How Do I Reach the Serengeti from Nairobi?

The Serengeti—synonymous with endless horizons, golden plains, and the rhythm of the Great Migration—is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. For many travelers beginning their East African journey in Kenya, a common question arises: how do I get from Nairobi to the Serengeti? The two regions, though separated by an international border, are part of the same magnificent ecosystem that extends from Kenya’s Maasai Mara to Tanzania’s Serengeti plains. Reaching the Serengeti from Nairobi is entirely possible, and depending on your time, budget, and sense of adventure, there are several routes to get you there—each offering its own unique experience.

Understanding the Journey

The Serengeti lies in northern Tanzania, directly south of Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. The two parks are part of the same vast savanna ecosystem where over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate annually in one of nature’s greatest spectacles. Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, serves as a gateway to both Maasai Mara and the Serengeti due to its excellent connectivity and central location.

The journey from Nairobi to the Serengeti can be done either by air or by road, or a combination of both. Flying is faster and more comfortable, while driving allows for a more immersive, scenic, and adventurous experience. Whichever route you choose, the transition from Kenya’s rolling highlands to Tanzania’s sweeping plains is unforgettable.

Option 1: Flying from Nairobi to the Serengeti

Flying is by far the quickest and most convenient way to reach the Serengeti from Nairobi. Several reputable airlines operate regional flights connecting Kenya and Tanzania’s main safari hubs. Depending on your exact destination within the Serengeti, flights can take anywhere from two to four hours, including stopovers and immigration clearance.

The most common route involves flying from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport—the city’s domestic and regional flight hub—to one of the airstrips inside or near the Serengeti. Most flights route through Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) before connecting onward to Serengeti airstrips such as Seronera, Kogatende, Grumeti, or Ndutu.

Typical Flight Itinerary:

Depart Nairobi (Wilson Airport) early in the morning.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro or Arusha for immigration and customs clearance.
Board a connecting flight into the Serengeti, arriving mid-morning or early afternoon.

The total journey, including layovers, usually takes around three to five hours. Once you arrive in the Serengeti, your lodge or safari operator’s guide will meet you at the airstrip for a game drive transfer.

Flying offers incredible aerial views—first of the Great Rift Valley, then the volcanic landscapes around Mount Meru and Ngorongoro, and finally the endless plains of the Serengeti. For travelers short on time or preferring comfort over distance, this is the perfect choice.

Airlines Serving the Route Include:

Coastal Aviation
Auric Air
Air Excel
Regional Air
SafariLink (Kenya-based, with connections via Kilimanjaro or Tarime)

Option 2: Driving from Nairobi to the Serengeti

For those who crave adventure and want to experience the landscapes of both Kenya and Tanzania up close, driving is an exceptional option. The journey takes about 8 to 10 hours, depending on the route, road conditions, and border crossing time. There are two main driving routes from Nairobi to the Serengeti: via Isibania or via Namanga.

Route 1: Nairobi – Maasai Mara – Isibania Border – Serengeti

This is the most popular overland route and ideal for travelers who want to combine Kenya’s Maasai Mara with Tanzania’s Serengeti in one seamless safari.

The journey unfolds like this:

Depart Nairobi early in the morning and drive to the Maasai Mara (around 5-6 hours).
Spend one or two nights enjoying game drives in the Mara.
Continue south to the Isibania border crossing, located between the Mara and Serengeti regions.
Complete immigration and customs formalities, a process that usually takes around 30–60 minutes.
After crossing into Tanzania, continue your drive to Ikoma Gate or Kogatende Gate, depending on your Serengeti destination.

From Isibania, it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to reach central Serengeti (Seronera) or northern Serengeti (Kogatende). Roads can be bumpy and dusty but offer fascinating glimpses of rural life—villages, farmlands, and endless savanna.

This route is a favorite among photographers and seasoned travelers who enjoy crossing from one iconic wilderness into another. It also follows part of the path of the Great Migration, so depending on the season, you might even see herds moving between the Mara and Serengeti.

Route 2: Nairobi – Namanga Border – Arusha – Serengeti

The second driving route goes via Namanga, the main border between Kenya and Tanzania on the Nairobi–Arusha highway.

Typical travel plan:

Depart Nairobi and drive about 3.5 hours to the Namanga border post.
Complete immigration procedures and continue to Arusha, Tanzania’s safari capital (another 2–3 hours).
From Arusha, head west towards Ngorongoro Conservation Area and then into the Serengeti.

