The trip between Migori in Kenya and Tarime in Tanzania is the most common route to cross the border when traveling between Maasai Mara (Kenya) and the Serengeti (Tanzania).

These points are connected by a short drive. Both points have access to airstrips, which are used to travel to and from the parks in the respective countries. The road border crossing is accessible via the Isebania-Sirari border point.

Please note that the information in this document also applies for the opposite trip (traveling from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in Kenya).

The process is as follows:

1. Fly from the park to the respective airstrip (Maasai Mara to Migori in Kenya / Serengeti to Tarime in Tanzania)
2. Cross the border by road between Migori and Tarime at the Isebania-Sirari border point
3. Fly from the respective airstrip to your final destination

Maasai Mara to Migori (Kenya)

The flight from Maasai Mara to Migori takes about 40 minutes, depending on how many other stops the plane makes.

Migori airstrip

This is a tarmac airstrip with a small arrivals building with toilets. Your driver will meet you when your plane lands.

Migori to Isebania-Sirari border crossing

The drive between the Migori airstrip and Isebania-Sirari takes about 30 minutes.

The Isebania-Sirari border crossing

This is a one-stop border point. It consists of one building on the border. You will enter the building from Kenya on one side and exit to Tanzania on the other side (or vice-versa).

Your driver will assist you throughout this process.

Travelers need to undergo immigration and customs checks. Both Kenyan and Tanzanian authorities operate at the border to manage these procedures. Passports are required for international travelers, and visas may be needed depending on nationality. Customs inspections ensure that your luggage complies with import and export regulations.

You will require an e-visa for entry to Kenya, and we recommend getting one for entry to Tanzania as well. The entry point will need to be specified on the e-visa application - this will be listed as a land border, either Isebania or Sirari.

You can get a Tanzanian visa on arrival here (ONLY IF your nationality is eligible), so take the exact amount of USD cash with you if you need one.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate check is required if you are crossing from Kenya to Tanzania, but not if you are crossing from Tanzania to Kenya.

There are toilets in this building if needed.

After the border checks you will return to your vehicle and continue the journey.

Isebania-Sirari to Tarime

The drive between Isebania-Sirari and the Tarime airstrip is about 15 minutes. This trip includes a small section of dirt road just before reaching the airstrip.

Tarime airstrip

This is a small rural dirt airstrip with minimal amenities: a toilet and some chairs to sit on. Your driver will wait for the plane with you and assist you with boarding.

Getting from Tarime to Serengeti

The flight between Tarime and the Serengeti takes approximately 30 minutes, but depends which airstrip in the Serengeti you are traveling to/from and how many other stops the plane makes.

For any questions about the border crossing process, contact Shadows Of Africa.