A complete 2025 travel guide by Taheri Tours and Safaris

If you’ve been dreaming of watching lions roam the endless plains of Serengeti, or seeing the Great Migration thunder past your safari vehicle — you’re not alone. In 2025, more and more American travelers are answering the call of the wild and planning once-in-a-lifetime safaris to Tanzania.

But one big question remains for many US travelers:
👉 How do I actually get from the United States — say, from JFK — to Serengeti National Park?

Good news: getting to Serengeti is no longer the logistical nightmare people once imagined. Thanks to improved international routes, smoother entry processes, and expert operators like Taheri Tours and Safaris, your dream journey is now easier, safer, and more accessible than ever.

Let’s break it down — step by step — with a focus on flying out from JFK (New York).

✈️ Step 1: Booking Your International Flight — JFK to Kilimanjaro (JRO)

The most efficient way to reach Serengeti from the US is to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), the main gateway to northern Tanzania’s national parks.

✅ Best Route from JFK (John F. Kennedy International Airport):

JFK → Amsterdam (AMS) → Kilimanjaro (JRO)
Airline: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
Total Duration: ~16 to 18 hours (including layover)

Why This Route?

KLM is one of the few airlines with direct service into JRO
Smooth baggage handling and minimal layover stress
Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport is modern, English-friendly, and efficient

📝 Tip: Book early — KLM’s JRO route is popular with US safari-goers, especially during migration months (June–October).

✈️ Alternative Route Options from JFK to Tanzania:

Airline	Route	Approx. Duration
Turkish Airlines	JFK → Istanbul → JRO	18–20 hrs
Qatar Airways	JFK → Doha → JRO	19–21 hrs
Emirates	JFK → Dubai → JRO	20–22 hrs
Ethiopian Airlines	JFK → Addis Ababa → JRO	20–22 hrs

All these airlines offer excellent service, in-flight entertainment, and good baggage allowances. And yes — we can help you compare fares and routes based on your safari dates.

🛬 Step 2: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)

Landing at JRO is a surreal moment — the air is warm, the sky wide, and Mount Kilimanjaro may be visible on a clear day.

📍 Location: Between Arusha and Moshi
🕐 Distance to Serengeti: Approx. 7–9 hours by road or 1–2 hours by air
📷 Welcome Experience: You’ll be greeted at arrivals by our smiling team from Taheri Tours and Safaris, with a cold drink, a local SIM (if requested), and full itinerary briefing.

🇺🇸 Entry Tips for US Citizens:

Visa on Arrival available ($50 USD, cash/card)
Or apply online via Tanzania’s official eVisa portal
Yellow Fever vaccination is not required unless coming from an endemic country
US dollars are widely accepted — bring small, clean bills for tips and minor purchases
English is widely spoken at JRO and by our staff

🧳 Taheri Tip: We offer full visa assistance and pre-arrival support so you land stress-free.

🚐 Step 3: Getting from JRO to Serengeti — Two Amazing Options

Now that you’ve landed in Tanzania, it’s time to journey into the wild.

Depending on your time, budget, and travel style, we offer two ways to reach Serengeti:

🛻 Option 1: Scenic Overland Safari (Via Arusha & Northern Parks)

Perfect for travelers who want to see more of Tanzania’s iconic landscapes and enjoy a gradual safari build-up.

✅ Suggested Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive JRO → Transfer to Arusha for overnight rest
Day 2: Arusha → Tarangire National Park
Day 3: Game drive → Overnight near Lake Manyara or Karatu
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater safari
Day 5: Enter Serengeti (central or northern zone)

🚙 Enjoy scenic drives, Maasai village visits, crater views, and wildlife even before reaching Serengeti.

👨‍✈️ Your driver-guide from Taheri Tours and Safaris is not just a driver — they’re a wildlife expert, storyteller, and travel companion throughout the journey.

✈️ Option 2: Domestic Flight Direct to Serengeti

Short on time? No worries. We’ll fly you straight into the wild.

🛩️ Domestic Flight Options:

Arusha Airport (ARK) or JRO → Seronera Airstrip (central Serengeti)
JRO → Kogatende (northern Serengeti) — ideal during migration
JRO → Ndutu (southern Serengeti) — best for calving season (Jan–Mar)

⏱️ Flight Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
🦓 View bonus: Spot wildlife from the air — elephants, giraffes, even herds of wildebeest!

Once you land, our Taheri vehicle and guide will meet you airstrip-side and start your first game drive immediately.

💡 Pro Traveler Tips for Americans:

✔️ Book international + domestic flights together when possible
✔️ Travel insurance is highly recommended (we’ll help you choose the right one)
✔️ Pack light, but don’t forget binoculars, sunscreen, and power banks
✔️ Download offline maps and music/podcasts for long flights
✔️ Stay a night in Arusha before or after your safari to rest, explore the local markets, and meet your guide

🌍 Why Taheri Tours and Safaris Is Your Best Travel Partner

🧭 Fully guided safari experience from airport to Serengeti and back
🦁 Expert local guides who know every inch of the bush
💼 We arrange flights, transfers, park fees, and accommodation
🧳 Packing checklists, itinerary planning, and 24/7 support
🤝 US-friendly service with transparent pricing and zero hidden costs

✨ From JFK to Serengeti — Let’s Make It Happen

Your dream African safari is no longer out of reach. From the moment you check in at JFK to your first lion sighting on the savannah, Taheri Tours and Safaris is with you — guiding, supporting, and sharing in your excitement.