How to Get to Serengeti – Flights, Road Routes & Expert Tips

Your Complete, Expert Route Guide by Tanzania Timeless Safaris 

The Serengeti is one of Africa’s most remarkable wilderness areas. Its endless plains, dramatic river crossings, and year round wildlife sightings draw travelers from every corner of the world. However, many people still wonder how to get to Serengeti and which route is best. Because the park sits deep inside northern Tanzania, choosing the right airport, road route, or airstrip is essential for a smooth and enjoyable safari.

This guide explains every option clearly and gives you expert recommendations from Tanzania Timeless Safaris. You will read about international and domestic travel, road routes, seasonal access, distances, driving times, and insider tips that help you reach Serengeti comfortably.

Arriving in Tanzania Before You Reach Serengeti

To reach Serengeti National Park you must first arrive in Tanzania. Your entry airport shapes the rest of your safari, because it determines how quickly you travel to the park.

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)- The Ideal Option

Kilimanjaro International Airport is the most convenient gateway for northern Tanzania safaris. Most travelers land here because it connects smoothly to Arusha, the starting point for almost every Serengeti itinerary. The drive from the airport to Arusha takes about one hour, which makes your first travel day easy and stress free.

This airport receives flights from major carriers, and it places you close to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro, and Serengeti.

Dar es Salaam International Airport – City Based Option

Dar es Salaam is a good entry point when you find better flight prices or want to combine your safari with Zanzibar or southern Tanzania. From Dar es Salaam you can connect to Arusha or fly directly to one of the Serengeti airstrips.

Zanzibar International Airport – Beach To Safari Option

Zanzibar is perfect for beach and bush itineraries. Many travelers relax on the island first and then fly directly from Zanzibar to Serengeti. This option is also ideal for honeymooners or families who want a calm beginning before entering the wild.

Domestic Flights to Serengeti

Flying is the fastest way to get to Serengeti and the best option when you want to save time or avoid long hours on the road. Flights use small Cessna aircraft that give you an amazing aerial view of volcanoes, lakes, forests, and plains.

Flying from Arusha

Arusha Airport connects directly to several airstrips inside Serengeti. It is the most common departure point for guests who arrive through Kilimanjaro International Airport. Flights take around one hour and let you begin wildlife viewing the moment you land.

Flying from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam

Daily flights connect both Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam to Serengeti. This convenient option means you can wake up by the ocean and enjoy lunch surrounded by wildlife.

Choosing the Correct Airstrip

Because the Serengeti ecosystem is huge, selecting the correct airstrip saves time and improves game viewing. Each region has its own strong seasons.

Here is a quick explanation of the main airstrips before you look at the table.
Each airstrip supports different wildlife seasons, so choosing the right one helps you start your safari closer to the action.

Seronera Airstrip works perfectly for Central Serengeti and offers reliable wildlife sightings all year.
Kogatende Airstrip is essential during the river crossing months from July to October.
Ndutu Airstrip is ideal during the calving season from December to March.
Grumeti Airstrip suits travelers visiting the Western Corridor around May and June.

Reaching Serengeti by Road- The Ultimate Safari Adventure

Driving to Serengeti gives you a classic safari experience. The journey takes you through the Great Rift Valley, Ngorongoro Highlands, Maasai villages, and open grasslands. The scenery changes often, which keeps the trip interesting and enjoyable.

Tanzania Timeless Safaris uses modern Land Cruisers with pop up roofs, comfortable seats, power ports, a fridge for cold drinks, and a first aid kit. Our drivers have many years of experience and understand every road and weather pattern in the region.

Arusha to Serengeti through Ngorongoro Conservation Area

This is the most popular route because it flows naturally from the northern circuit. You pass Mto wa Mbu, climb into the Crater Highlands, and then descend into the wide open plains. The road offers several scenic stops and gives you a chance to see wildlife even before reaching the park.

Mwanza to Serengeti through Ndabaka Gate

This route works well for travelers arriving from the Lake Victoria region. The western corridor has beautiful river landscapes and fewer crowds. The drive from Mwanza is short and comfortable.

Kenya to Serengeti through Sirari Border

This international connection is popular when you want to combine Masai Mara and Serengeti in a single itinerary. You cross the border at Sirari and enter the northern part of the Serengeti. This route follows part of the migration path, which makes it ideal for July to October travel.

Arusha to Serengeti through Lake Natron

This adventurous route passes volcanic landscapes, remote Maasai communities, and Lake Natron. The views are dramatic. This is a slower journey but perfect for travelers who enjoy off the beaten path paths.

Driving Distances and Travel Times to Serengeti

Understanding distance and travel time helps you choose the most comfortable option. The table below shows realistic estimates based on road quality and stopovers.

Here is a simple distance and time breakdown to help you compare all routes easily.