This route is longer—roughly 10 to 12 hours of driving in total—but it’s a great option for travelers visiting Tanzania’s northern circuit, including Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater, and Tarangire National Park, before reaching the Serengeti.

The drive from Arusha to Serengeti takes around 5 to 6 hours, with most travelers stopping overnight at the rim of Ngorongoro Crater or Karatu before continuing into the park.

Border Crossings and Travel Requirements

Crossing from Kenya into Tanzania requires valid travel documents and permits. Here’s what you need:

A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
A visa for Tanzania (available online or at the border for many nationalities).
Vehicle paperwork, including registration, insurance, and cross-border permits (handled by your tour operator or rental agency).
A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate, as both countries are in a Yellow Fever zone.

At both Isibania and Namanga borders, immigration is straightforward, and both crossings are open daily from early morning to early evening.

Option 3: A Combined Fly–Drive Safari

If you want to balance comfort and adventure, consider a fly-drive combination. You can fly from Nairobi to a closer border town like Kisumu or Tarime, then cross into Tanzania and continue by road to the Serengeti.

For example, SafariLink offers flights from Nairobi to Tarime (near the Isibania border), where you’re met by a Tanzanian driver-guide who completes the border procedures and continues into the Serengeti by road. This option saves travel time while still offering scenic overland views.

Alternatively, you could drive from Nairobi to Arusha, spend a night exploring the town, and then fly directly into the Serengeti from Arusha Airport. This route provides a mix of cultural immersion, comfort, and adventure.

Scenic Highlights Along the Way

The journey from Nairobi to the Serengeti is more than just transit—it’s a visual and cultural experience. Along the road, you’ll pass through some of East Africa’s most iconic landscapes. From Nairobi, the route winds through the Great Rift Valley, with sweeping views of escarpments, volcanoes, and lakes like Naivasha and Elementaita. Approaching the border, you’ll encounter rolling savannas dotted with Maasai villages, their crimson-clad herders watching over cattle beneath vast skies.

Crossing into Tanzania, the scenery evolves again—gentle hills near Arusha give way to the open plains of the Serengeti. By the time you reach the park gates, the horizon seems endless, and wildlife already begins to appear: giraffes grazing along the roadside, zebras crossing the track, and birds gliding in the golden light of late afternoon.

Choosing the Best Option for You

The best way to reach the Serengeti from Nairobi depends on your time, budget, and travel preferences.

For comfort and efficiency, flying is the best option. You’ll save time, avoid long border drives, and arrive refreshed for your safari.
For adventure and value, the overland route via Isibania offers a thrilling cross-border safari experience with opportunities to visit both Maasai Mara and Serengeti.
For a mix of both, choose the fly-drive option that combines convenience with scenic overland travel.

Whichever route you choose, planning with an experienced safari operator ensures seamless logistics—from visas and vehicle permits to flights and transfers.

When to Travel

The Serengeti is a year-round destination, but the best time to travel depends on what you want to see. The Great Migration typically moves northward from the central Serengeti (April–June) to the northern Serengeti and Maasai Mara (July–October). If you’re traveling from Nairobi during these months, you can witness the dramatic river crossings along the Mara River.

From December to March, the herds return to the southern Serengeti for calving season, filling the Ndutu plains with life and new beginnings. The dry seasons (June–October and December–February) offer the best road conditions and most comfortable weather for cross-border travel.

Why Book with Muhiga Safaris

Traveling from Nairobi to the Serengeti involves multiple logistics—border paperwork, permits, transport coordination, and park access. That’s why partnering with a trusted safari company like Muhiga Safaris makes all the difference.

Muhiga Safaris specializes in seamless cross-border safaris between Kenya and Tanzania. Their experienced team arranges every detail, from private transfers and flight bookings to immigration handling and Serengeti park permits. Whether you prefer a luxury fly-in safari or a scenic overland expedition, Muhiga Safaris crafts personalized itineraries that blend comfort, adventure, and authentic East African beauty.

Their professional guides know the routes intimately, ensuring smooth border transitions and enriching commentary throughout the journey. With Muhiga Safaris, you don’t just reach the Serengeti—you experience the landscapes, people, and wildlife that make the journey itself unforgettable.

How do I reach the Serengeti from Nairobi?