How to get to four seasons Serengeti
How to get to four Seasons Serengeti
The Four Seasons folks understand and cherish the Serengeti, and a stay in their Safari Lodge Serengeti is a hard-to-top experience of the plain and its idyllic rocky kopjes and the vast assemblage of animals large, small, fascinating, and unexpected, that inhabit it. The southern, somewhat drier, portion of the New Hampshire-sized Serengeti-Maasai Mara ecosystem, the Serengeti has long been near-synonymous with African safari itself. Amazing in its enormity, its almost infinite skies and long, golden reaches, its million-year quiet, the Serengeti enraptures with grandeur and small moments of grace; we may well see, as Elspeth Huxley did, a “loping giraffe, like a tiger lily bending with dignity before a gusty breeze.”
Serengeti are often ‘fly-in’ itineraries to maximise your time on safari. The Serengeti National Park is not recommended as a self-drive destination.
Most travellers fly into Kilimanjaro’s major international airport, and catch a short-haul flight from nearby Arusha Airport to the Serengeti’s various airstrips. From there you’ll be transferred to your camp or lodge by 4×4. The more affordable option is a road transfer from Arusha but keep in mind that it’s a 419 kilometre or 260 mile-journey to the Masai Mara Reserve’s nearest gate – this can take between four and five hours.
Shuttle flight to Four Seasons Serengeti
The most comfortable mode of travel to Serengeti National Park is by means of a short shuttle flights from Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our aviation partners service all Serengeti airstrips, including Seronera airstrip, Kogatende, Lamai and Grumeti. This allows you quick and convenient access to all lodges in Serengeti National Park. These short flights are an experience in itself and very scenic offering you picture perfect views over the Tanzanian plains. Below you can find some examples of our flight services.
Serengetitrips.com makes use of several operators servicing the different Serengeti airstrips, the most important being Coastal Aviation and Grumeti Air. Together we are able to service all major airstrips in the Serengeti: Seronera,, Kogatende (ULX), Sasakwa, Lobo and Ndutu LDZ). Each of these airstrips allow access to different lodges dependent on the lodge location in the national park. We have indicated these lodges for the most important airstips below. Kindly note that not all flight connections have been displayed below: we would, for instance, happily assist with flights from Zanzibar, Manyara, Mwanza or Nairobi. We are also able to assist with flights to Mwiba airstrip, Serengeti South airstrip or Fort Ikoma.
As Serengeti shuttle flights are operated by means of small aircraft (e.g. Cessna Grand Caravan or Beechcraft 1900), strict baggage restrictions are in place. Space for luggage on the aircrafts is very limited and the following allowance applies: you may carry 15 kgs per person in a soft duffel-type bag, this includes hand luggage and camera equipment. These limitations are strictly adhered to.
Shuttle flights to the Serengeti are operated as a shuttle service. As such these flights should not be considered as scheduled flights. Departure times and routings may vary depending on traveller requirements and local weather conditions. As flight operators service serveral Serengeti airstrips it is possible that multiple stops are made en route to your destination airstrip. Flight times are subject to change without notice.
Shuttle flights to and from Seronera
The Seronera (SEU) airstrip is located in the cental sector of Serengeti National Park and allows access to a multitude of lodges, including: Four Seasons, Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge, One Nature Nyaruswiga, Lemala Ewanjan Camp, Siringit Camp, Lemala Nanyukie, Ehlane Plains and Namiri Plains. Transfers from and to the Seronera airstrip are usually included when staying at any of these lodges but please note that additional fees may apply.
