How to access Serengeti National Park

Although located in a rather remote corner of our planet. Serengeti National Park is accessible throughout the year.

Before we dive in on how we could get there get familiar with entrance points to Serengeti national park.

These are the main four entry points and exits within the Serengeti National park

Naabi Hill Gate

Serengeti’s main gate, and thus the busiest. Naabi Hills Gate is located approximately 45 kilometers from Seronera. The gate is open between 06h00 and 18h00 daily.

Ndabaka Gate

Main access gate for the Western Corridor area. It’s approximately a 1.5 hours drive from Mwanza and 145 kilometers from Seronera. The gate is open between 06h00 and 18h00 daily but please note that the last entry is at 16h00.

Klein’s Gate

Klein’s Gate is located in the far north-east of the Serengeti. The gate is open between 06h00 and 18h00 daily but please note that the last entry is at 16h00.

Bologonya Gate

Bologonya Gate is located en route to or from Kenya. But the border is currently closed and unlikely to open soon.

Now let’s dive in on how most travelers start their safari or adventure to Serengeti

  • Kilimanjaro International Airport or bustling Arusha. From here you may either travel to your lodge by means of a short transfer flight or by safari vehicle.

Traveling to Serengeti National Park

Serengeti National Park offers easy access. The most convenient option is taking a flight from Arusha to one of the park’s seven airstrips.

It is also possible to book an overland safari in a 4×4WD safari vehicle from Arusha to Serengeti. You can opt to vising Tarangire or Ngorongoro crater along the way.

Of course, it’s also possible to combine these options.  book a one-way Serengeti overland safari and take a flight back to Arusha.

Getting to Serengeti by air

International air travel

The recommended point of entry is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). It lies between the towns of Moshi and Arusha. The airport is about 200 miles / 320 kilometers from the park’s southern entrance.

There are a couple of international flight options. Including KLM Royal Dutch Airlines (daily) Turkish Airlines, Kenya Airways, and Ethiopian Airlines. 

Kilimanjaro International Airport also has daily connections with Nairobi (NBO) in Kenya. This offers more international flight possibilities.

More airlines such as British Airways, Emirates, and others fly into Dar es Salaam DAR.

Please note that arriving at Dar es Salaam may need an extra overnight and a domestic flight. These small regional airlines have luggage restrictions.

More information about flights may be reviewed on our Kilimanjaro Airport page.

Regional air travel

The best route for a Serengeti fly-in safari is by flying from Kilimanjaro(JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK).

It takes about 1 to 5 hours to fly to one of the seven airstrips within Serengeti National park.

Many of these flights are local airlines such as Grumeti Air or Coastal Aviation, and Flight Link.

Once landed at the airstrip, the lodge staff will pick you up and transfer you to your final destination.  You could spend some minutes or hours reaching your lodge or tented camp.

More information about flights to Serengeti.

It is possible to fly from Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta Airport (NBO) or Wilson Airport (WIL) to Kilimanjaro (JRO).

When traveling from the Lake Victoria area, the favored airport is Mwanza Airport (MWZ).

Direct flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar, Dar es Salaam and other national parks. Such as Lake Manyara and Tarangire

Serengeti fly-in safaris (private airstrips). Looking for a faster and even more convenient option to get to the Serengeti?  Taking a scheduled or private charter flight is the way to go.

Luxury lodges have their own airstrip and are able to arrange a private charter.  From Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) to their airstrip.

Getting to Serengeti National Park by road

Serengeti drive-in safaris

The most popular way to travel to Serengeti National Park by road is by booking a drive-in safari. In general, the drive-in safaris start from the town of Arusha.

It takes approximately eight hours to travel from Arusha to the Serengeti.  An overnight stay at one or more wildlife sites en route is usually part of your safari itinerary.

 Serengeti self-drive safaris

Although not recommended. The Serengeti National Park is accessible when traveling by (rental) vehicle.

Please keep in mind that a prior plan is necessary when driving by yourself to Serengeti.

A 4×4 WD vehicle is required to be able to access all roads throughout the year. Petrol is sold at Seronera in the Southern Serengeti.

Accommodation in Serengeti

Serengeti Tours & Safaris

Meet Elibariki,

Safari Specialist.

(Call or WhatsApp)
+255 742 6964 430

Meet Elibariki,

Safari Specialist.

(Call or WhatsApp)
+255 742 6964 430

General Travel Information

Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.

Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.

Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges.

The answer is absolute yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.

Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park’

(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho, or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.

Although more than 2000 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are determined to ensure that you experience the luxury of genuinely memorable travel. On every trip, we aim to create a ‘charmed space’ within which you can relax, absorb fresh insights, be stimulated and charmed by new encounters – and have fun!

