Last reviewed: September 2026 · Africa Airport Guides
Operator summary
Seronera Airstrip (HTSN / SEU) is the main airstrip in Serengeti National Park, northern Tanzania. It is run by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). The runway is gravel, and the strip sits at about 1,548 m. It is not an international airport, so foreign flights clear customs first at a gateway such as Kilimanjaro.
| Airstrip | Seronera Airstrip |
|---|---|
| IATA code | SEU |
| ICAO code | HTSN |
| Location | Seronera, central Serengeti National Park, Tanzania |
| Operator | Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) |
| Elevation | About 1,548 m (5,080 ft) |
| Runway | 13/31, about 2,280 m, gravel |
| Status | Domestic. Clear customs at an international gateway first. |
| Time zone | East Africa Time, UTC+3 |
Planning a Serengeti flight? Send the aircraft type, route, dates, passenger and baggage details and the gateway you will clear at. AAES can coordinate flight permits, handling and fuel at the gateway, subject to authority and supplier confirmation.
SEU and HTSN codes
SEU is the IATA code, used for safari flight bookings. HTSN is the ICAO code, used in flight plans and NOTAMs.
Runway and elevation
The runway is 13/31, about 2,280 m of gravel. The strip sits at about 1,548 m. Gravel, height and heat all cut performance. Check the aircraft is approved for unpaved runways and run figures for the actual weight and temperature.
Rain can soften the surface. Wildlife on or near the runway is common. Operations are daylight only in practice. Check current NOTAMs and TANAPA rules before each flight.
Clearing customs before the Serengeti
Foreign flights must clear customs and immigration at an international airport before flying to Seronera. Kilimanjaro is the usual gateway. You also need a TCAA landing permit for Tanzania. See our Kilimanjaro guide and the Tanzania landing permit guide.
Park fees and rules
Seronera is inside a national park. Park entry and landing fees apply, and rules can change. Confirm the current fees and any prior notice needed with TANAPA or your local agent.
Fuel and baggage
Do not rely on fuel at Seronera. Plan to uplift at Kilimanjaro or Arusha and carry enough for the return or next leg. Light safari aircraft have strict baggage limits. Soft bags are usually required.
Read the remote airstrip checklist, the bush flight baggage guide and the Arusha Airport guide.
Common planning mistakes
- Flying straight to Seronera without clearing customs
- Using an aircraft not approved for gravel runways
- Planning to refuel at the strip
- Ignoring park fees and TANAPA notice rules
- Scheduling late arrivals near sunset
FAQs: Seronera Airstrip
What is the airport code for Seronera?
The IATA code is SEU. The ICAO code is HTSN.
Is the Seronera runway paved?
No. Runway 13/31 is gravel, about 2,280 m long.
Can international flights land at Seronera?
Not directly. Clear customs at an international airport such as Kilimanjaro first.
Who runs Seronera Airstrip?
Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA).
Is fuel available at Seronera?
Do not plan on it. Uplift at Kilimanjaro or Arusha.
Need 24/7 flight support in Kenya or across Africa?
AAES supports permits, flight planning, dispatch, Jet A-1 fuel coordination, ground handling, cargo support and concierge services.
Email: sales@aaes.aero
Phone: +254 725 284 509