5-Day Tanzania Fly-In Safari from Arusha or Zanzibar
This 5-day Tanzania fly-in safari from Arusha or Zanzibar is a private Northern Circuit adventure that flies you straight into the Serengeti to maximize game-drive time, then continues to Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park.
Start from Arusha (ARK/JRO) or Zanzibar (ZNZ), enjoy expert guiding in a private 4x4, and choose mid-range or luxury accommodation—perfect for travellers who want a seamless Tanzania safari with the best parks in one itinerary
5-Day Fly-In Safari Itinerary (Arusha/Zanzibar Options)
Day 1: Fly Arusha or Zanzibar → Serengeti (Central/Seronera) + Game Drive
Transfer to your departure airport:
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From Arusha: Arusha Airport (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) depending on flight routing
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From Zanzibar: Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
Arrive in Serengeti and meet your private safari guide at the airstrip. Start your first Serengeti game drive the same day—perfect for catching afternoon predator activity and classic savannah scenery.
Overnight: Central Serengeti camp/lodge (mid-range or luxury)
Meals: Lunch + Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Serengeti Game Drives (Big Cats & Endless Plains)
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti with your guide. Expect strong chances for lion, leopard, cheetah, elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, and more. Your guide will adapt routes to seasonal wildlife movement, water sources, and sightings.
Optional: Sunrise game drive (great for predators and soft light)
Overnight: Central Serengeti camp/lodge
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 3: Serengeti → Ngorongoro / Karatu (Scenic Drive + Wildlife Stops)
After breakfast, begin your journey toward the Ngorongoro region. Depending on timing and route, you’ll enjoy scenic landscapes shifting from Serengeti plains to the highlands. Arrive in Karatu (the main safari town near Ngorongoro) for dinner and overnight—ideal positioning for an early crater descent the next morning.
Overnight: Karatu / Ngorongoro area lodge
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater Game Drive (Big 5 Habitat) + Return to Karatu
Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa’s most famous wildlife areas. The crater floor offers excellent chances for lion, buffalo, elephant, hippo, and abundant plains animals. Your guide will focus on high-probability zones while respecting crater regulations and timing.
After the game drive, return to your lodge in Karatu for rest and dinner.
Overnight: Karatu / Ngorongoro area lodge
Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 5: Karatu → Tarangire National Park → Return
After breakfast in Karatu, depart for Tarangire National Park for a game drive, well-known for its large elephant herds and iconic baobab trees.
After the safari, transfer according to your preference:
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Fly back to Zanzibar (ZNZ), or
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Fly home / connect to your international flight (depending on your schedule), or
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Drive back to Arusha and stay overnight there (if you prefer to stay).
Get a Quote Now 😊
Best Time for a 5-Day Tanzania Fly-In Safari (From Zanzibar or Arusha)
Planning a 5-day fly-in safari in Tanzania is all about timing the landscapes, wildlife movement, and travel comfort. The good news: Tanzania delivers excellent safari experiences year-round, but certain months are truly exceptional depending on whether you want the Great Migration, big-game concentrations, or best-value travel.
June to October — Best Overall Safari Season (Top Recommendation)
June to October — Best Overall Safari Season (Top Recommendation)
If you want the highest wildlife visibility and the most comfortable travel conditions, choose June, July, August, September, or October.
This is Tanzania’s dry season, when animals gather around water sources, vegetation is thinner, and game drives are consistently rewarding.
✅ Best for: Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, photography, first-time travelers
✅ Best for fly-in: smooth logistics + clear skies + strong wildlife sightings
January to March — Best for Calving Season (Migration + Predators)
For guests who want a more dramatic “nature documentary” style safari, January to March is superb—especially if your fly-in safari focuses on the Southern Serengeti / Ndutu area. This is when wildebeest calving attracts big cats and predators, creating intense wildlife action and excellent photography opportunities.
✅ Best for: Great Migration calving, predators, fewer crowds than peak months
✅ Perfect for: couples, photographers, repeat Tanzania travellers
July to September — Best Chance for River Crossings (Northern Serengeti)
If your dream safari includes the iconic river-crossing scenes, the strongest window is typically July, August, and September, especially in Northern Serengeti (Kogatende). This is peak-demand season, so flights and lodges should be booked in advance.
✅ Best for: Northern Serengeti migration, bucket-list safari moments
✅ Ideal for: travellers who want the “wow” factor
November to Mid-December — Great Value + Beautiful Green Season
Want fewer crowds, greener scenery, and often better lodge availability? November and early December are excellent times for a 5-day Tanzania fly-in safari, with strong wildlife viewing and a more relaxed pace.
✅ Best for: value, quieter parks, lush landscapes
✅ Great for: honeymooners who prefer privacy
Quick Guide: Choose Your Best Month
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Best all-round safari: June–October
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Best for Great Migration calving: January–March
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Best chance for river crossings: July–September
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Best value + fewer crowds: November–mid-December
FAQs: 5-Day Tanzania Fly-In Safari (From Zanzibar or Arusha)
What is a fly-in safari in Tanzania?
A fly-in safari means you take a domestic flight (from Zanzibar or Arusha) to a safari airstrip (like Seronera, Kogatende, or Ndutu), then continue with a private 4x4 safari inside the parks—saving time and maximizing game drives.
Is a 5-day fly-in safari enough time to see the highlights?
Yes. Five days is ideal for a high-quality experience, especially if you focus on Serengeti + Ngorongoro (and optionally Tarangire). You get multiple full game-drive days without long road transfers.a
Which departure is better: Zanzibar or Arusha?
Both work perfectly.
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From Zanzibar: best if you’re on a beach holiday and want a seamless safari extension.
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From Arusha: best if you’re already in mainland Tanzania or connecting via Kilimanjaro Airport.
What parks can be included in a 5-day fly-in safari?
Common combinations include:
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Serengeti + Ngorongoro Crater (most popular)
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Serengeti + Ngorongoro + Tarangire (more varied wildlife + landscapes)
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Serengeti only (maximum time with the herds and big cats)
What is the best time of year for a 5-day fly-in safari?
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June–October: best overall wildlife viewing (dry season)
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Jan–Mar: calving season in Southern Serengeti/Ndutu (predators + herds)
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Jul–Sep: best chance for Northern Serengeti migration action (river-crossing season)
Where does the Great Migration happen during the year?
The migration moves through the Serengeti ecosystem by season:
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Dec–Mar: Southern Serengeti/Ndutu (calving)
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Apr–Jun: Central/Western corridor movement
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Jul–Oct: Northern Serengeti (often best for dramatic scenes)
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We match your dates to the right airstrip + camp location.
Are domestic flights included in the safari price?
It depends on the package. Some quotes include flights; others price flights separately for flexibility. We’ll clearly specify: flight cost, baggage allowance, and flight schedule in your quote.
Can we do this safari as a private tour for 2 people?
Absolutely. Most fly-in safaris are arranged as private safaris, meaning you have your own vehicle and guide, your own pace, and a more exclusive experience.
What’s usually included in a fly-in safari package?
Typically included: park fees, private 4x4 with guide, accommodations, meals as booked, airstrip transfers, game drives, and bottled water. Your quote will list all inclusions and exclusions clearly.
How far in advance should we book a 5-day fly-in safari?
For peak months (July–October and holiday periods), we recommend booking as early as possible because the best camps and flights sell out quickly. For shoulder seasons, availability is often easier, but early booking still gives better choices.