Tanzania Fly-in and Out Safari
A Tanzania Fly-In Safari offers the perfect blend of adventure and luxury, taking you to some of the world’s most iconic wildlife destinations in the comfort of small, scenic flights. Skip the long hours on the road, and enjoy more time to immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Tanzania's national parks.
Fly between top safari destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and Ruaha. Whether you’re witnessing the spectacle of the Great Migration or admiring the majestic elephants of Tarangire, this safari ensures you experience it all without sacrificing comfort or time.
Safari by Air in Tanzania at Glance : Pictures
GET FREE QUOTE TODAY
What is a Fly-In Safari?
A Fly-In Safari is a premium way of exploring Tanzania’s vast wilderness. Instead of lengthy drives, you’ll take quick flights in light aircraft directly to exclusive lodges and camps. This allows you to cover vast distances quickly, and the aerial views are simply stunning.
Expect personalised service from the moment you board your aircraft, ensuring that every detail is taken care of. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or visiting Africa for the first time, a fly-in safari guarantees an unforgettable experience.
Key Benefits of Fly-in Safari
-
Save Time: Maximize your time on the ground, enjoying wildlife rather than spending hours on the road.
-
Luxury & Comfort: Stay at handpicked lodges and camps that offer top-notch service, gourmet dining, and all the amenities for a perfect retreat.
-
Scenic Aerial Views: Get a unique perspective of Tanzania’s landscapes, from the vast plains of Serengeti to the rim of Ngorongoro Crater.
Top Destinations for Your Fly-In Safari
1. Serengeti National Park: The Serengeti needs no introduction. It’s home to the Great Migration, where millions of wildebeests and zebras cross the plains in search of greener pastures. Along the way, predators like lions and crocodiles follow, providing some of Africa's most thrilling wildlife encounters. You’ll have the chance to see the “Big Five” and other rare species.
2. Ngorongoro Crater: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a wildlife haven nestled within a collapsed volcano. The Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to see the "Big Five" (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) in their natural habitat. The views from the rim are extraordinary, and within the crater itself, animals thrive.
3. Tarangire National Park: Famous for its large elephant herds and majestic baobab trees, Tarangire is a hidden gem. Wildlife congregates around the Tarangire River during the dry season, offering great game-viewing opportunities. Lions, giraffes, and zebras can all be spotted here, along with a wide variety of birds.
4. Ruaha National Park: For those seeking a more remote and wild experience, Ruaha delivers. This park is less visited than the others, giving it a raw, untouched feel. It’s home to large herds of elephants and buffalo, along with lions, cheetahs, and leopards. The rugged terrain and fewer tourists make Ruaha perfect for adventurers.
Fly-in Safari Itineraries
Why Choose Travel Wise Safari for Your Air safari in Tanzania?
Flying over the African bush saves both time and energy. Instead of spending hours driving between parks and lodges, you can reach your destination in a fraction of the time. This allows you to spend more time exploring, relaxing, and enjoying the incredible wildlife. It’s an efficient and adventurous way to experience the stunning beauty of Tanzania.
Flying safaris offer a unique perspective on the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife. Unlike traditional game drives, these flights enable you to cover vast distances quickly while providing an aerial view of the country’s most iconic sights. This is the ideal way to explore remote areas like the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, or Ngorongoro Crater, where ground travel would take significantly longer.
You May Have a Stop… or Perhaps Not!
Flying in the bush of Africa introduces an element of unpredictability. While you might enjoy a non-stop flight to your safari location, there’s also the possibility that you’ll land at several airstrips along the journey. The flight paths are optimized for efficiency, frequently making stops to either drop off or pick up additional passengers.
These unexpected breaks can enhance your adventure, offering you views of secluded airstrips and local scenery that you may not have encountered otherwise. Regardless of whether your trip is direct or involves multiple stops, you’ll have a lot to appreciate from your window seat!
Luggage Space? What’s That About?
The available space on a bush plane is quite limited. Forget about having overhead compartments. On these planes, all your carry-on items will need to be placed on your lap. You might manage to fit a small bag or camera equipment into a compartment at the rear, but even that space is restricted.
To enhance your flying experience, aim to pack as lightly as you can. Most bush plane companies enforce strict weight restrictions for checked baggage as well, so keep this in mind when preparing for your journey. Traveling light not only ensures a more pleasant experience but also helps maintain the aircraft's safe weight limits.
Why Book Flying Safari with Us
-
Tailored Experiences: We personalize every itinerary to suit your travel style and preferences.
-
Seamless Logistics: From your initial flight to Tanzania to your journey home, we handle all the details, including airport transfers, flights, and lodge bookings.
-
Small Groups: We believe in intimate safari experiences, which is why we keep group sizes small to ensure personalized attention.
-
Eco-Friendly Safaris: We are committed to responsible tourism and work with lodges that prioritize sustainability.
5 Questions About Tanzania Fly-in Safaris
How much is Tanzania Fly-in Safari
Flying between destinations is typically more expensive than a road safari in Tanzania. While fly-in safaris offer many benefits, budget-conscious travelers often prefer more affordable options. Fortunately, several local airlines now provide scheduled flights between parks, and increased competition among carriers serving popular destinations has lowered prices.
