Serengeti National Park is as big as 14,763 square kilometers. This World Heritage Site is one of the prime destinations in Africa, harboring diverse wildlife. Many guests come here to see the Big Five, while others want to trek with the wildebeest in their relentless quest for greener grazing grounds. And you can dream of more – the big cats, birds, and more.

From our experience, many guests start their safaris from Arusha. But that’s not a rule, as you can get there from other towns like Mwanza and even from Kenya. So, which should you use? This depends on your route and safari plan, but picking the right gate means short hours of driving. Any wrong choice can extend your driving time. So, here’s a list of the main gates of Serengeti National Park, locations, and which route is better for you.

How many gates are in Serengeti National Park?

There are 6 gates in Serengeti National Park. We know what you might be thinking: why are there so many gates? The answer is that they help to minimize traffic. Serengeti is a popular park, attracting about 350,000 visitors yearly according to Tour Radar. This means that it can get high tourist traffic, which it always does in peak season.

Here’s a quick summary table for all six entrance gates: location, entry, and exit times.

Naabi Hill Gate

This is the main gate of the park. If you’re coming from Arusha and Karatu, here’s your guide. You need six hours of driving to reach on a direct drive, and 8 hours if you stop on the way for optional activities like the Meserani Snake Park tour or a village visit.

Here, you can have your documents checked by the officials. Let’s make something clear. The gate has offices for both TANAPA and the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority (NCAA). And you’ll pay the entrance fee for both Serengeti and Ngorongoro. But practically, we pay the Ngorongoro entrance fee at its main gate, Loduare. The officials at Naabi Gate will just approve the permit.

This gate is perfect for guests going to the central Serengeti, Seronera, or Ndutu area. The nearest town to the gate is Karatu, about 140 km (87 miles) away. Lodges near this gate include Olakira Camp, Esirai Camp, Mbugani Camps, Lake Ndutu Luxury Camp, and Chaka Camp.

Klein’s Gate

This gate is not as popular as Naabi Gate. You can find it in the northeastern reaches of the Serengeti. It’s the gateway to the luxury accommodation, &Beyond Klein’s Camp and to the northern Serengeti. Gate opens at 6:00 a.m. and closes at 06:00 p.m., but the last entry register closes at 04:00 p.m.

This gate suits you perfectly if you want to access the park via the Loliondo Game Controlled Area. Something important to note here: Loliondo is a Maasai-led area. So, the fee you pay for a permit to access it doesn’t apply in the main park.

It’s also good if you want to use the Lobo and Klein’s Camp Airstrips. The nearest town is Wasso, about 25 km away. And the closest lodges include Klein’s Camp, Sayari Camp, and Taasa Lodge.

Fort Ikoma Gate

This gate lies in the northwestern border of Serengeti with the private Grumeti Reserve, near Rubanda village. Here, you can pay fees with your credit or debit card at TANAPA offices. Services offered include a store and restrooms.

Many guests registering at this gate come from Mugumu, Robanda, the Ikoma Wildlife Management Area, or those landing at Fort Ikoma Airstrip. The nearest town is Mugumu, which is the administrative center of Serengeti District, and the nearest town.

The nearest lodges include Ikoma Tented Camp, Serengeti River Camp, Mapito Tented Camp, and Angate Serengeti.

Ndabaka Gate

This gate lies on the western border of the park, near the Bunda-Mwanza highway. It’s good for all visitors coming from Mwanza, Musoma, or Bunda. Want to witness a river crossing on the Grumeti from Mwanza?  This is your entrance to the remote, crowd-free western corridor.

It’s very close to Bunda, where you can get services like fuel stations and snacks. Places to stay near this gate include Serengeti Stopover Lodge, Ndabaka Lodge, Nyatwali Beach Lodge, and Mbalageti Serengeti.

Handajega Gate

If you want to enter Serengeti National Park from the southwest, Handajega gate is the best option. This gate is adjacent to Kiwira B Airstrip, Mwanza Airport, and Musoma Airport. Therefore, you can practically access it by air or by road.

The gate sees low visitors, but it’s a great alternative to Ndabaka gate, which gets busy. These gates are just 19 km apart from each other. It’s not close to a major town, except Mwanza and Bunda, which are more than 140 km away.

However, it’s close to some camps and lodges like Kirawira Serena Camp, Nomad Serengeti Safari Camp, Mbalageti Tented Camp, and AndBeyond Grumeti Serengeti River Lodge.

Bolongoja Gate

This gate is the border between the Serengeti and the Masai Mara. Unfortunately, it has been temporarily closed. But you can get into the northern Serengeti via Klein’s Camp, or fly into Kogatende, Lobo, or Seronera airstrips.

Here’s a wrap

Final word.

The route you choose to the Serengeti makes a difference. But that should not make you worried because we will help you. With years of experience working with clients coming from Mwanza, Kenya, Arusha, Rwanda, and other places, we are certain that we’ll get you to your accommodation safely and enjoy your trip. We’re just a call away for any concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enter through one gate and exit another?

Yes, you can do. But make sure you have a valid park permit to show at the exit gate.

Are gates open on holidays?

Yes, all main gates remain open daily, including weekends and holidays, unless otherwise announced. Your guide or lodge staff with inform you of any announcement regarding the closure of the gates.

Is Bolongoja Gate open right now?

No, the gate has been temporarily closed for the past 8 months. At the time of writing, no official updates on reopening.