A Comprehensive Guide to the Best Ways to Reach Tanzania’s National Parks

Tanzania is home to some of the most iconic national parks in Africa, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and many others, each offering a unique and spectacular wildlife experience. Getting to these national parks requires some planning, as they are spread across the country and often situated in remote areas. Whether you are embarking on a classic safari or a luxury escape, understanding the best ways to reach Tanzania’s national parks is essential for a smooth and unforgettable experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the various options for getting to Tanzania’s top national parks, including overland travel, air travel, and private transport solutions, ensuring that your journey is both efficient and enjoyable.

Air Travel: The Fastest and Most Convenient Option

Tanzania’s national parks are spread across vast distances, and air travel is often the fastest and most convenient way to get there. The country boasts several airports that offer scheduled flights to major national parks, and many private charters are available for more remote or exclusive parks.

Scheduled Flights to Major Airports and Parks

The main international gateway to Tanzania is Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, located on the coast. From Dar es Salaam, you can take a domestic flight to the following major airports near Tanzania’s renowned national parks:

Serengeti National Park: The Serengeti is one of the most visited parks in Tanzania, and there are several scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Kilimanjaro to Seronera Airstrip, located in the central part of the Serengeti. Flights are available through local carriers such as Precision Air, Coastal Aviation, and Air Tanzania. These short flights offer scenic views of the Serengeti’s expansive plains and make it easy to access this wildlife-rich area quickly.
Ngorongoro Crater: The closest airstrip to Ngorongoro Crater is Manyara Airstrip, which is served by flights from Arusha and other nearby airports. It is an ideal entry point for those looking to visit Ngorongoro and its surrounding conservation area. Manyara Airstrip is only about an hour’s drive from the Crater itself, making it a convenient choice for safari-goers.
Tarangire National Park: Located in northern Tanzania, Tarangire is a relatively easy park to access by air. Tarangire Airstrip is served by daily scheduled flights from Arusha and Kilimanjaro airports. These flights take around 30 minutes and provide a hassle-free way to get to one of Tanzania’s best parks for elephant sightings.
Selous Game Reserve: Selous, one of the largest game reserves in Africa, is accessible via Selous Airstrip, with scheduled flights from Dar es Salaam and Zanzibar. The reserve offers a more remote and tranquil safari experience, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more exclusive and less crowded wildlife adventure.

Charter Flights for Remote and Exclusive Tanzania’s National Parks

For more remote parks or exclusive safari experiences, private charter flights are a great option. Many luxury safari lodges and camps offer chartered flights from major cities or airstrips directly to their lodges or camps. This option can be more expensive but offers the ultimate convenience and time-saving solution, especially for those on tight schedules or looking to experience Tanzania’s more secluded national parks, such as Ruinsori Mountains National Park or Mahale Mountains National Park, both of which are more challenging to access by road.

Charter flights also provide an incredible aerial perspective of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes, enhancing the overall safari experience.

Overland Travel: A Scenic and Adventurous Option

While air travel is fast and convenient, overland travel offers a unique and scenic way to experience the beauty of Tanzania’s landscapes. For those who prefer a more adventurous journey or wish to explore the country’s diverse environments in depth, driving to Tanzania’s national parks can be an unforgettable experience.

Self-Drive Safaris

If you’re an experienced driver and have a passion for adventure, a self-drive safari in Tanzania can be a great way to explore at your own pace. Many car rental companies in Tanzania offer 4×4 vehicles equipped for safari adventures. This option allows you to travel from one national park to another, enjoying the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path locations and enjoy the journey itself.

When driving to Tanzania’s national parks, ensure that you have a well-equipped vehicle, a GPS, and a map of the region. The roads to some of the parks, especially those in remote areas, can be rough and unpaved, so a sturdy 4×4 is essential. Popular routes include:

Arusha to Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater: The most popular route for self-drive safaris is from Arusha, a central hub for safaris, to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. The drive takes approximately 6 hours to Serengeti and 4 hours to Ngorongoro. Along the way, you can enjoy the breathtaking scenery of the Great Rift Valley.
Tarangire to Serengeti: Another scenic drive is from Tarangire to the Serengeti, which takes about 5 hours. This route offers the opportunity to explore Tanzania’s diverse ecosystems, from the dry savannah of Tarangire to the lush green plains of the Serengeti.
Arusha to Lake Manyara: If you are visiting Lake Manyara National Park, you can drive directly from Arusha in about 2 hours. The route is easily accessible and provides opportunities for a diverse range of wildlife experiences.

Guided Overland Tours

For those who prefer a more relaxed and informative journey, guided overland tours are an excellent option. Many safari operators in Tanzania, including Deks Safaris & Tours, offer overland safari packages that include transportation, expert guides, and pre-arranged itineraries to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. These guided tours can be customized to suit your preferences, with the option to visit multiple national parks, cultural sites, and off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Road Access to Tanzania’s National Parks

While many of Tanzania’s major national parks are accessible by road, the quality of roads can vary. Most of the parks in the northern circuit, such as the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Tarangire, have good access roads. However, roads to some of the more remote parks, such as Selous or Ruinsori, may be less developed and require a more experienced driver or a guided tour.

Combining Air and Road Travel: A Flexible Solution

For travelers who want to combine the convenience of air travel with the adventure of overland exploration, a combination of both air and road travel can provide the best of both worlds. A typical itinerary might involve flying to one park and then driving to others, or flying between major parks while driving to more remote areas.

For example, you might fly from Dar es Salaam to Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater and then drive to Lake Manyara or Tarangire, combining short flights with scenic drives. This approach provides a more comprehensive experience, allowing you to see more of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes while still saving time on longer journeys.

Considerations for Travel to Tanzania’s National Parks

When planning your trip to Tanzania’s national parks, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

Park Accessibility: Some parks are more accessible than others. For example, the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater are relatively easy to reach by air and road, while parks like Mahale Mountains or Gombe Stream are more challenging and may require a combination of flights and boat travel.
Time of Year: The best time to visit Tanzania’s national parks is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. Roads may be more accessible during this time, and wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around water sources.
Cost: Air travel is often more expensive than overland travel, especially if you’re booking charter flights or private air transfers. However, the time saved by flying may make it worthwhile, particularly for those on tight schedules. Overland travel, on the other hand, provides a more affordable option for those on a budget or those seeking a longer, more immersive experience.

Conclusion: Tailored Travel for an Unforgettable Safari to Tanzania’s National Parks

Whether you choose to fly, drive, or combine both options, the journey to Tanzania’s national parks is as much a part of the adventure as the safari itself. Air travel offers the fastest and most convenient access, while overland travel provides a chance to experience Tanzania’s stunning landscapes in a more personal and immersive way. With expert guidance from Deks Safaris & Tours, your safari experience can be tailored to your preferences, ensuring that the journey is as unforgettable as the destination.

No matter how you choose to reach Tanzania’s national parks, one thing is certain: the wildlife, landscapes, and experiences that await you will make every step of the journey worthwhile. Let Deks Safaris & Tours help you plan your dream safari today!