Northern Tanzania, Tanzania
Your journey to Serengeti National Park usually starts or passes through one of these airports:
Several airlines connect Tanzania to the world and offer internal flights to the Serengeti. Direct flight options from outside Africa to JRO are limited.
High season brings higher demand and prices. Low season often means fewer options but lower costs.
JRO offers basic services (ATMs, exchange, duty-free, cafes). ARK and Serengeti airstrips have minimal facilities.
Pre-arranged transfers with your safari operator are the best option from JRO/ARK to Arusha. Safari vehicle meets you at Serengeti airstrips.
Namanga: Common crossing between Nairobi, Kenya, and Arusha, Tanzania. Used for multi-country safaris. Passport, visa for both countries, Yellow Fever certificate. Allow significant time for formalities. Your tour operator guides you.
No train services connect to or operate within the Northern Safari Circuit, including Serengeti. Long-distance buses operate between major cities but are not for reaching Serengeti National Park directly for safari tourism.
Not recommended for Serengeti National Park. Roads are unpaved, often rough. Navigation is complex without experienced guides. Off-roading is strictly prohibited. Safari vehicles are always provided with a professional guide/driver.
Main roads to Arusha are paved and generally in good condition. Roads within National Parks, including Serengeti, are exclusively unpaved dirt tracks. Expect them to be very dusty in the dry season and potentially extremely muddy and slippery in the wet season.
Wildlife on roads poses a hazard. Animals cross the roads freely. Drivers must exercise caution. Stick to designated tracks within the park.
Prepare for your departure to ensure a smooth exit from Tanzania.
Manage your expectations for airport facilities, especially at domestic airstrips.
This section does not apply to Serengeti National Park. Serengeti is an inland destination. It has no major navigable sea or river routes for international or significant domestic travel.
No cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems are present in Serengeti National Park. The park's main unique transport mode for tourists is the safari vehicle.
Taxis operate in Arusha. Negotiate fares. No taxis within Serengeti. Ride-sharing apps like Uber do not reliably operate in Arusha or Serengeti.
Strictly limited within Serengeti due to wildlife. Only in designated, controlled areas with an armed ranger. Prohibited for safety reasons.
No public transit within Serengeti. In Arusha, local mini-buses ("dala-dalas") operate but are not generally recommended for tourists.
Tanzania has no separate departure tax for international flights. Airport taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price. Confirm this with your airline or tour operator.
Departure facilities vary by airport type.
Ensure passport, boarding pass, and any required health certificates are easily accessible.
Confirm luggage weight with airline limits. Label all bags clearly.
Double-check departure times with your tour operator. They arrange transfers and airport arrival with sufficient time.
Confirm all departure times with your tour operator. They will arrange your transfers and ensure you reach the airport with sufficient time.
