Best Routes and Travel Tips in 2025 : Serengeti National Park, one of the most famous wildlife destinations in the world, is a must-visit for any safari enthusiast. Whether you’re planning to see the Great Migration or hoping to spot the “Big Five,” knowing how to get there is crucial. In this guide, we will explore the best ways to reach Serengeti, including flights, road transfers, and essential travel tips to ensure a smooth journey.
Plan your Serengeti safari with expert guidance here.
Best Routes and Travel Tips in 2025 : Best Airports for Getting to Serengeti National Park
When planning your Serengeti safari, you’ll first need to fly into Tanzania. The country has several international airports, but the two most convenient options for reaching Serengeti are Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR).
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Located near Arusha, Kilimanjaro International Airport is the best choice if you’re planning to explore northern Tanzania, including Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara.
- Flight Connections: Major airlines such as KLM, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines offer direct flights to Kilimanjaro from Europe, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa.
- Proximity to Serengeti: A 45-minute domestic flight from Kilimanjaro Airport to Seronera Airstrip in Serengeti will get you closer to the action
Learn more about Kilimanjaro International Airport here.
Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR)
If you’re flying into Tanzania through Dar es Salaam, the country’s largest airport, you’ll need a connecting flight to Serengeti, as the drive would be too long for most travelers. Dar es Salaam is also the main entry point if you’re combining a safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar or visiting the Selous Game Reserve.
- Flight Connections: Several airlines offer flights from Dar es Salaam to Serengeti, including Precision Air and Air Tanzania.
- Best For: Those who want to explore southern Tanzania and the coastal regions
Read more about Julius Nyerere International Airport.
Best Routes and Travel Tips in 2025 : Domestic Flights to Serengeti: Save Time and Stress
The fastest and most convenient way to reach Serengeti National Park is by taking a domestic flight to one of the several airstrips within the park. Multiple daily flights are available from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Dar es Salaam to various Serengeti airstrips.
Key Airstrips in Serengeti
- Seronera Airstrip: Located in the central Serengeti, Seronera is the most popular airstrip for travelers. It’s near many safari lodges and camps, making it a perfect gateway to the park.
- Kogatende Airstrip: This airstrip serves the northern Serengeti and is ideal if you want to witness the Great Migration river crossings near the Mara River.
Find more details on domestic flights to Serengeti.
Flight Providers
Domestic flights are provided by several airlines, including:
- Coastal Aviation
- Auric Air
- Regional Air
These flights often operate small planes, offering a scenic view of the Tanzanian landscape as you fly into the heart of the Serengeti.
Check flight schedules and book your tickets here.
Best Routes and Travel Tips in 2025 – Overland Transfers: Road Safari to Serengeti
For those who prefer an adventurous approach, driving to Serengeti is an option. A road transfer allows you to explore more of Tanzania’s beautiful landscapes and stop at key attractions along the way, such as Lake Manyara or the Ngorongoro Crater.
Best Routes for Road Travel
- Arusha to Serengeti: Most road safaris to Serengeti start from Arusha. The journey can take around 7-9 hours, depending on road conditions, and usually passes through Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Ngorongoro Crater to Serengeti: If you’re starting from Ngorongoro Crater, the drive to Serengeti takes about 4-5 hours. Many safari operators include this route as part of a multi-day itinerary.
Read more about driving routes to Serengeti here.
Road Travel Tips
- Best for Adventurous Travelers: If you love long drives and want to experience Tanzania’s landscapes up close, a road trip to Serengeti can be an exciting adventure.
- Comfortable 4×4 Vehicles: Most road safaris use comfortable 4×4 vehicles, such as Toyota Land Cruisers, equipped for off-road travel.
Find out more about road safaris to Serengeti.
Best Routes and Travel Tips in 2025 : Best Time to Visit Serengeti National Park
While Serengeti is a year-round destination, the best time to visit depends on what you want to see.
- Great Migration: The Great Migration happens year-round but is most dramatic from June to October, when millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River.
- Green Season: For lush landscapes and fewer crowds, consider visiting during the green season from November to April. This is also an excellent time for birdwatching.
Learn more about the best time to visit Serengeti.
Best Routes and Travel Tips in 2025 : Accommodation in Serengeti National Park
Once you arrive in Serengeti, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, from budget campsites to luxury lodges. Choosing the right lodge or camp can enhance your safari experience, offering stunning views of the landscape and convenient access to wildlife sightings.
Top Lodges and Camps
- Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge: This luxury lodge offers panoramic views of the Serengeti plains and easy access to game drives.
- Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp: For an intimate, mobile camp experience that follows the migration, Nomad offers a unique and personalized safari.
Check more Serengeti lodges and accommodation options.
Best Routes and Travel Tips in 2025 : Entry Requirements and Park Fees for Serengeti
Before traveling to Serengeti, it’s essential to know the entry requirements and park fees.
Entry Visa for Tanzania
Most visitors will need a visa to enter Tanzania. You can apply for a visa online or upon arrival at the airport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
- Visa Fee: The fee varies depending on your nationality, but it’s typically around $50-$100.
Apply for a Tanzanian visa online here.
Park Fees
Tanzania National Parks charge entry fees, which vary depending on the park and the length of your stay. Serengeti National Park fees are currently around $60 per adult per day, with additional fees for vehicles if you’re doing a self-drive safari.
Find up-to-date Serengeti park fees here.
Best Routes and Travel Tips in 2025 : Conclusion
Getting to Serengeti National Park can be an easy and enjoyable journey with the right planning. Whether you choose to fly directly to the park or opt for a scenic road transfer, the adventure of a lifetime awaits you in one of Africa’s most iconic wildlife destinations. By choosing the best route, booking your flights or safari in advance, and planning your accommodations, you’ll ensure that your Serengeti safari is a smooth and memorable experience.
For more information on booking your Serengeti tour, visit Kilimanjaro Climb Specialist or Eddy Tours & Safaris.