Two ways into the Serengeti
You reach the Serengeti by road or by a scheduled flight to one of its airstrips. International visitors arrive at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK). Do not mix up the two codes, and do not assume that a transfer between the two airports is included in your ticket.
The park is open all year and the gate closes at 18:00. Plan your road day so that you reach your gate well before that time. The park is large, and a gate, an airstrip and a camp can be far apart, so the right entry point depends on where you sleep.
This guide is independent. It is not run by the park and it does not sell transport. Times below are examples from operators and timetables, not guarantees.
Airstrips in the Serengeti
The scheduled airline Coastal lists these airstrips in its timetable, updated in April 2026 and valid to 31 May 2027.
| Airstrip | Area | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Seronera | Central Serengeti | Arusha flight daily at 07:45, arriving 08:55 via Manyara; Zanzibar flight daily at 08:40, arriving 12:15. A direct Arusha service runs from July to September only. |
| Kogatende | North, Mara River area | One northern camp gives about 20 minutes from the airstrip to the camp |
| Lobo | East | – |
| Lamai | North | – |
| Ndutu | South | Ndutu Safari Lodge, in the area, is in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area |
An airstrip name alone does not tell you where your camp is. Match the airstrip, the camp and the transfer you book. If your flight lands in the north and your camp is in the center, the transfer is a long drive, not a short hop.
Serengeti trips with transport included
Guided Serengeti safaris from Arusha and by air, with live prices and availability. Check which ones include transfers, flights and park fees.
By road and by air
What each way involves.
By road from Arusha
One 4-day group safari drives from Arusha through Tarangire and Karatu, then over the Ngorongoro Highlands into the central Serengeti. It returns via Ngorongoro to Arusha. The 4 days are a round trip, not 4 days inside the Serengeti. For the Ngorongoro side of this road see Ngorongoro from Arusha.
Serengeti from Arusha →By air from Arusha
The flight from Arusha to Seronera takes 07:45 to 08:55 via Manyara and is listed at $259 for adults and $207 for children in 2026, with $54 taxes and fees separate. The timetable header warns about further surcharges, so check the total.
By air from Zanzibar
A daily flight leaves Zanzibar at 08:40 and reaches Seronera at 12:15 via Arusha and Manyara. Fly-in does not mean nonstop.
Serengeti from Zanzibar →The south: Arusha to Ndutu
A lodge in the Ndutu area gives about 6 to 7 hours by road for roughly 280 km from Arusha. Treat that as a rough guide for this route only. Do not apply it to Seronera or Kogatende.
Ndutu to Seronera
The same lodge estimates about 2 hours on the main road. Rain, wildlife on the road and checks can make it longer, so it is an estimate, not a promise.
Gates and what to confirm
Your operator or camp should name the gate and the transfer. Ask them.
Gate names
Naabi Hill, Ndabaka, Ikoma, Klein's and Lamai are among the gate names you will meet. Which gate suits your route depends on where you sleep, so confirm it and check that it is in use before you travel.
Fees at the gate
Park entry is charged per person, vehicle fees apply as well, and your operator may handle the payment for you. The rate depends on your age group and residence group. See the park fees page.
Transfers and parking
Book road transfers and airstrip pickups through your operator or camp, and get the price in writing. Do not plan around a public shuttle to the park or around free parking.
Closed camps are not a closed park
Some camps close for part of the year, but the park itself is open all year. Check the opening dates of your camp when you plan your route. The where to stay page lists examples.
Getting to the Serengeti: frequently asked questions
Which airport should I fly into?
International visitors arrive at Kilimanjaro (JRO) or Arusha (ARK). Both are used for Serengeti trips. Do not assume the ticket includes the transfer between them or on to the park.
Can I drive to the Serengeti?
Yes, tours drive from Arusha over Tarangire, Karatu and the Ngorongoro Highlands. The drive time depends on the gate, the season and the road, so ask your operator for the plan for your route.
How long is the drive from Arusha to Ndutu?
A lodge in the area gives about 6 to 7 hours for roughly 280 km. Use this as a rough guide for Ndutu only, and expect it to change with road conditions.
Is there a flight from Arusha to the Serengeti?
Yes. A scheduled airline lists a daily Arusha to Seronera flight, 07:45 to 08:55 via Manyara, for $259 for adults in 2026 plus taxes and fees. A direct service runs from July to September only.
When does the park gate close?
At 18:00. The park is open all year. Plan to arrive at your gate with time to spare.
Does a flight ticket include the park fee?
No. A flight ticket covers the flight only. Park entry, a vehicle and accommodation are separate unless a package says otherwise.