Reaching Serengeti National Park is a key part of planning your Tanzanian safari adventure. Located in the remote north of Tanzania, the Serengeti is accessible by both air and road, depending on your budget, travel style, and itinerary. Most international travelers arrive in Tanzania through Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), near the city of Arusha, which serves as the main gateway to the Northern Safari Circuit. From Arusha, visitors can either fly or drive to Serengeti National Park.
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Serengeti is by taking a domestic flight from Arusha Airport to one of several airstrips inside the park, such as Seronera, Kogatende, or Grumeti. Flights are operated daily by local carriers like Coastal Aviation and Auric Air, and the journey typically takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the location of your lodge or camp. Flying is especially recommended if you are short on time or want to avoid long road transfers, and it offers stunning aerial views of the park’s endless plains.
Alternatively, you can reach the Serengeti by road as part of an overland safari, which is often more budget friendly and allows you to experience Tanzania’s scenic countryside and other parks along the way. Most overland safaris begin in Arusha and pass through Lake Manyara, Tarangire National Park, and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area before entering Serengeti via the Naabi Hill Gate. The full drive from Arusha to central Serengeti takes approximately 8 to 10 hours, typically broken into multiple days with overnight stops in other parks. While road travel is more time-consuming, it adds richness to the safari experience with opportunities for cultural visits and varied landscapes.
For travelers coming from other destinations like Kigali from the mountain gorilla trekking or Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam for beach holiday, connecting flights are available directly to Serengeti airstrips, though some may route through Arusha depending on the airline and schedule. No matter how you choose to travel, the journey to Serengeti National Park is part of the adventure, leading you to one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations.