Flights to Serengeti

When considering flights to Serengeti National Park, there are several options to access its various regions via airstrips. Flights typically depart from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Arusha Airport (ARK), connecting to key Serengeti airstrips. Here’s a detailed breakdown of flights, airstrips, costs, and schedules:

1. Seronera Airstrip (Central Serengeti)

  • Main Access: Central Serengeti, near Seronera River.
  • Lodges Nearby: Four Seasons Serengeti, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, Namiri Plains, Lemala Nanyukie.
  • Operators: Coastal Aviation, Grumeti Air, Auric Air.
  • Flight Schedule:
    • Arusha (ARK) to Seronera (SEU) flights are available in the morning (07:45), mid-day (10:45), and early afternoon (13:00).
    • Return flights from Seronera (SEU) to Arusha (ARK) in late morning (10:45) and late afternoon (16:45).
  • Cost: Approx. $265 one-way per person.
  • Booking: Available through safari operators, direct with airlines like Coastal Aviation or via tour companies. Prices may fluctuate based on availability and seasonality.

2. Kogatende Airstrip (Northern Serengeti)

  • Main Access: Northern Serengeti and Mara River area (ideal for Great Migration river crossings).
  • Lodges Nearby: Nomad Lamai, Singita Mara River Tented Camp, Lemala Kuria Hills, Serengeti Bushtops.
  • Flight Schedule:
    • Arusha (ARK) to Kogatende (KOG) flights operate mid-morning, arriving around 12:55.
    • Return flights from Kogatende (KOG) depart in the early afternoon (13:15), reaching Arusha at 15:10.
  • Cost: Approx. $402 one-way per person.
  • Booking: Available through Coastal Aviation, Grumeti Air, and others. Book early during peak migration seasons.

3. Lobo Airstrip (Northern Serengeti)

  • Main Access: Lobo Valley, north-central Serengeti.
  • Lodges Nearby: &Beyond Klein’s Camp, Taasa Lodge.
  • Flight Schedule:
    • Morning flights from Arusha (07:45, 10:45, 13:00) to Lobo (LOB).
    • Return flights from Lobo in the afternoon (09:45, 15:15).
  • Cost: Approx. $529 one-way per person.
  • Booking: Coordinated with safari operators or direct booking through flight operators.

4. Ndutu Airstrip (Southeastern Serengeti)

  • Main Access: Ndutu Plains (excellent during calving season in December-March).
  • Lodges Nearby: Sanctuary Kusini, Kimondo Migration Camp, Nomad Serengeti.
  • Flight Schedule:
    • Flights from Arusha to Ndutu depart in the morning (07:45, 10:45, 13:00).
    • Return flights from Ndutu in the afternoon (10:55, 17:05).
  • Cost: Approx. $345 one-way per person.
  • Booking: Book directly with airlines or tour operators. Ideal for access during the migration calving season.

5. Sasakwa Airstrip (Western Serengeti, Grumeti Reserve)

  • Main Access: Grumeti Game Reserve, western Serengeti.
  • Lodges Nearby: Singita Sabora Tented Camp, Singita Faru Faru.
  • Flight Schedule:
    • Departures from Arusha at 10:15, arriving at Sasakwa (12:25).
    • Return flights depart Sasakwa at 14:00.
  • Cost: Approx. $385 one-way per person.
  • Booking: Coastal Aviation and Grumeti Air offer flights to this private airstrip for guests staying at luxury lodges.

Additional Flight Information:

  • Baggage Limits: 15 kg per person, strictly enforced. Use soft duffle bags to accommodate the limited space on small aircraft.
  • Charter Flights: Available for private groups or customized itineraries. They provide flexibility and access to more remote airstrips like Mwiba and Serengeti South.
  • Inter-Park Flights: Direct flights can be arranged between Serengeti, Zanzibar, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Mwanza. It’s also possible to fly from Nairobi into the Serengeti via Kilimanjaro or Arusha.

Tips:

  • Early Booking: Especially for peak seasons (Great Migration), flights can fill up quickly.
  • Transfers: Most lodges offer transfers from the airstrip to their property, but check for any extra fees.
  • Flight Routes: Some flights make multiple stops before reaching your airstrip, so flight times may vary.

This comprehensive guide ensures you have all the information needed to plan your flights to Serengeti National Park, making your safari experience seamless from start to finish.

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