FLIGHTS TO SERONERA AIRSTRIP
- Depart Arusha (ARK) at 07h45 and arriving at Seronera (SEU) at 08h55 (via Manyara)
- Depart Arusha (ARK) at 10h45 and arriving at Seronera (SEU) at 12h15 (via Manyara)
- Depart Arusha (ARK) at 13h00 and arriving at Seronera (SEU) at 14h20 (via Manyara)
FLIGHTS FROM SERONERA AIRSTRIP
- Depart Seronera (SEU) at 10h45 and arriving at Arusha (ARK) at 12h30 (via Manyara)
- Depart Seronera (SEU) at 16h45 and arriving at Arusha (ARK) at 18h20 (via Manyara and Kilimanjaro)
ARUSHA – SERONERA AIR FARE:
Published fare for a one way Arusha – Seronera (or vice versa) flight is US$ 265 per person (including taxes). This fare is subject to change and availability.
The above list of Serengeti flight options is far from exhaustive and merely shows you some possible options. Please contact us if you require more information about other flight options; from instance for interlodge flights or when travelling to or from Zanzibar. Kindly note that we only book flights in conjunction with accommodation bookings.
Apart from shuttle flights, we also offer private charter services for maximum convenience and privacy. Private flights allow you the flexibility to competely customise your safari itinerary to your needs and route. Do not hestitate contacting us when you are interested in this option.
By Road From Arusha To Serengeti
By far the most popular mode of transport from Arusha to Serengeti is by road. The road is currently tarred all the way from Arusha to Serengeti ( Naabi Hill Gate ). The distance varies from 419 km ( 260 miles) to 425 kms ( 145 miles) depending on which gate or entry point of Serengeti you want to access. Well, in terms of journey time, typically you want to allow for 6 to 7 hours for most eastern part of the park entry gates such as Naabi Hill and Ndabaka Gate and upto 8 hours for Klein’s ( Northern-east side of the park ) and Bologonya gate ( at the border of Masai Mara in Kenya & Serengeti in Tanzania ) and this includes a couple of brief stops enroute for a fuel stop and washroom break.
Approximate Drive Times To Serengeti
- – Arusha to Serengeti ( Naabi Hill Gate ) 7 – 8 hrs
- – Arusha to Serengeti ( Handajega Gate ) 6 – 7 hrs
- – Arusha to Serengeti ( Fort Ikoma Gate ) 7 hrs
- – Arusha to Serengeti ( Klein’s Gate ) 7.5 hrs
- – Arusha to Serengeti ( Bologonja Gate ) 7.5 hrs
- – Arusha to Serengeti ( Ndabaka Gate ) 7.5 hrs
Procedures to get to Four Seasons Serengeti
Tanzania is serviced by a number of international airlines, with Kilimanjaro International Airport being the closest airport for connection to the Serengeti, yet Dar Es Salaam and Zanzibar also providing alternative options. From each international airport, you will need to take a domestic flight into the Serengeti National Park. Depending on the time of your international flight arrival, it may be necessary to overnight in Arusha, Dar Es Salaam or Zanzibar, prior to flying to the Serengeti the next day.
In this guide, we outline details of the flight arrivals into each airport, along with connecting domestic flight information, recommended hotels for overnight stays and ground transfer information. Our Safari Experts team would be glad to assist with advising on any questions you may have and would be happy to take care of booking local transfers, accommodation and domestic flights to create the perfect itinerary for the start of your safari adventure.
Kilimanjaro International Airport is service by number of airlines including Condor, Ethiopian Airlines, Fastjet, Kenya Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Precision Air, Safarilink, Turkish Airlines, RwandaAir and Fly Dubai.
If your international flight arrives before 11:00 am, it is possible to make a same day connection to Seronera Airstrip in the Serengeti (subject to a minimum of 2 passengers being booked on the flight). The flight time from Kilimanjaro International to Seronera Airstrip is approximately one hour. For international flight arrivals before 10:15 am, there is also the option of a one hour land transfer to Arusha Airport, from where you may board a connecting flight to Seronera at 1:00 pm.
Should your international flight arrival time not allow for a same-day connecting flight to Seronera Airstrip, our Safari Expert team would be happy to assist you with arranging a one hour road transfer into the nearby town of Arusha for an overnight stay, from where you can fly to Seronera the next morning from as early as 7:45 am.
