What You Need to Know: A fly-in safari replaces the long drives with scheduled light-aircraft flights, about an hour from Arusha to the Serengeti, with Auric Air or Coastal Aviation. Your driver-guide and Land Cruiser meet you on the airstrip. Fly in when you have one to three days, are going to the northern Serengeti, or are starting from Zanzibar. Our 2-day Serengeti fly-in costs from US$1,490 per person from Arusha.
When Is a Fly-In Safari Better Than Driving?
Fly in if you have three days or fewer, are visiting the northern Serengeti, or start from Zanzibar. Otherwise, drive in via Ngorongoro and fly out to save a long day at the end.
| Situation | Our advice |
|---|---|
| 1–3 days for the Serengeti | Fly in: you gain most of a day each way |
| Northern Serengeti, July–October | Fly in: it is too far by road for a short trip |
| Starting from Zanzibar | Fly in, to Arusha or straight to the Serengeti |
| 4+ days including Ngorongoro | Drive: the crater is on the road |
| Tight budget | Drive: flights are the biggest cost |
How Does a Fly-In Safari to the Serengeti Work?
We collect you from your hotel for the flight from Arusha, or from Zanzibar. Scheduled light aircraft, usually 12–14 seats, fly to the Serengeti airstrips, often stopping at others on the way. Your driver-guide meets you on the airstrip with a private Land Cruiser and the game drive starts straight away. On the last day you fly back, or on to Zanzibar.
The vehicle is a private 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof, a window seat for every guest (at most 6), Wi-Fi (patchy in remote areas), charging points and a fridge for drinks. Our driver-guides graduated from the College of African Wildlife Management at Mweka and have five years of safari guiding. They speak English, and we can arrange French, Spanish, German or Chinese-speaking guides.
Our Fly-In Safaris and Prices
| Safari | From (per person, 2 travelers, mid-range) |
|---|---|
| 2-day Serengeti fly-in from Arusha | US$1,490 |
| 2-day Serengeti fly-in from Zanzibar | US$1,930 |
| 3-day Serengeti fly-in from Arusha | US$2,055 |
| 4-day Mara River crossing fly-in | US$3,240 |
Flights are included. Any road safari can also fly one way to save a long drive; ask us for the price.
Luggage Limits and Tips for Light-Aircraft Flights
- Luggage limit: usually about 15 kg per person, including hand luggage, in a soft bag without wheels or frames
- Leave the rest at your Arusha hotel or with us
- Flights are scheduled and can change with the weather; we confirm times when you book
- Leave a buffer before any international connection on your return
- Bring motion-sickness tablets if you need them: small planes can be bumpy
Why Fly-In Safaris Cost More
The flights are the largest part of the price, and they cost the same at every lodge level. In exchange you save a day of driving each way, and the Ngorongoro transit fees a road trip pays. For four days or more, driving with the crater on the way is usually better value; see the 4-day Serengeti and Ngorongoro safari.
Flights add to the cost but replace long drive days, so a fly-in can give you more time in the parks for a similar number of days away. We quote both options so you can compare.
Serengeti Airstrips
| Airstrip | Area |
|---|---|
| Seronera | Central Serengeti |
| Kogatende | Northern Serengeti, Mara River |
| Lobo | North-east |
| Grumeti and Kirawira | Western Corridor |
| Sasakwa | Grumeti area |
We choose the airstrip for your camp and the season. See getting to the Serengeti.
Fly One Way, Drive the Other: Arusha to the Serengeti
A popular compromise is to drive from Arusha through Tarangire and the crater, and fly back from the Serengeti, or the other way round. You see the crater on the road and save the long drive back. Ask us to price it on any safari.
How to Book a Fly-In Safari and Its Flights
Send your dates, the number of travelers (with children's ages) and your lodge level, and we reply with a written quotation naming every lodge. A 30% deposit confirms your safari and the balance is paid on arrival, by Pesapal (card or mobile money) or bank transfer in US dollars.
| 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 |
We book your light-aircraft flights with your safari, matching flight times to your game drives and lodges, and keep you updated if a schedule changes. Bring soft bags and keep essentials in your daypack.
Popular Fly-In Combinations from Arusha and Zanzibar
| Route | Why |
|---|---|
| Zanzibar → Serengeti → Zanzibar | A safari without leaving your beach holiday for long |
| Arusha → Serengeti, drive back via Ngorongoro | Save a day, see the crater on the way |
| Serengeti → Zanzibar | Straight from the bush to the beach |
| Nyerere or Ruaha from Dar es Salaam or Zanzibar | The closest parks to the coast |
See our Serengeti airstrips guide.
Common Questions About Fly-In Safaris in Tanzania
Which airlines do you use for fly-in safaris?
Auric Air and Coastal Aviation, on scheduled flights.
How long is the flight from Arusha to the Serengeti?
About an hour, depending on stops.
How much luggage can I take?
Usually about 15 kg per person in a soft bag.
Can I fly from the Serengeti to Zanzibar?
Yes, on scheduled flights that often stop on the way.
Can we fly one way and drive the other?
Yes. It is a popular way to include the crater and save a long drive.
Can I combine a fly-in with road travel?
Yes: fly one way and drive the other to see the Ngorongoro Crater on the way.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Your guide waits at the airstrip, and we adjust the day's plan.
The Bottom Line
Fly in when you are short of time, going to the far north, or starting from Zanzibar. For four days or more with the crater, driving gives better value.
Send us your dates, the number of travelers (with children's ages) and your lodge level through the form, on WhatsApp +255 678 992 599 or by email to jaynevytours@gmail.com, and our sales team in Moshi will reply with a written quotation.