially during the rainy seasons (March-May and November).
- A 4×4 vehicle is mandatory for traversing Serengeti’s varying terrain, particularly in more remote regions.
- During the dry season (June-October), the roads are much smoother, though dust can be an issue. During the rainy season, some roads may become impassable, so flexibility and good planning are essential.
Key Tips for Driving to Serengeti:
- It’s recommended to hire a guide or a driver familiar with Serengeti’s roads and wildlife behaviors.
- Always carry plenty of water, fuel, and supplies, as gas stations and services are sparse within the park (only available in Seronera).
- Road signs can be scarce, and GPS is not always reliable, so planning your route in advance is crucial.
- Self-Drive: Although possible, self-driving in Serengeti is not recommended for those unfamiliar with the terrain. A 4×4 vehicle is required, and caution is advised due to rough roads and lack of services en route.
The best gates for accessing Serengeti National Park depend on which region you plan to visit:
- Naabi Hill Gate (Main Gate): Best for central and southern Serengeti, easily accessed from Arusha or Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Ndabaka Gate: Ideal for reaching the Western Corridor, near Mwanza and Lake Victoria.
- Klein’s Gate: Provides access to northeastern Serengeti and Lobo area.
- Bologonja Gate: For northern Serengeti and near the Kenya border, close to the Mara River crossings.
Overall, driving to Serengeti allows you to experience the incredible changing landscapes of Tanzania firsthand, from mountainous regions to flat plains teeming with wildlife. Depending on your route, you may also visit other parks like Tarangire or Lake Manyara en route to Serengeti, enhancing the adventure.
Flying to Serengeti
Flying into Serengeti is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to reach the park. Different airstrips provide direct access to various regions, ensuring you can land close to your lodge or camp. Here’s a breakdown of key airstrips for accessing different parts of Serengeti:
- Seronera Airstrip: Central Serengeti’s busiest airstrip, ideal for accessing Seronera lodges and the central plains. It offers quick access to prime wildlife viewing areas like the Seronera River, known for its leopard sightings and lion prides.
- Kogatende Airstrip: Situated in northern Serengeti near the Mara River, this airstrip is best for those heading to camps focused on witnessing the famous Mara River crossings during the Great Migration. It provides access to lodges in the Mara Serengeti area and surrounding camps.
- Lamai Airstrip: Also in northern Serengeti, Lamai Airstrip is perfect for those staying in the remote Lamai Wedge area, offering a quieter safari experience with fewer crowds but stunning landscapes and excellent game viewing.
- Ndutu Airstrip: Located in the southeastern Serengeti, this airstrip serves the Ndutu area and is ideal for those visiting during the calving season (December to March). It provides access to camps in Ndutu, the prime area for witnessing the wildebeest calving and predator action.
- Grumeti Airstrip: Serves the Western Corridor and Grumeti area, perfect for access to lodges near the Grumeti River. It is great for travelers seeking wildlife-rich areas with fewer visitors and those hoping to spot the Great Migration during its journey westward.
- Kirawira Airstrip: Also located in the Western Corridor, Kirawira Airstrip is slightly closer to luxury lodges in the region, offering an intimate safari experience and proximity to the Grumeti River crossings.
Each airstrip is serviced by regional airlines like Coastal Aviation and Grumeti Air, offering daily flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Depending on your safari itinerary and the migration season, choosing the right airstrip can optimize your Serengeti experience, minimizing travel time and maximizing your wildlife encounters.