Luxury & Mid-range Fly-In Safaris Across Northern & Southern Tanzania
Tanzania Fly-In & Fly-Out Safari (From Zanzibar, Arusha & Dar es Salaam)
A Fly-In & Fly-Out Safari with Travel Wise Safari is the most effortless way to experience Tanzania’s wildlife in a shorter time. Instead of spending hours on bumpy roads, you’ll board scenic bush flights on light aircraft that land directly inside or close to the parks—getting you straight into safari action. Departures are possible from Zanzibar, Arusha, Kilimanjaro (JRO), or Dar es Salaam (DAR), with arrivals at bush airstrips like Seronera, Kogatende, Ndutu (Serengeti), Lake Manyara, Tarangire, Msembe (Ruaha), and Nyerere/Selous.
On arrival, your driver-guide greets you right at the runway for a short transfer of 10–60 minutes to your lodge, in a private 4×4 safari jeep. These vehicles feature pop-up roofs for clear views, seatbelts, charging ports, and cold drinking water—making even the transfer feel like the start of your adventure. Daily schedules are designed for comfort, with flexible game-drive times, regular photo or refreshment stops, and accommodations that are family-friendly (family tents or inter-connecting rooms, swimming pools, special kids’ meals, early dining options, and child car seats available on request).
You can choose from unforgettable experiences: follow the Great Migration in Serengeti, descend into the Ngorongoro Crater, cruise the Rufiji River in Nyerere/Selous, watch Tarangire’s elephants among its giant baobabs, or head to Ruaha for an untouched wilderness full of big cats and predators. Everything is arranged for you—flights, transfers, professional guiding, park fees, and accommodations. Extra luggage can be stored safely in Zanzibar or
Arusha if needed, since bush flights require soft bags with weight limits. If you want a smooth, time-saving Tanzania safari that prioritizes comfort and maximizes wildlife encounters, a Fly-In & Fly-Out Safari is the perfect choice.
The highlight of Tanzania fly in Safari
Reduces Travel Hours
Going by road from Arusha to Serengeti is a long 7–9 hour trip, but flying reduces the journey to around an hour, maximizing your time with the animals.
Luxury and Comfort
Fly-in safaris are commonly paired with luxury stays, where travelers enjoy first-rate service, elegant rooms, and carefully prepared meals at exclusive camps or lodges.
Top Places to Visit on a Tanzania Fly-In Safari
Tanzania is home to some of Africa’s top national parks and reserves, well-known for their rich wildlife and stunning scenery. Below are some of the most popular spots to explore on a flying safari:
Serengeti National Park.
The Serengeti is famous for its endless plains and large numbers of animals. The Great Migration is the highlight, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the park. With a flying safari, you can quickly reach different areas of the Serengeti and enjoy top game viewing without long road trips.
Ngorongoro Crater
Flying into the Ngorongoro region and then driving down into the crater gives you a rare chance to see animals in one of the most unique and beautiful natural settings in the world.
Tarangire National Park
Quieter than the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, Tarangire is still rich in wildlife, especially in the dry season when animals gather at the river. A flying safari makes it easy to include Tarangire along with nearby parks.
Frequently asked question about Tanzania Flying Safari from Zanzibar
1. How does a flying safari work?
Your adventure starts when you land in Tanzania at airports like Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar, or Dar es Salaam. From there, you board a small plane that takes you directly to your first safari park. The planes land on small airstrips close to or inside the parks, so you begin spotting wildlife almost immediately. After staying at a lodge or tented camp and enjoying activities like game drives, walking safaris, or boat rides, you fly to the next park. This continues until the end of your trip, making it a smooth and stress-free way to explore different areas.
2. How long is a typical Tanzania flying safari?
Flying safaris can be as short as 3–4 days or as long as 10–12 days, depending on your budget and interests. Short trips usually cover main parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, while longer trips may include remote areas such as Ruaha or Nyerere (Selous). Most people prefer 7–10 days, which gives enough time to experience Tanzania’s wildlife and scenery fully.
3. What are the advantages of a flying safari?
Saves Time – Flights cut down long hours of road travel, so you spend more time watching animals. Scenic Views – You enjoy stunning aerial views of plains, craters, rivers, and wildlife. Reaches Remote Parks – Places like Ruaha and Nyerere are difficult to access by road but easy to fly to. Comfort – Many packages include luxury lodges or camps with great service, fine meals, and comfortable rooms in the middle of nature.
4. Are flying safaris safe?
Yes, they are safe. The planes are regularly serviced, and pilots have years of experience flying in Tanzania. Licensed companies operate all flights, following strict safety rules. In rare cases of bad weather or delays, safari companies arrange alternatives to make sure your trip runs smoothly.
5. What wildlife will I see on a flying safari?
Flying safaris cover the best parks in Tanzania, giving you the chance to see the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhino). The Serengeti also offers the famous Great Migration, with millions of wildebeest and zebras crossing the plains. Other animals include cheetahs, giraffes, crocodiles, hippos, hyenas, wild dogs (in Ruaha), and hundreds of bird species.
6. What should I pack for a flying safari?
Because planes have strict luggage limits (around 15 kg in soft bags), it’s best to pack light. Bring:
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Neutral-colored clothes (khaki, beige, brown).
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Warm layers for mornings and evenings.
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Comfortable walking shoes.
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Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
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Binoculars and a camera.
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Toiletries (lodges usually provide basics).
7. Can I combine a flying safari with a beach trip?
Yes, many travelers do this. After days of game drives, you can relax on the beaches of Zanzibar or Tanzania’s coast. Zanzibar is just a short flight away, making it easy to add a beach holiday to your safari.
8. Is a flying safari family-friendly?
Flying safaris are great for families since they cut out long, tiring drives. Many lodges welcome families, offering larger rooms, kids’ activities, and guides who enjoy working with children. Do note that some activities, like walking safaris, may have age restrictions, so always check in advance.