Serengeti Kusini Airstrip

Serengeti Kusini airstrip is a small airstrip located near the Kusini kopjes of the Serengeti national park. The area serves as a convenient way of getting to an area with otherwise less reliable road networks. The airstrip sits in an area where the wildebeest migration starts from, making it an ideal location for visitors to view their large numbers from above. Additionally, there are other features nearby that visitors can explore by plane, such as lakes Ndutu, Masek, Elemeti and El dabash – all of which serve as a calving area for wildebeest and zebra.

Tanzania is home to some of the most incredible wildlife and landscapes in the world, and there’s no better way to experience them than by visiting the Serengeti Kusini Airstrip. As the gateway to the Serengeti National Park’s southern region, this airstrip offers visitors the chance to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration, one of the world’s most extraordinary natural phenomena.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Serengeti Kusini Airstrip, from its location and facilities to the best time to visit and the top things to see and do. So, let’s get started!

Location and Facilities

Serengeti Kusini airstrip is located near the Kusini Kopjes, in the southern part of Serengeti national park. The border between Serengeti national park and Maswa game reserve is just a few kilometers south of the airstrip.

The Serengeti Kusini Airstrip is located in the Serengeti National Park’s southern region, near the Ndutu and Kusini plains. It’s a small, unpaved airstrip that can accommodate light aircraft and small planes, and it’s operated by the Tanzania National Parks Authority.

The airstrip has basic facilities, including a small terminal building, toilets, and a parking area for vehicles. There are no restaurants or shops on-site, so visitors are advised to bring their food and drinks.

Getting There and Around

By Air: The most convenient way to get to Serengeti Kusini airstrip is by air, from other airstrips in the area such as Ndutu or Seronera, or cities nearby.

By Road: For the more scenic route, visitors can drive from nearby areas. However, it is advisable to use a good 4×4 vehicle, especially during the rainy season of March to June. Private vehicles, rentals or tours and travel vehicles can all be used.

The easiest way to reach the Serengeti Kusini Airstrip is by flying from one of Tanzania’s major airports, such as Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam or Kilimanjaro International Airport in Arusha. Several domestic airlines, such as Coastal Aviation and Safari Airlink, offer daily flights to the airstrip from these airports.

Once you arrive at the airstrip, you can hire a vehicle or book a guided tour to explore the surrounding area. The Serengeti National Park is vast, covering over 14,000 square kilometers, so having a guide or a knowledgeable driver is highly recommended.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Serengeti Kusini airstrip is at the end of the year or the start of it when the wildebeest and zebra are in the area for calving. This period is accompanied by a horde of predators that follow the herds, making it an excellent time for wildlife viewing.

Additionally, the short rains of November and December are a perfect time to visit. The plants are greening, and the roads are still usable, making it easier to explore the area.

The ideal time to visit the Serengeti Kusini Airstrip is during the Great Wildebeest Migration, which takes place between December and July every year. This is when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores migrate from the Serengeti’s southern plains to the Masai Mara in Kenya, in search of greener pastures.

During this time, visitors can witness the incredible spectacle of the migration, as well as the predators that follow the herds, such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs. However, the Great migration is a natural phenomenon, and its timing and movements can be unpredictable, so it’s advisable to plan your trip in advance and be flexible with your itinerary.

Top Things to See and Do

Serengeti Kusini airstrip is primarily used for flights into and out of the area, but visitors can also take a tour of the Serengeti from above. The aerial view provides a unique perspective of the vast plains and the wildlife below.

In addition, visitors can explore the nearby lakes, which serve as a calving area for wildebeest and zebra. The wildebeest and zebra herds are joined by their accompanying predators, making for an exciting wildlife viewing experience. Visitors can also take part in game drives and guided walks to further explore the area.

1. Witness the Great Wildebeest Migration – This is the main attraction of the Serengeti Kusini Airstrip, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you shouldn’t miss. You can take a game drive or a hot air balloon safari to see the herds up close and personal.
2. Visit the Ndutu and Kusini Plains – These are two of the Serengeti’s most beautiful and biodiverse regions, with stunning landscapes and a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and hyenas.
3. Take a Guided Walking Safari – Walking safaris are an excellent way to experience the Serengeti’s wilderness on foot and see the smaller creatures and plants that are often missed during a game drive.
4. Meet the Maasai People