Alternate route to Serengeti other than via Ngorongoro

The Western Route, which goes through Lake Victoria (Ndabaka Gate), the Northern Route, which goes through Klein’s Gate/Loliondo (often paired with Lake Natron), or flying into one of the Serengeti’s airstrips—which offers shortcuts and unique experiences such as the less crowded west or the remote north—are all ways to get to the Serengeti without having to go through Ngorongoro. There is an extra option available to travelers coming from Kenya, and that is the Isebania border crossing. This crossing is connected to the Western Serengeti.

Reasons for alternate route to Serengeti other than via Ngorongoro

The most common road route to Serengeti from Arusha is the southern route that passes through Ngorongoro conservation area. This route is known for being heavily crowded due to the high traffic that uses this route. Beside the high traffic, southern route requires you to pay an extra fees which is Ngorongoro transit fees as you have to pass through Ngorongoro conservation area. You will have to pay about 100$ for the car and the tourist. For the 2 way to and from Serengeti via Ngorongoro, you will have to pay about 200$.

Therefore, for the budget travelers wishing to travel to Serengeti, you can avoid using southern route and use other alternate route that will allow you to access the park without passing through Ngorongoro as we shall see bellow:

The Northern Route (Klein’s Gate/Loliondo)

The primary alternate route is the northern route that passes through Klein’s gate. Travelers using this route tend to combine Serengeti with Lake Natron visit as Natron is bordering Serengeti. For people coming from Arusha this is the best alternate route as it passes via mto wambu to lake Natron through Klein gate to Northern Serengeti National park. The route via Klein’s gate will save the fees that you should have paid while passing via Ngorongoro conservation area. This route is also advisable during the migration season as it closer to Mara river where the migration takes place.

The Western Route (Ndabaka Gate)

This route is perfect for those coming from Mwanza or are doing the Victoria drive. Using this route you will access Serengeti via Ndabaka gate- The closest gate to Serengeti via Mwanza.

The entrance to the gate can be found in the middle of Musoma city and Mwanza city. The gate is located that much closer to the metropolis of Mwanza. This gate may be reached from the city of Mwanza in around two kilometers. Around two hours of driving time is required to reach the Seronera region from the gate.

Some of the services or facilities you can use while at the Ndabaka Gate include;

• You can pay you park fees for the Serengeti National Park. MasterCard, Visa, credit and debit cards are all accepted.
• You can also collect your park entrance permit here if you paid prior and have receipts.
• This gate also has an information center about the Serengeti National Park and you can get all the information you need.
• There is a canteen and a gift shop for you to buy snack and souvenirs for you to take back home but also support the community.
• This gate also has great view of the plains of the Serengeti national park.

Fly In (Most Convenient)

The most convenient and time saving way to access Serengeti without passing through Ngorongoro is the fly in safari. you can book your domestic flight from Arusha to southern, central or northern Serengeti. There you will find your local driver guide with their safari car to take you to the safari to the specific area of your choice. you can opt to fly out of Serengeti more so if your interest is only to visit Serengeti. Alternatively, you can drive out of the park and continue with your safari experience to Ngorongoro, Lake natron or any other park of your choice. The good news is that the flight from Arusha to Serengeti are cost friendly and they cost about 150$ per person but you will have to the one way rental fees for the car to be driven to Serengeti to wait for you from there.

Accessing Serengeti from Masai mara Kenya

In order to drive from Masai Mara to the Serengeti via the Isebania border, you will cross at the Isebania (Kenya) / Sirari (Tanzania) post. This post will lead you to the Western Corridor of the Serengeti, with the Lamai Gate (or Musoma Gate/Grumeti Gate area) being the closest entry. However, you should be prepared for lengthy and rough drives on the Tanzanian side, and it is frequently necessary to make an overnight stop near Speke Bay or Mugumu before entering the park.

Step-by-Step Route:

1. Masai Mara to Isebania Border (Kenya Side): Drive from your lodge in the Mara towards the Kenyan border town of Isebania, a drive that can take 3-4 hours, depending on your starting point and road conditions.
2. Cross the Border: Complete immigration and customs at the busy Isebania/Sirari crossing.
3. Sirari Border to Tanzanian Side: After crossing into Tanzania, you’ll be near the town of Tarime/Sirari.
4. Drive to Serengeti: From the border, it’s a significant drive (another 3-5 hours or more) to the Serengeti’s western edge.
5. Serengeti Gate: Aim for the Lamai Gate, which serves the western corridor and is accessible via rough, dusty roads from Mugumu. Other nearby entry points in that region could be considered the Musoma Gate or Grumeti areas.