Moreover, flying from park to park is generally more time-efficient, allowing you to complete your safari in fewer days compared to a road trip. Considering this, a fly-in package may not be significantly more expensive than a road safari. However, it's important to note that these packages often feature exclusive, high-end lodges, which come with a higher price tag
What are the pros and cons of a driver-guide vs fly-in safari in Tanzania?
“There are two ways to travel in the country. You can either book a safari where a driver-guide travels with you for the duration of your trip. He or she will drive you from park to park and will usually conduct the game drives as well. In this case the guide will be a constant throughout your holiday. You may need to travel long distances between parks. This can be tiring, but you will see much of rural Tanzania. You will be away from the busy tourist areas.
Alternatively, you can opt for a Tanzanian fly-in safari where you travel from park to park by light aircraft. This will save you a lot of time as it cuts out many additional kilometres spent in the car, often on bumpy roads. When you fly between parks, your local guide will meet you at the airstrip. They will take care of you during your stay at that destination. So, you’ll have a different guide in each place. These guides work on-site and tend to be more knowledgeable than the general guides based in the cities. On a fly-in safari, your game drives will be conducted in the lodge’s open-sided vehicles. These spacious, open cars are superior to the pop-up-roof 4x4s used for road safaris.
It is also possible to combine both types of safari. You could book a road safari to Serengeti National Park or Ngorongoro National Park. This was once called Selous Game Reserve. You can also add a fly-in trip to a more remote area. For example, you can see chimpanzees in the Mahale Mountains National Park
What are the luggage restrictions on a fly-in trip in Tanzania?
Safari flights typically use small aircraft, which come with strict luggage limits of 20 kg (33 lb) per person. Due to the limited space, travelers are encouraged to use soft bags, like duffel bags, for easier storage. While international flights allow for more luggage, you can either pack according to the smaller aircraft's restrictions or leave some bags with your tour operator or hotel upon arrival.
To help with these restrictions, many lodges offer same-day laundry services, and some luxury lodges even include this in their packages. However, these luggage limits can pose challenges for avid photographers carrying large lenses and other equipment. If you're unsure about your luggage, it's best to consult your tour operator ahead of time. In some cases, you may need to book an extra seat for your gear
How reliable and safe are the small aircraft used for a fly-in safari in Tanzania?
A fly-in safari with US Travel Wise is a safe and enjoyable experience in Tanzania. The country has a robust safari industry, with many local airlines operating for years. These airlines follow strict safety protocols and are known for their reliability.
Several airlines offer scheduled flights to popular parks and reserves, adjusting their operations based on bookings.
While routes are planned, stops at various airstrips depend on the reservations made. As a result, flight times are usually confirmed the day before departure. Lodges work closely with the airlines to keep guests informed and coordinate transfers to and from the airstrips.
Are some parks or reserves in Tanzania more suitable to this type of safari?
Most parks and reserves can be explored through a road or fly-in safari, and we at Travel Wise Safari recommend both options for the Northern circuit, which includes Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks. Since the Ngorongoro Conservation Area is on the way to the Serengeti, consider driving one way and flying back. This approach saves time and allows you to avoid retracing your steps.
The Southern circuit, featuring Mikumi, Nyerere, and Ruaha National Parks, is a bit more remote. Many of our guests choose to fly in, but a road trip is a budget-friendly alternative, especially if you're only visiting one reserve.
For the Western circuit, which includes Katavi, Mahale Mountains, and Gombe National Parks, fly-in safaris are the norm. Katavi offers a classic savannah experience with lions and elephants, while Mahale and Gombe provide the unique opportunity for chimp trekking along Lake Tanganyika. We often recommend visiting Katavi and Mahale together due to their convenient flight connections.
While it is theoretically possible to reach Katavi by road, it's rarely done because of its remoteness. Mahale and Gombe have no access roads, so visitors typically arrive by flight and then take a private boat transfer. The exclusivity of the Western circuit, with its limited rustic lodges, ensures a truly wild experience away from the crowds. At Travel Wise Safari, we strive to create unforgettable adventures tailored just for you.
Which destinations can I reach on a fly-in safari?
You can fly directly to:
-
Serengeti National Park (multiple airstrips: Seronera, Kogatende, etc.)
-
Ngorongoro Conservation Area
-
Tarangire National Park
-
Ruaha and Selous (for southern circuit safaris)
-
Zanzibar (for safari-to-beach combo trips)
Is it safe to fly within Tanzania?
Absolutely. We collaborate with reputable domestic airlines that adhere to rigorous international safety standards. Our pilots possess extensive experience in bush flying, ensuring they are well-equipped to handle various conditions. Additionally, they operate under strict regulations, which further guarantees the safety and reliability of our services.
Can I combine a fly-in safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar?
Absolutely! A significant number of travelers opt to take a flight from the beautiful island of Zanzibar to the breathtaking Serengeti or other nearby national parks, and then return to unwind and relax on the stunning beaches. Our expertise lies in designing and crafting exceptional Zanzibar-to-safari packages that cater to your adventurous spirit while ensuring you enjoy the best of both worlds.