The Unique Airstrips of Serengeti National Park

Since Serengeti National Park is mostly an untamed landscape, there is not an airport located in or around the park. Instead, the region boasts a system of rugged gravel airstrips that can handle any weather conditions. Seronera stands out as one of the most bustling and commonly utilized airstrips within Serengeti National Park. Seronera airstrip and Serengeti Kusini airstrip stand out as two of the most prominent and recognized airfields in the park. The airport structure at the airstrip doubles as a lobby and contains administrative offices. Flights from Arusha to Serengeti take off twice a day, with each aircraft making stops at various airstrips along the way. Moreover, a variety of airlines, including Auric Air, Coastal Aviation, Flight Link, and Regional Air, operate on this route. Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha serves as the nearest international gateway to the Serengeti, just an hour’s flight away.

With nearly a dozen airstrips scattered throughout Serengeti National Park, including those in the community wildlife conservancies and game ranches that border the main park, it is essential for travelers to determine the right airstrip to use when planning their flights. To ensure a smooth and efficient journey, it is essential to choose a flight that lands at the airport nearest to your accommodations. Seronera, Kogatende, Serengeti kusini, Lobo, Fort Ikoma, Sasakwa Grumeti, and Kirawira airstrips are some of the most frequented, with the lodges and cottages that each airstrip caters to detailed below.

Runways in Serengeti National Park

Seronera Airstrip, Serengeti

Seronera Airstrip stands out as one of the most active and popular airstrips within Serengeti National Park. The airstrip can be found in Seronera, right in the heart of Serengeti National Park, just a two-hour drive from the Naabi hill gate and the Ndabaka gate. At the Seronera airstrip, an airport structure stands as a welcoming hub, complete with a lobby and administrative offices.

Seronera town, home to the Seronera airstrip, boasts a variety of public and private campgrounds, a tourist information center, two gas stations, stores, a pharmacy, and bars that can be quite handy for visitors. The Seronera aerodrome is just five kilometers away from the Seronera tourist information center, ready to lead you into exciting explorations. The airstrip caters to various destinations, including the Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge, Ikoma Tented Camp, Four Seasons Serengeti Safari Lodge, Lemala Ewanjan Tented Camp, and Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas.

Kogatende Airstrip, Serengeti

In the northern part of Serengeti National Park, Kogatende Airstrip rests alongside the banks of the Mara River. The Kogatende airstrip offers easy access to the park’s secluded areas and is perfectly situated in the migration corridor, where countless wildebeests journey across the Mara River during the great migration. Serengeti National Park’s Klein’s and Bologonja entrances are just 1 km from Kogatende airstrip, inviting exploration and excitement.

Serengeti Kusini Airstrip, a gateway to thrilling experiences in the heart of nature.
Serengeti Kusini Airstrip stands out as a popular gateway in Serengeti National Park, nestled just south of the Kusini Kopjes. The aerodrome is perfectly positioned, allowing tourists to witness the spectacular great migration on lucky transit days. Amidst the spectacular wildebeest migration, the aerodrome is conveniently situated near Lake Ndutu, Lake Elemti, Lake El Dabsh, and Lake Masek, which serve as prime calving grounds for wildebeests and zebras. Just 9 kilometers lie between the Serengeti Kusini airstrip and the Maswa Game Reserve.

Lobo Airstrip, Serengeti

The Lobo Airstrip is located in the northeastern part of Serengeti National Park, within the captivating Lobo region. The journey from the airstrip to the park’s main entrance typically spans 30 minutes to an hour. Klein’s entrance is a mere 6 kilometers from Lobo airstrip, with Bologonja springs and Ngare Naironya springs also nearby. The airstrip caters to travelers exploring the wonders of Serengeti National Park and nearby attractions through domestic flights.

Kirawira B Airstrip, Serengeti

The Kirawira B airstrip is a small airstrip nestled in the western part of Serengeti National Park, just north of the Grumenti River. The aerodrome is just a thrilling 3-hour journey from Mwanza town and a quick 1-hour ride from Ndabaka gate. It is situated 4 kilometers from the Kirawira migration cross point 1, 8 kilometers from the Grumenti Game Reserve and Handajeba gate, and 7 kilometers from the Bali viewpoint.

Fort Ikoma Airstrip, Serengeti

Fort Ikoma airstrip is a small airstrip situated to the north-west of Serengeti National Park, rarely utilized because of its closeness to the Seronera airstrip. Three kilometers lie between the aerodrome and the Retima Hippo pool, the Nyabogati hippo pool, and the Fort Ikoma gate.

Sasakwa Grumeti Airstrip, Serengeti

Sasakwa aerodrome is located in the heart of the Singita Grumeti Reserves, nestled alongside the western edge of Serengeti National Park, right along the captivating Northern Western Corridor. The region spans 400 acres of unparalleled wild terrain and is a key segment of the renowned migratory path followed by countless animals annually.