What is a fly-in safari?
A fly-in safari uses small aircraft instead of long drives to reach the national parks. From Zanzibar, flights to Nyerere (Selous) and Saadani are short, and flights to the northern parks, the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, connect through Arusha. Because you save days on the road, you can add the bush to a beach holiday in as little as one day.
How it works, step by step
- Choose your trip. Pick a park and a length, from a day trip to four days.
- We plan the details. We book flights, park fees, guides, vehicles and camps, and confirm timings.
- Transfer and fly. A private vehicle takes you from your hotel to the airport, and a small aircraft flies you to the park.
- Safari. Your guide meets you on the airstrip for a game drive, boat safari or walk.
- Return. You fly back to Zanzibar the same day, or after one or more nights in camp.
Which park should you choose?
- Nyerere (Selous): The largest national park in Tanzania, with boat safaris on the Rufiji River, walking safaris, elephants, hippos and wild dogs. Our most popular day trip and overnight.
- Saadani: The only East African park on the coast, close to Zanzibar, relaxed and good for families.
- Mikumi: Open floodplains with giraffes, elephants and zebras, simple and easy.
- Serengeti: Endless plains, big cats and the Great Migration. Read more about the Serengeti.
- Ngorongoro Crater: A vast volcanic caldera packed with wildlife. See the Ngorongoro Crater guide.
- Tarangire: Elephant herds and ancient baobabs. Learn more about Tarangire.
Day trip, overnight or longer?
A day trip is a good taste of the bush and a perfect first safari. An overnight lets you see animals in the cooler hours of dawn and dusk, and gives you the sounds and stars of a night in camp. A trip of three or four days reaches the famous northern parks and feels closest to a full safari.
The best time to go
June to October is dry, and animals gather near water, so they are easier to see. The green season from November to May is quieter, with beautiful scenery, newborn animals and lower prices, though some roads can be slow. The Great Migration moves through the year, so we advise on timing if it matters to you.
What is included
Our trips normally include return flights, private airport transfers, park fees, a licensed guide and vehicle, and the meals listed in your plan. Tips, insurance and personal spending are extra. Your proposal lists everything clearly.
What to pack
Light, neutral clothes, closed shoes, a hat, sunscreen, binoculars and a warm layer for early flights. Small aircraft have soft-bag limits, so leave large suitcases at your hotel. See our fly-in safari guide for the full list.
Is it safe?
Flights are operated by licensed companies with experienced pilots, and guides are trained to keep you safe near wildlife. Weather and schedules can change, so we monitor your flights and help you rebook if needed. We also advise comprehensive travel insurance.
Fly-in or traditional safari?
A traditional road safari gives you more time in the parks, and it is the right choice if safari is the main reason for your trip. A fly-in safari suits travelers whose main trip is Zanzibar and who want a taste of the bush, or those who want to save time on the longer northern circuit. We can also plan Zanzibar before or after a longer safari. Read Zanzibar before or after safari.
Climbing Kilimanjaro?
Zanzibar is the classic finish to a climb. We arrange flights, transfers and a quiet hotel for recovery. Read our guide to resting in Zanzibar after Kilimanjaro.