Serengeti National Park is one of the most iconic safari destinations of Tanzania and in the world as whole. If you are a nature lover, you can’t miss visiting Serengeti, the park is famous for its plains landscapes, abundant wildlife, and the Great Migration. If you’re in Zanzibar and looking for an unforgettable safari adventure, getting to Serengeti is easier than you might think.
Here’s a complete guide on how to travel from Zanzibar to the Serengeti.
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Serengeti National Park Highlights
Fly from Zanzibar to the Serengeti
Flying is the fastest and most convenient way that we recommend to reach Serengeti National Park from Zanzibar. There are two flying options depending on your plan:
Option 1: Direct Flights to inside Serengeti
This is our popular option in which you take a direct flight from Zanzibar to inside Serengeti National Park. Several local airlines operate direct charter flights from Zanzibar to the airstrips inside Serengeti National Park. The common are Seronera, Kogatende, or Grumeti. Airlines like Coastal Aviation, Assalam Air, and Auric Air offer scheduled flights.
Option 2: Connecting Flights via Arusha Airport
If direct flights are unavailable or maybe this is the option you like, then you can fly from Zanzibar Airport to Arusha Airport, then take a connecting domestic flight to one of Serengeti’s airstrips. This will take time compared to the first option.
Fly to Arusha Airport and Drive to Serengeti
Another option is to take a flight from Zanzibar to Arusha Airport and then travel by road to Serengeti National Park. This is the best option if you want to explore Arusha city before moving to the Park. Here’s how it works:
- Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha (about 1.5 hours).
- Take a car from Arusha Airport to Serengeti, passing through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- The drive takes approximately 7 hours, but it is worth spending 7 hours on the way because you get to experience and see how life is going for the locals while you are on the way. Also before you arrive at Serengeti you must pass the Ngorongoro conservation area where you will get to see a variety of wild animals on the way.
Note: This option is great for those who want to combine Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara, or Ngorongoro Crater before reaching Serengeti. But it will take at least 3 days to arrive at Serengeti.
Take a Dar es Salam Ferry and Drive
We don’t recommend this option unless you know what you are doing. For adventurous travelers, meaning you don’t care about timing or where to sleep. It is technically possible to take a ferry from Zanzibar to Dar es Salaam, then drive to Serengeti.
However, this journey doesn’t go simple as it sounds, you will need to know where and what time you will take a public bus to take you from Dar es salam to Arusha city, and then from Arusha city you need to know which bus which can take you to Serengeti.
Best Serengeti Safaris From Zanzibar
FAQs on Getting from Zanzibar to Serengeti
Can you fly from Zanzibar to Serengeti?
Yes, as we have explained above, you can fly directly from Zanzibar to Serengeti with local charter flights. This way you go direct from Zanzibar Airport to inside Serengeti National Park.
How far is Serengeti from Zanzibar by plane?
The distance between Zanzibar and Serengeti National Park is approximately 700 km which a direct flight takes around 2 to 3 hours.
What airport do you fly into for Serengeti?
Flights to Serengeti land at airstrips within the park, such as Seronera, Kogatende, or Grumeti, depending on your safari location, but the common airstip is Seronera which is located in central Serengeti.
How much is a flight between Serengeti/ Zanzibar?
Flight prices vary depending on the airline and season. On average, a one-way ticket from Zanzibar to Serengeti can range from $250 to $600 per person. You can get a cheaper option during low season. But we do recommend all travelers to book your all inclusive packages to avoid thinking about everything in your vacation.
Can you drive from Zanzibar to Serengeti?
No, you cannot drive directly from Zanzibar to Serengeti since Zanzibar is an island off the coast of Tanzania mainland. You would need to take a ferry or flight to mainland Tanzania whether Arusha or Dar es Salam and then drive to Serengeti.
