What You Need to Know: The 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari from Arusha costs from US$2,055 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level (US$1,645 budget, US$3,170 luxury), including return flights of about an hour with Auric Air or Coastal Aviation, two nights in the central Serengeti and private game drives in a Land Cruiser. It gives you the most Serengeti time possible in three days. By road, the 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari costs a little more but adds the crater.
Is the 3-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari Right for You?
Choose this for the most Serengeti in three days, without the eight to ten hours of driving a road trip involves. It suits travelers who are short of time, don't enjoy long drives, or are adding a safari to a Kilimanjaro climb. It doesn't include the Ngorongoro Crater; for that, go by road over four days.
| This safari suits you if… | Consider another safari if… |
|---|---|
| You want maximum Serengeti time | You want the crater too: the 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro |
| You don't enjoy long drives | You have only two days: the 2-day fly-in |
| You are short of time | You are on a tight budget: the 3-day safari by road |
The Route at a Glance
Arusha – flight to a central Serengeti airstrip – Seronera – flight back to Arusha.
| Day | Route | Driving or flying | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fly Arusha – Serengeti, game drive to camp | About 1 hour flying | Central Serengeti |
| 2 | Full day in the Serengeti | Game drives only | Central Serengeti |
| 3 | Morning game drive, fly back | About 1 hour flying | — |
Day-by-Day Itinerary
You fly in on Day 1, spend a full day in the Serengeti on Day 2, and fly back after a morning game drive on Day 3.
-
Day 1: Fly Arusha to the Serengeti
A transfer to Arusha airport for a scheduled light-aircraft flight of about an hour to a central Serengeti airstrip. Your driver-guide meets you on the airstrip with the Land Cruiser, and the game drive starts on the way to camp.
Into the SerengetiCentral SerengetiLunch box, dinner -
Day 2: Full day in the Serengeti
Game drives around Seronera and the kopjes, out early when the light is soft and predators are active, with a picnic lunch or a midday break at camp. Your guide plans the day around recent sightings.
A full game-drive dayCentral SerengetiBreakfast, lunch, dinner -
Day 3: Morning game drive, fly back
A last game drive after breakfast, then the transfer to the airstrip and the flight back to Arusha. Leave a good buffer if you have an international connection the same day.
Last game driveCentral SerengetiBreakfast
How Much Does the 3-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari Cost?
The 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari costs from US$2,055 per person for 2 travelers at mid-range level, US$1,645 on a budget basis and US$3,170 at luxury level, including return flights. The flights cost the same at every lodge level, so the difference between levels is only the camp.
| Travelers | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US$2,190 | US$2,590 | US$4,085 |
| 2 | US$1,645 | US$2,055 | US$3,170 |
| 3 | US$1,440 | US$1,925 | US$3,020 |
| 4 | US$1,440 | US$1,850 | US$2,960 |
| 5 | US$1,355 | US$1,810 | US$2,915 |
| 6 | US$1,370 | US$1,780 | US$2,890 |
Park fees on this route
| 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 |
Flights and two nights inside the Serengeti, with their concession fees, make up most of the price; you save the Ngorongoro transit fees a road trip pays. Our Tanzania safari cost guide breaks down where the money goes.
What the Price Includes
- Return scheduled flights between Arusha and the Serengeti (Auric Air or Coastal Aviation)
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof and your own driver-guide in the Serengeti
- Serengeti park and concession fees
- Two nights in the central Serengeti at the level you choose
- Lunch box on Day 1; other meals at your camp
Not included
- 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 This Safari?
Fly-in safaris work all year. In the long rains of April and May some camps close and flights can be rearranged, so we confirm both before you book. June to October and January to February are the best months for wildlife.
Fly-In or Road for Three Days?
Both options give you the Serengeti in three days. The fly-in trades the crater for far more game-viewing time.
| 3-day fly-in | 3-day by road | |
|---|---|---|
| Serengeti nights | 2 | 1 |
| Ngorongoro Crater | No | Yes |
| Hours driving to and from the park | None | About 8–10 |
| Price from (2, mid-range) | US$2,055 | US$1,565 |
See the 3-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari by road and our guide to fly-in safaris in Tanzania.
How to Book This Safari
| When you cancel | Refund |
|---|---|
| 60 days or more before arrival | 100% |
| 30–59 days | 90% |
| 15–29 days | 60% |
| 10–14 days | 25% |
| Less than 10 days, or a no-show | No refund |
What Else to Read Before You Book
This page covers what is particular to the 3-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari from Arusha. The parts that work the same way on our other trips are explained once, in these guides:
- Serengeti National Park guide: the wildlife, the best areas and the season.
- Our safari vehicles: the Land Cruisers we use, pop-up roofs, charging and who drives.
- Safari lodges and camps: budget, mid-range and luxury stays and what each includes.
- Airport transfers and nights in Arusha: getting from Kilimanjaro airport to the start of your safari.
- Zanzibar beach holidays: adding a few days on the coast after the safari.
- Safari safety tips: how game drives, camps and walks are kept safe.
- Vaccinations and travel health: malaria, yellow fever and what to ask your doctor.
- Tipping on safari: how much to give your driver-guide and lodge staff.
- Booking and cancellation terms: deposit, payment and refunds.
Common Questions About the 3-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari
How long is the flight from Arusha to the Serengeti?
About an hour on a scheduled light aircraft, depending on stops.
Is this safari private?
Yes. The Land Cruiser and driver-guide are for your group only, with at most 6 guests per vehicle.
Is there a luggage limit?
Yes, usually 15 kg in a soft bag. You can leave the rest at your hotel in Arusha.
The Bottom Line
If you have three days and want the Serengeti without the long drives, fly in. If the crater matters too, take four days by road.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers and your lodge level through the booking form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team will reply with a written quotation.