If you're dreaming of an unforgettable African adventure, a flying safari in Tanzania offers the perfect blend of luxury, convenience, and breathtaking wildlife encounters. Skip the bumpy roads and fly in style to some of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Ruaha. With a Tanzania fly-in safari, you maximize your time on the ground with wildlife while enjoying stunning aerial views of the country’s diverse landscapes.
What is a flying safari in Tanzania?
A flying safari involves traveling between safari destinations in a small aircraft, such as a Cessna Caravan. Instead of spending hours on dusty roads, you soar above the plains, rivers, and mountains, landing directly at airstrips near remote safari lodges. This is ideal for travelers seeking a luxury safari in Tanzania, where time, comfort, and exclusivity are key.
Why Choose a Tanzania Fly-In Safari?
Time-Efficient: Skip long overland drives and spend more time on game drives and bush walks.
Scenic Flights: Enjoy stunning aerial views of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and more.
Access to Remote Camps: Reach exclusive safari lodges in areas inaccessible by road.
Ultimate Comfort: Travel in style with private or shared charter flights.
Top Destinations on a Flying Safari in Tanzania
1. Serengeti National Park
The highlight of any Tanzania flying safari, the Serengeti is world-renowned for the Great Migration, where over a million wildebeest and zebra move across the plains. With multiple airstrips throughout the park, flying in allows direct access to premier lodges like Singita Grumeti, Four Seasons Serengeti, and &Beyond Serengeti Under Canvas.
2. Ngorongoro Crater
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ngorongoro Crater is a wildlife paradise with a high concentration of animals, including lions, elephants, rhinos, and flamingos. A fly-in safari here brings you to the edge of the crater in just minutes from Arusha or the Serengeti.
3. Tarangire National Park
Famous for its giant baobab trees and large elephant herds, Tarangire offers a quieter and more intimate safari experience. It's a perfect first stop on a Northern Circuit fly-in safari in Tanzania.
4. Ruaha National Park
For a more remote and wild safari, fly south to Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park. With fewer tourists, this is a top spot for seeing predators, large herds of buffalo, and incredible birdlife.
5. Zanzibar and the Coast
End your flying safari with a beach escape to Zanzibar, where you can relax on white sand beaches, explore Stone Town, or snorkel in the coral reefs. Flights from the bush to Zanzibar make this transition seamless.
Sample Itinerary: 8-Day Tanzania Flying Safari
Day 1: Arrive in Arusha—overnight in a boutique lodge
Day 2–3: Fly to Tarangire—game drives and sundowners
Day 4: Fly to Ngorongoro—crater descent and wildlife viewing
Day 5–6: Fly to Serengeti—witness the Great Migration
Day 7–8: Fly to Zanzibar—unwind on the beach
Recommended Lodges and Camps
Luxury: Singita Serengeti, &Beyond Ngorongoro Crater Lodge, Elewana Collection
Mid-Range: Lemala Camps, Serena Lodges
Boutique/Eco: Nomad Tanzania, Entara Camps
Best Time for a Flying Safari in Tanzania
June – October: Dry season, excellent wildlife viewing, and migration crossings.
January – March: Calving season in the Serengeti.
April – May: Green season—lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and discounted rates.
Tips for Planning Your African Flying Safari
Luggage: Soft-sided bags only, usually limited to 15–20 kg per person.
Health: A yellow fever certificate may be required. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended.
Photography: Bring a good zoom lens and binoculars for the best wildlife shots.
Book early: High-end lodges and flights fill up quickly during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts
A flying safari in Tanzania is one of the most exciting and luxurious ways to experience Africa’s wilderness. Whether you want to track the Big Five, watch the Great Migration, or relax on Zanzibar’s beaches, this type of safari lets you do it all—faster, smoother, and in style.
Soar above the savannah. Land in the heart of the wild. Discover Tanzania from the sky.
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