Suggested Arusha Accommodations:
- Arusha Coffee Lodge
- Legendary Coffee Lodge
- Mount Meru Hotel
Julius Nyerere International Airport is served by a number of international airlines including Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, Fastjet, FlyDubai, Kenya Airways, Malawian Airlines, Precision Air, Qatar Airways, South African Airlines, Turkish Airlines. For international flight arrivals before 7.30am, it is possible to board a connecting flight to Seronera Airstrip from the airport’s domestic terminal (five minute taxi ride from the international terminal), with a flight time of approximately two hours. Alternatively, connecting domestic flights are available to Kilimanjaro International.
If your international flight arrives too late to allow a same day connection, our Reservations team are able to assist with making arrangements for airport transfers to your chosen accommodation for the night, ahead of your early morning flight to the Serengeti the next day from the airport’s domestic terminal.
Suggested Dar Es Salaam Accommodation:
- Hyatt Regency Dar Es Salaam
Zanzibar international Airport is serviced by several airlines including Fastjet, FlyDubai, Kenya Airways, Mango, Meridiana, Qatar Airways, Precision Air, Oman Air, Ethiopia Airline and , Turkish Airlines. For international flights that land before 8 am, it is possible to connect on to a domestic flight to the Serengeti on the same day. If your international flight arrives after 8 am, you will be required to spend the night in Zanzibar and fly out early the next morning.
Our Safari Experts team are on hand to help you arrange domestic flights, airport transfers and local accommodation to suit your itinerary.
Suggested Zanzibar Accommodations:
There are a number of beach resorts on the island of Zanzibar for you to choose from, yet for the convenience of an overnight stay, the capital city of Stone Town is situated just a 10 minute drive from the airport.
- Park Hyatt Zanzibar, Stone Town
omo Kenyatta international airport is operated by a number airlines including Air Mauritius, British Airways, China Southern, Egypt Air, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Etihad, Fastjet, FlyDubai, Kenya Airways and KLM.
If your international flight lands into Nairobi before 7:00 am, you may have the option to connect onto a domestic flight to Seronera or you can board a short flight to Kilimanjaro International to connect on to Seronera Airstrip on the same day (listed above). For arrivals into Nairobi later in the day, it is possible to board a late afternoon flight to Kilimanjaro International, from where our Reservations team would be happy to assist you with making airport transfer and overnight accommodation arrangements in Arusha.
Alternatively, you may choose to stay the night in Nairobi and board the early morning flight to Kilimanjaro International to connect onwards to Seronera Airstrip. If your international flight arrives into Nairobi by early afternoon, there is also the option to charter a private flight directly to Seronera the same day.
Suggested Nairobi Accommodations:
- Sankara Nairobi
- Tribe Hotel
- Hemingways Hotel
Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti FAQ's
Seronera Airstrip in Serengeti.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
The best times to visit Serengeti National Park are from January to February or from June through September, although you should plan your trip around the movement of The Great Migration.
2 to 3 days are enough, unless you are on honeymoon or just need to relax without game drirve you can extend to 5
The most comfortable mode of travel to Seronera in Serengeti National Park is by means of a short shuttle flights from Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our aviation partners service all Serengeti airstrips, including Seronera airstrip, Kogatende, Lamai and Grumeti.
The Four Seasons prides itself on displaying the Serengeti in full—culturally with respectful and hearty visits and walks with local Maasai, soul-enrichingly with expansive game drives and explorations—and your inspirations, inclinations, and enthusiasm—will go all out to provide a comprehensive visit to the ever-wondrous Serengeti.
Central Serengeti
The heart of the Serengeti National Park delivers superb game viewing throughout the year and is home to a great selection of safari camps and lodges. The area offers good access to all the Wildebeest Migration hotspots and supports a high density of plains game, leopard, cheetah and lion.
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