Ruth Haines
Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is a popular destination for tourists and safari-goers. The park is served by several airstrips, with Seronera being the busiest. There are also several international airports that provide connecting flights to the Serengeti airstrips. The closest international airport to the Serengeti is Kilimanjaro International Airport, located in Arusha, which is approximately 368 kilometres away. Other major airports near the park include Mwanza Airport and Arusha Airport. There is also a proposed international airport project, the Serengeti International Airport, which would be located 40 kilometres outside the park's north-western precincts.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nearest international airport to Serengeti National Park | Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha |
| Distance from Kilimanjaro airport to Serengeti | 284 km |
| Flight time from Kilimanjaro airport to Serengeti | 1 hour |
| Distance from Arusha airport to Serengeti | 226 km |
| Flight time from Arusha airport to Serengeti | 30-45 minutes |
| Other international airports with connecting flights to Serengeti | Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam, Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta Airport, Mwanza Airport |
| Airstrips in Serengeti National Park | Seronera, Kogatende, Sasakwa Grumeti, Lobo, Fort Ikoma, Kirawira, Serengeti Kusini |
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What You'll Learn
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Kilimanjaro Airport is owned by the Government of Tanzania and operated by the Kilimanjaro Airport Development Company. It was first opened on 2 December 1971, with construction financed by a long-term loan from the Italian government. In 1998, it became the first international airport in Africa to be privatised.
The airport facilitates tourism for visitors travelling to four regions: Arusha Region, Kilimanjaro Region, Mara Region, and Manyara Region. Attractions in these regions include Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Arusha National Park, Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti National Park.
Renovations began in November 2015, with the aim of doubling the airport's capacity from 600,000 to 1.2 million passengers annually. The total cost of the project was expected to be €35.5 million, with €15.0 million funded by the Netherlands and the remainder by Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro Airport is known for its quick departures, modern infrastructure, and ease of navigation. However, it has limited dining options, with only one restaurant and a small cafe. The upstairs lounge has been criticised for a bug infestation and a lack of air conditioning.
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Arusha Airport
Overall, Arusha Airport provides convenient access to the Serengeti National Park and other nearby attractions. It is a good option for travellers looking to avoid the longer drive from Kilimanjaro Airport and prefer the convenience of a smaller domestic airport.
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Julius Nyerere International Airport
The Julius Nyerere International Airport, also known as Dar es Salaam International Airport, is located in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania's biggest city. The airport is about 40 kilometres away from the centre of Serengeti National Park. It is a popular choice for travellers visiting the Serengeti as it handles both international and domestic flights, making it easy for guests to connect to local flights that travel to the park.
The airport has three terminals. Terminal 1 is a small terminal that handles chartered and private flights and can accommodate 500,000 passengers annually. Terminal 2 is for domestic and regional scheduled flights and can handle 1.5 million passengers. Terminal 3, which opened in August 2019, is the newest terminal and is used for international flights. It is comprised of two phases and has 58 businesses, including retail, operational machines, and service providers.
Tanzania Airports Authority (TAA) has announced plans to develop a four-star hotel and commercial complex at the airport. This development will enhance the airport's functionality and provide convenient accommodation options for travellers.
Several airlines serve the route to Serengeti National Park, including Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Flightlink, and Regional Air. It is important to note that there are numerous airstrips within the park, and travellers should book their flights to the airstrip closest to their accommodation to avoid lengthy transfers. Some of the common airstrips in Serengeti include Seronera, Kogatende, Sasakwa Grumeti, and Kirawira.
When planning a trip to Serengeti National Park, it is advisable to consider the distance and travel time from the airport. While Kilimanjaro International Airport is another option for accessing the Serengeti, it is located approximately 368 kilometres away, resulting in an 8 to 9-hour drive. In comparison, Julius Nyerere International Airport offers a more centralised location and convenient connections to domestic flights, making it a preferred choice for travellers seeking efficient access to the Serengeti.
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Sasakwa Grumeti Airstrip
The Sasakwa Grumeti Airstrip is located within the Singita Grumeti Reserves, which borders the western side of the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The area is a private game reserve, spanning over 350,000 acres of untouched wilderness and is known for its annual wildebeest migration. The reserve was established by the Tanzanian government in 1994 to protect the path of this migration and preserve the indigenous biodiversity of the region, which is an integral part of the Serengeti-Mara ecosystem.
The Sasakwa Grumeti Airstrip is one of several airstrips in the Serengeti National Park, including Seronera, Kogatende, Serengeti Kusini, Lobo, Fort Ikoma, and Kirawira. These airstrips serve various lodges and camps within the park. The Sasakwa Grumeti Airstrip specifically serves the Singita Sasakwa Lodge, which offers luxurious accommodations and safari experiences. The lodge features private guest cottages with infinity pools, walking safaris, and guided game drives.
To reach the Sasakwa Grumeti Airstrip, travellers can fly with Grumeti Air, a small airline offering daily flights between Arusha, Kilimanjaro, Kigali, Sasakwa, Lamai, and other destinations in the Serengeti area. International travellers can connect to the Sasakwa Airstrip from Kilimanjaro International Airport, with a flight time of approximately one hour. Same-day connections are possible for early arrivals, and travellers can also opt for a land transfer to Arusha Airport for a connecting flight to Sasakwa.
Additionally, travellers can connect to the Sasakwa Airstrip from Dar es Salaam's Julius Nyerere International Airport, with a flight time of around two hours. Same-day connections are available for early arrivals, and overnight stays can be arranged in Zanzibar or Stone Town if needed. For those arriving in Nairobi, a domestic flight connection to Sasakwa Airstrip is possible for early morning arrivals.
The Sasakwa Grumeti Airstrip provides convenient access to the Serengeti National Park and the surrounding reserves, allowing travellers to embark on unforgettable safari experiences and immerse themselves in the breathtaking wilderness of Tanzania.
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Seronera Airstrip
The Seronera Airstrip is one of the largest and most commonly used airstrips in Serengeti National Park. It is located in the heart of the park, in Seronera town, and is only a two-hour drive from Naabi Hill Gate and Ndabaka Gate. Seronera town has special and public campsites, a tourist information centre, two fuel stations, shops, a dispensary, and bars. The Seronera airstrip is 5km from the Seronera visitor information centre. It mainly serves lodges such as Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Ikoma Tented Camp, Four Seasons Serengeri Safari Lodge, and Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp.
The flying safari package to Serengeti is convenient due to the short one-hour flight from Arusha, versus the 5 to 6-hour road journey. Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha is the nearest international airport to Serengeti National Park, located 368 kilometres away, approximately 8 to 9 hours by car. Arusha Airport is also an option for domestic flights.
There are several airlines that serve the route to Seronera Airstrip, including Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Flightlink, and Regional Air. It is important to know which airstrip in Serengeti you should use when booking flights, as there are close to a dozen airstrips in Serengeti National Park, including Kogatende, Serengeti Kusini, Lobo, Fort Ikoma, Sasakwa Grumeti, and Kirawira. Travellers should fly to the airstrip nearest their accommodation to avoid long transfers.
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Frequently asked questions
Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest international airport to the Serengeti. It is located 284 km away from the Serengeti National Park.
Arusha Airport and Seronera Airport are domestic airport options to reach the Serengeti.
Most international travellers require a visa for Tanzania. It costs between US$50.00 to US$100.00 for single entry, depending on your country of origin. You can apply for the visa on arrival at the airport, or beforehand via your local Tanzanian embassy or consulate.
