A practical guide to planning a trip from Abu Dhabi to Serengeti in Tanzania: distance, flights, visas, time difference and the best time to go.
- Approx. air distance
- 3,634 km
- Estimated non-stop flight time
- about 5.2 hours
- Arrival airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Airport to destination by road
- 7–9 hours approx.
- Time difference
- -1 h
- Local currency
- TZS
- Best time
- January to February and June to September
Flights from Abu Dhabi
We are not aware of confirmed non-stop flights from Abu Dhabi to JRO, so most travellers connect once through a Gulf or African hub. Check current schedules. Airlines based in Abu Dhabi include Etihad Airways and Air Arabia Abu Dhabi.
Visa and entry
Tanzania's Immigration Department accepts visa applications online through its official portal. Requirements depend on nationality; apply well ahead of travel and check the portal for current rules. Separate procedures may apply for Zanzibar.
Official e-visa portal for Tanzania
A yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from a yellow-fever-risk country, including transits of more than 12 hours at an airport in such a country. Malaria is present in certain areas. Consult a doctor or travel clinic before your trip.
How many days you need
Counting travel days, plan around 7 days in total to enjoy Serengeti without rushing.
Best time to go
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain | Experience | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 16–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| February | 16–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| March | 16–29 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| April | 16–28 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | very quiet |
| May | 16–27 | some rain | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| June | 15–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | busy |
| July | 14–26 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| August | 15–27 | mostly dry | ★★★★★ | peak season |
| September | 15–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
| October | 16–29 | some rain | ★★★★★ | moderate |
| November | 16–28 | rainy season | ★★★★★ | quiet |
| December | 16–28 | some rain | ★★★★★ | busy |
Serengeti from other cities: Riyadh · Jeddah · Dammam · Medina · Dubai · Sharjah · Doha · Kuwait City · Manama · Muscat · Amman · Cairo · Beirut · Casablanca
Frequently asked questions
How long is the trip from Abu Dhabi to Serengeti?
A non-stop flight would take about 5.2 hours; add connections and the airport transfer.
Are there direct flights from Abu Dhabi?
Usually you will need one connection.
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Tanzania's Immigration Department accepts visa applications online through its official portal. Requirements depend on nationality; apply well ahead of travel and check the portal for current rules. Separate procedures may apply for Zanzibar.
Sources: TANAPA - Serengeti National Park · TANAPA - About Serengeti · Climates to Travel - Serengeti · Tanzania eVisa – Immigration Department · Tanzania Tourist Board · CDC Travelers' Health – Tanzania · Etihad news – 20 years of Abu Dhabi–Johannesburg (Jan 2026)
Figures are approximate averages and vary from year to year.