Whether traveling alone or with friends, Blessing Safaris guests often mention how particularly agreeable they find their traveling companions. our groups are deliberately small, comprising 2 to 7 guests especially for safari.

Our team carefully researched and focused on trips which attract people with the same interest and naturally get on well with each other through their shared interests.

Once you confirm your booking on a tour you will be sent further practical information – packing tips, detailed itineraries, including advice on health, passport and visa requirements, and minimum and maximum numbers of guests on tours.

Memorable meals are one of the hallmarks of an excellent holiday. With the support of the best cooks, the quality of food and drink service is guaranteed. Depending on the service level or type of tour you have chosen, pre-discussion with your tour planner is a win-win situation for an enjoyable diet. Other tours are accompanied by our cook and others are inclusive service from our accommodation partners include hotels, private camps, and luxury lodges

Help us to help you by organizing even better tours, and save money. If you contact us in advance you will save a big deal in terms of price as you have the best time for negotiation and customization of the tour with a safari planner and save more.

Why not? , We offer private tours whether you’re alone or with family and friends celebrating a special anniversary or planning a reunion of family and friends you can discuss with us. We can create a special itinerary away from traffic, travel in style with the itinerary specifically shaped to your requirements.

The answer is absolutely yes! The areas where safaris are organized are safe and free of political chaos. We conduct safaris in places that are politically stable to assure our clients’ safety and enjoyment.

Our Professional Safari Guides are well trained about wild animal behaviors and they have enough experience to lead our clients in the wilderness. Our vehicles are 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser and Land Rovers with a hutched roof to give maximum visibility of a game.

African safaris guarantee unlimited sightseeing; millions of animals, birds, and plant life are the core characters of the African savanna. You roam across the countryside in search of Elephants, Lions, Rhinos, Cape buffalo, and Leopards (the so-called “Big Five”). On any given day, you will encounter Blue Wildebeests, Zebras, a large variety of antelope species, Gazelles, Giraffes, Baboons, and Hippos. The birdlife is fantastic – in some areas, up to 400 bird species have been identified! Think of the majestic Baobab tree (some tribes believe that the tree was indeed planted upside-down!), and there are hundreds of varieties of thorn trees! You will also see the acacia-dotted landscape, endless plains, majestic mountains, and the most beautiful sunsets and sunrises one could ever imagine! Think of a late afternoon thunderstorm, short but violent, and then the beautiful rainbow.

This aspect is much overstated. You will rarely see a snake, but if you do, it will most likely be from the safety of your safari vehicle. Tents and lodges all have bug screens fitted to windows and doors. In most areas where bugs or mosquitoes are prevalent, rooms and tents are also equipped with mosquito nets, adding to the idealistic ambiance. Bear in mind that malaria is a threat in most wildlife areas, and it is necessary to consult your doctor for advice before embarking on your safari.

Tanzania destinations are accessible throughout the year but we advise you to take your tours during the dry session for the safari so as you can enjoy the best sightings at this time as the grasses and bush are at their least dense. July to October and December through February. The green session includes March through June. Discuss with us for the best option if you have also a plan to coincides with Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti National Park

Note – the migration is a natural event and the timing varies month by month; year by year. A good thing is it won’t happen in one day it takes time to complete. And we update most of our clients once the migration starts, so if your great desire is to witness the migration communicate with us in advance so as we can try our best to assure your encounter. Please note that the vast majority of travelers do not witness the wildebeest crossing of the Mara as the timing and duration varies widely each year. The best probable months are July, August, September

Around the turn of the century (until the ’30s and ’40s), mobile tenting was the only option, and “camp as you go” was the standard practice. Over the years the luxury connected with the traditional mobile tenting safari has increased. By the same token, one can understand that the cost of having a “luxury hotel” following one around in Africa is expensive. However, most people settle for permanent tented camps. Because they are “permanent” they can be equipped with flush toilets and traditional bathroom fixtures and conveniences. Don’t be misled by terminology – a permanent tented camp offers the comfort of a 5-star hotel but with the romance and adventure of being surrounded by the sights and sounds of Africa.

(We suggest you remember) insect repellent (the best way to prevent malaria and other insect-borne diseases), sunscreen, cap or hat, sunglasses, binoculars, detergent powder if you want to wash some clothes yourself, hand-wipes small flashlight, aspirin, diarrhea medicine, rain jacket, poncho or collapsible umbrella, plastic bags (for wet clothes, swimsuit and for keeping dust away from camera equipment), Kleenex/toilet tissue a neck chain for eyeglasses if you take them off to use binoculars and cameras, any medical prescription you need, masking tape or labels for marking exposed films cans, film, extra camera batteries.

Although more than 200 languages and dialects are spoken throughout Africa, this presents no problem as English is spoken throughout East and Southern Africa. Apart from English, all our professional guides are multilingual so we get you covered