How to get to Serengeti - Access to Serengeti National park and getting there from Zanzibar
Key Access Information
- Best Option: Daily direct flights with regional carriers (e.g., Coastal Aviation, Flightlink) landing directly in the central (Seronera) or northern (Kogatende) Serengeti.
- Alternative (via Arusha): Fly ZNZ to ARK (1.5 hours), then take a 4x4 vehicle through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Serengeti (6-8 hours).
- Safari Booking: Most travelers book comprehensive 2-4 day packages, including flights, accommodation, and game drives, ranging from \(\$950\) to \(\$2,500\) per person.
Detailed Travel Options from Zanzibar to Serengeti
- Direct Flights (Recommended): Several airlines operate daily from Zanzibar directly to Serengeti such as Seronera (SEU), Grumeti (GTZ), or Kogatende (KOG).
- Flights via Arusha: Fly from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) and take a smaller plane to a Serengeti airstrip.
- Overland/Road: You cannot drive directly from Zanzibar; you must arrive in Tanzania mainland (Dar es Salaam or Arusha) via ferry or flight, then proceed to the park by road.
- Safari Duration: 2-day quick trips are possible, though 3-4 days are more common to minimize travel time
Important Tips for Travelers
- Airstrip Choice: Select an airstrip close to your lodge (e.g., Seronera for central, Kogatende for North) to minimize travel.
- Luggage Constraints: Light aircraft have strict luggage weight limits (usually \(15kg/33lb\)), often requiring soft-sided bags.
- Park Fees: Ensure your tour operator includes park fees and crater fees (if passing through Ngorongoro) in your booking.
- Best Time: While open year-round, June to October is ideal for the wildebeest migration, particularly in the North.
