2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar or Arusha

This is the quickest way to see the Serengeti: a scheduled light-aircraft flight to a Serengeti airstrip, an afternoon game drive, a night in a central Serengeti camp, a morning game drive and the flight back. It works best for travelers already on a Zanzibar beach holiday, or in Arusha, who want a real taste of the Serengeti in 48 hours.

What You Need to Know: The 2-day Serengeti fly-in safari costs from US$1,930 per person from Zanzibar or US$1,490 from Arusha (2 travelers, mid-range), including return flights with Auric Air or Coastal Aviation, a night in the central Serengeti and two private game drives. It is the best short Serengeti trip from a Zanzibar beach holiday. With three or four days, add the Ngorongoro Crater.

Light aircraft at a Serengeti airstrip
Length2 days, 1 night
Start and finishZanzibar or Arusha airport
Game drivesAn afternoon and a morning
OvernightCentral Serengeti
PriceFrom US$1,930 (Zanzibar) or US$1,490 (Arusha) per person

Is the 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari Right for You?

Yes, if your time is short. Flying in turns what would be two days of driving into two game drives, so you see far more of the Serengeti in 48 hours than you could by road. You are on the ground for about a day and a half; you won't cover the whole park, but the central Serengeti around Seronera is one of its best areas for big cats all year.

This safari suits you if… Consider another safari if…
You are on Zanzibar and have two days You have three or four days: a safari with the Ngorongoro Crater
You want the Serengeti without long drives You are on a tight budget: the 2-day safari by road
You want big cats in the central Serengeti You want the river crossings: the 4-day river-crossing fly-in

The 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari Route at a Glance

Zanzibar or Arusha – flight to a central Serengeti airstrip – Seronera – flight back.

Day Route Driving or flying Overnight
1 Fly to the Serengeti, afternoon game drive From Arusha about 1 hour; from Zanzibar longer, often with a stop Central Serengeti
2 Morning game drive, fly back As Day 1 —

2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari Itinerary, Day by Day

Flight times are set by the scheduled airlines, so the game-drive time on each day depends on your confirmed flights.

  1. Day 1: Fly to the Serengeti, afternoon game drive

    Your driver-guide meets you at the airstrip in the Serengeti, and the game drive starts on the way to camp. Flights from Zanzibar are longer and often stop on the way; flights from Arusha are shorter.

    Into the SerengetiCentral SerengetiLunch, dinner
  2. Day 2: Morning game drive, fly back

    An early start for the best light and active wildlife, then the transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar or Arusha. If you have an international connection, leave a good buffer between flights, and keep the rest of the day free in case the flight runs late.

    Last game driveCentral SerengetiBreakfast

How Much Does the 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari Cost?

From Zanzibar it costs from US$1,930 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, including return flights. From Arusha it costs from US$1,490, because the flights are shorter. The flights are the largest part of the cost.

2-Day Serengeti fly-in prices from Zanzibar

Per person, including the return flights from Zanzibar:

Travelers Budget Mid-range Luxury
1 US$2,085 US$2,285 US$3,035
2 US$1,725 US$1,930 US$2,485
3 US$1,595 US$1,835 US$2,385
4 US$1,580 US$1,785 US$2,340
5 US$1,530 US$1,755 US$2,305
6 US$1,530 US$1,735 US$2,290

2-Day Serengeti fly-in prices from Arusha

Per person, including the return flights from Arusha:

Travelers Budget Mid-range Luxury
1 US$1,645 US$1,845 US$2,590
2 US$1,285 US$1,490 US$2,045
3 US$1,155 US$1,395 US$1,945
4 US$1,140 US$1,345 US$1,900
5 US$1,090 US$1,315 US$1,865
6 US$1,090 US$1,295 US$1,850

Park fees on the 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari

These fees are covered by your price. This is what each park charges in 2026:

Fee 2026 rate (incl. VAT)
Serengeti National Park US$82.60 per person per 24 hours
Serengeti concession fee (nights inside the park) Per person per night, by season

What the 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari Price Includes

Included every time you book this safari:

  • Return scheduled flights to the Serengeti from Zanzibar or Arusha (Auric Air or Coastal Aviation)
  • Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and your own driver-guide
  • Serengeti park and concession fees
  • One night in the central Serengeti at the level you choose
  • Meals from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 2

Not included in the 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari price

Not in the price:

  • International flights and visas (US$100 for US citizens)
  • Tanzania's mandatory inbound travel insurance, US$44 per adult from October 1, 2026 (we can help you buy it)
  • Travel insurance, including medical evacuation
  • Tips for your guide and lodge staff
  • Drinks at lodges and personal items
  • Arusha hotel nights and airport transfers, which we can add
  • Optional activities such as a Serengeti balloon flight

When Is the Best Time for the 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari?

June to October for dry weather and the most reliable game viewing; January and February for the calving season in the southern Serengeti. November and March are quieter. In April and May heavier rain can affect camps and flight schedules, so we confirm both before you book.

From Zanzibar or From Arusha?

The safari is the same; only the flights differ.

From Zanzibar From Arusha
Flights Zanzibar – Serengeti return, often with a stop Arusha – Serengeti return, about 1 hour
Nights 1 in the central Serengeti 1 in the central Serengeti
Price from (2, mid-range) US$1,930 US$1,490

With three or four days, see our safaris from Zanzibar, or the 3-day fly-in from Arusha.

How to Book the 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari

Seats on the light aircraft and the camp go together, so we confirm both before you book. Send your date, your starting point (Zanzibar or Arusha) and the number of travelers through the form, WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or jaynevytours@gmail.com. 30% confirms the booking and the rest is due on arrival; our terms list the refunds.

Our Serengeti National Park guide explains the central plains you fly into, and the page on vaccinations and travel health covers malaria and yellow fever if you are coming from the coast.

Common Questions About the 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari

How long is the flight from Zanzibar to the Serengeti?

Longer than from Arusha, and it often stops on the way. We confirm the exact schedule when you book.

Is one night in the Serengeti enough?

It is enough for a good first experience. Two or three nights let you explore more widely.

How much luggage can you take on the flight?

Light aircraft have strict limits, usually a soft bag. You can leave the rest at your hotel.

Should You Book the 2-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari?

If you are on Zanzibar or in Arusha with two days to spare, a fly-in is the only way to get a real Serengeti safari in that time. With more days, add a second night or the crater.

Ready to plan your trip?

Tell us your dates and interests and our team in Moshi will send a written quotation with the itinerary and price.