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Tanzania Fly-in Safaris
A Flying Safari in Tanzania is a special type of safari where travelers use small planes to fly between wildlife parks. Instead of spending hours driving on bumpy roads, you can quickly travel from one park to another by air, making it a faster and more comfortable way to experience Tanzania’s beautiful wildlife and landscapes.
How Flying Safaris Work
Flying safaris use small planes to take travelers between different national parks and wildlife reserves. These planes usually carry a small number of passengers (around 6 to 20 people) and land on airstrips located inside or near the parks. This means that instead of spending hours on the road, you can quickly fly to your next destination, leaving more time for game drives and wildlife viewing.
The safari begins with a flight from a main airport, like Kilimanjaro International Airport (near Arusha), to your first park. After spending time exploring the park, you’ll take another short flight to the next park. This allows you to visit several locations during your trip without getting tired from long car journeys.
The highlight of fly in Safari
- Saves Time
For example, driving from Arusha to the Serengeti can take 7 to 9 hours, but a flight only takes about an hour. Flying safaris help you spend more time watching animals instead of sitting in a car.
- Remote and Exclusive Locations
Enjoy exclusive stays in luxury lodges or camps, offering seclusion and a deep connection to nature.
- Luxury and Comfort
Flying safaris are often designed to be luxurious. Many include stays at high-end lodges or camps that provide excellent service, beautiful rooms, and gourmet meals.
- Flexible Itineraries
Flying safaris are customizable. You can choose to visit just a couple of parks over a few days or explore many locations over a longer period.
Best Destinations on a Tanzania Flying Safari
Tanzania has some of the best national parks and reserves in Africa, famous for their amazing animals and beautiful landscapes. Here are some of the most popular places to visit on a flying safari
The Serengeti is famous for its vast open plains and huge numbers of animals, especially during the Great Migration when millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move across the park. On a flying safari, you can reach different parts of the Serengeti quickly and enjoy the best wildlife viewing without the long drives.
Flying to the Ngorongoro area and then driving into the crater offers an incredible opportunity to see wildlife in a beautiful and rare environment.
It’s a quieter park compared to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, but it has a lot of wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals gather around the rivers. A flying safari allows you to easily combine Tarangire with other nearby parks.
Our Fly-in safaris to Tanzania
Freaquetly asked question about Tanzania Flying Safari
1. How does a flying safari work?
Once you arrive in Tanzania, your safari begins at an international airport like Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar airport or Julius Nyerere in Dar es Salaam. From there, you board a small charter plane that flies you to your first safari destination. The planes typically land on airstrips close to or within the parks, meaning you can step off the plane and almost immediately start your wildlife adventure. After staying at a lodge or tented camp and experiencing guided game drives, walking safaris, or boat rides, you then fly to the next park on your itinerary. This pattern continues for the length of your safari, making it a seamless and hassle-free way to experience multiple destinations.
2. How long is a typical Tanzania flying safari?
Flying safaris can range from short 3- or 4-day excursions to longer 10- or 12-day itineraries, depending on your interests and budget. Shorter safaris might focus on a couple of key parks like the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, while longer ones can include more remote areas like Ruaha and Selous. Most travelers opt for safaris of around 7 to 10 days to fully experience the diversity of Tanzania's wildlife and landscapes.
3. What are the benefits of choosing a flying safari?
Flying safaris offer numerous benefits:
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Time-Saving: Tanzania’s parks are spread out, and road transfers between them can be lengthy and tiring. Flying drastically reduces travel time, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the wildlife and less time on the road.
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Scenic Flights: The aerial views of Tanzania’s dramatic landscapes are a highlight of flying safaris. You’ll get to see the endless plains of the Serengeti, the lush Ngorongoro Crater, and the winding rivers of Selous from a bird’s-eye view.
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Access to Remote Parks: Many parks, like Ruaha and Selous, are hard to reach by road. Flying safaris make these more remote and less-visited destinations easily accessible.
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Comfort and Luxury: Flying safaris often include stays at luxurious lodges or tented camps, offering personalized service, gourmet dining, and comfortable accommodations right in the heart of nature.
4. Are flying safaris safe?
Yes, flying safaris in Tanzania are considered safe. The aircraft used for these trips are well-maintained, and the pilots are highly experienced in flying within the region. Safety regulations are strictly adhered to, and all flights are operated by licensed charter companies with a solid safety record. In the unlikely event of delays or weather-related issues, safari operators ensure alternative arrangements, making safety a top priority.
5. What kind of wildlife will I see on a flying safari?
Tanzania is world-renowned for its rich wildlife, and flying safaris give you access to a wide range of animal species. You’ll have the chance to see the Big Five: lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos. The Great Migration in the Serengeti is a major highlight, where millions of wildebeest and zebras cross the plains in search of fresh grass. You’ll also encounter cheetahs, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles, wildebeest, hyenas, and countless species of birds. Parks like Ruaha and Selous offer the chance to spot rare species such as African wild dogs and large herds of elephants.
6. What should I pack for a flying safari?
Packing for a flying safari requires light luggage due to strict weight limits (around 15 kg or 33 lbs) for small planes. Pack soft-sided bags instead of hard suitcases. Essential items include:
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Light, neutral-colored clothing (beige, khaki) for blending into the environment.
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Warm layers for early morning and evening game drives.
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Comfortable shoes for walking.
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A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
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Binoculars and a good camera for wildlife viewing and photography.
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Basic toiletries, as most lodges provide essentials like soap and shampoo.
7. Can I combine a flying safari with a beach holiday?
Yes, combining a flying safari with a beach holiday is a popular option. After days of exciting wildlife adventures, many travelers choose to unwind on the tropical beaches of Zanzibar or other coastal areas. Zanzibar is just a short flight from mainland Tanzania, making it easy to add a few days of relaxation to your itinerary.
8. Is a flying safari suitable for families?
Flying safaris can be a great option for families, as they reduce long, tiring road transfers. Many lodges and camps cater to families, offering spacious family suites, child-friendly activities, and experienced guides who make the safari experience enjoyable for all ages. However, it’s important to check age restrictions, as some camps may have a minimum age limit for certain activities like walking safaris.