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Serengeti Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar
Already staying in Zanzibar and wondering if you can add the Serengeti to your holiday?
Yes; you can fly from Zanzibar to the Serengeti and start your safari after landing.
Direct Flights from Zanzibar
Fly from Zanzibar to airstrips serving different areas of the Serengeti.
2–5+ Day Safari Options
Choose a short Serengeti escape or a longer, more immersive safari.
Year-Round Wildlife Viewing
Experience the Serengeti throughout the year, with itineraries matched to the season.
Great Migration Experiences
Plan around seasonal migration movements and the most suitable Serengeti region for your travel dates.
What Is a Serengeti Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar?
A fly-in safari means using a domestic safari flight to travel from Zanzibar to an airstrip in or serving the Serengeti safari area.
Instead of travelling from Zanzibar to the mainland and spending many hours reaching the Serengeti by road, flying allows you to get much closer to the area where your safari will take place.
Once you land, your safari guide meets you and you continue by safari vehicle
Your journey can look like this:
Zanzibar Hotel → Zanzibar Airport → Safari Flight → Serengeti Airstrip → Meet Your Guide → Game Drive → Safari Camp/Lodge
At the end of your safari, you can fly back toward Zanzibar or continue to another destination according to your itinerary.
How Does a Serengeti Safari from Zanzibar Work?
1. Start From Your Zanzibar Hotel
Your safari begins in Zanzibar.
Depending on your package, a transfer can be arranged from your accommodation to the airport.
4. Meet Your Safari Guide
After landing, your guide meets you at the agreed airstrip.
From here, you continue by safari vehicle.
2. Fly from Zanzibar Toward the Serengeti
At the airport, you check in for your domestic safari flight.
Safari flights normally use smaller aircraft than international flights.
5. Explore the Serengeti
Your days are then spent exploring the Serengeti on game drives.
3. Land at a Serengeti Airstrip
The airstrip used should be selected according to where you are staying and which part of the Serengeti you intend to explore.
6. Fly Back to Zanzibar or Continue Your Journey
At the end of your safari, you return to the appropriate airstrip for your onward flight.
Where Do You Land in the Serengeti?
Choosing the Right Serengeti Airstrip Matters
This is one of the most important things for first-time visitors to understand.
The Serengeti isn't one small safari park with one airport.
It covers an enormous area, and different airstrips provide access to different regions.
Your airstrip should therefore be chosen based on your camp location, itinerary, season and wildlife interests.
Seronera – Central Serengeti
Seronera is an important access point for Central Serengeti.
Central Serengeti is particularly useful for travelers looking for a year-round safari experience and is home to numerous accommodation options.
For many first-time Serengeti visitors, Central Serengeti can provide a practical starting point.
Best suited for: Year-round Serengeti safaris and Central Serengeti itineraries.
Kogatende – Northern Serengeti
Kogatende provides access to Northern Serengeti.
This region becomes especially sought after when travelers are interested in the Great Migration's movements around the northern Serengeti and Mara River area.
It is a remote part of the ecosystem, which makes flying particularly useful.
Best suited for: Northern Serengeti itineraries, particularly when seasonal wildlife movements make the north the focus.
Southern Serengeti / Ndutu Area
The southern Serengeti ecosystem becomes particularly important during the period when large migratory herds use the southern plains.
Itineraries focusing on this region should be planned carefully according to the season, accommodation location and appropriate air access.
Best suited for: Seasonal southern Serengeti and Ndutu-area itineraries.
Which Part of the Serengeti Should I Visit?
Don't Choose the Airstrip First — Choose the Safari Experience First
Tell us:
When are you traveling? How many safari days do you have? Is seeing the Great Migration important to you? What type of accommodation do you prefer? What is your approximate budget?
From there, we can recommend the Serengeti region, accommodation and airstrip that make sense for your trip.
Sample itineraries for fly in Serengeti safari from Zanzibar. Compare and choose your favourite package.
Only Serengeti National Park
Explore the park with a professional safari guide in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the park with a professional safari guide in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
Only Serengeti National Park
Explore the park with a professional safari guide in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the park with a professional safari guide in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
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Only Serengeti National Park
Explore the park with a professional safari guide in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
Northern Serengeti & Ngorongoro Crater
Explore the park with a professional safari guide in a 4x4 safari vehicle.
Fly-In Safari to Serengeti from Zanzibar & Arusha – Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is a fly-in safari to Serengeti?
A fly-in safari to Serengeti National Park is a premium travel experience that allows you to reach the park by light aircraft instead of traveling long distances overland. Rather than spending many hours driving from Arusha, you fly directly into the heart of the Serengeti and begin your wildlife experience almost immediately upon arrival. This approach minimizes travel fatigue and maximizes your time in the wilderness, making it an ideal option for travelers seeking both efficiency and comfort.
2. Who should choose a fly-in safari in Tanzania?
A fly-in safari in Tanzania is best suited for travelers who value comfort, time efficiency, and a more refined safari experience. It is particularly appealing to honeymooners, couples, and visitors combining a beach stay in Zanzibar with a wildlife adventure, as well as those who prefer to avoid long and demanding road journeys. It also suits travelers with limited time who want to experience the Serengeti without compromising on quality.
3. Where does a fly-in safari to Serengeti depart from?
A fly-in safari to the Serengeti typically departs from Zanzibar or Arusha, which are the main hubs for safari travel in northern Tanzania. Zanzibar is ideal for travelers combining a beach holiday with a safari, while Arusha serves as the primary gateway for traditional safari itineraries. Depending on your travel plan, connections can be arranged to ensure a smooth and coordinated journey.
4. How long is a fly-in safari flight to Serengeti and what is the experience like?
The flight duration for a fly-in safari to the Serengeti generally ranges from about one hour when departing from Arusha to approximately two to three hours when flying from Zanzibar. The journey is conducted in a small aircraft designed for safari access, offering a more intimate and scenic experience compared to commercial flights. Passengers often enjoy panoramic views of the landscape below, making the flight itself a memorable part of the overall safari experience.
5. Where do you land during a fly-in safari in Serengeti?
During a fly-in safari in Serengeti National Park, you will land at one of several airstrips located within different regions of the park, depending on your lodge location and the time of year. Central areas such as Seronera are active year-round, while northern and southern airstrips are used strategically to place you closer to key wildlife events such as the migration or calving season. This ensures that your safari begins in the most rewarding location possible.
6. What wildlife can I expect during a fly-in safari in Serengeti?
A fly-in safari in the Serengeti offers access to one of the richest wildlife ecosystems in Africa, where visitors can expect to see a wide variety of animals throughout the year. Common sightings include lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and numerous antelope species, along with predators such as cheetahs and leopards. While wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, the abundance and diversity found in the Serengeti make the experience consistently rewarding.
7. Can I see the Big Five on a fly-in safari in Serengeti?
Seeing the Big Five is possible during a fly-in safari in the Serengeti, as the park is home to lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceros. While rhinos are more difficult to spot due to their limited and protected habitats, experienced guides use their knowledge and tracking skills to maximize your chances of sightings. Even when not all five are seen, the overall wildlife experience remains exceptional.
8. When is the best time for a fly-in safari in Serengeti?
The best time for a fly-in safari in the Serengeti depends on the type of wildlife experience you are seeking, as the park offers excellent viewing throughout the year. The dry season from June to October is ideal for general wildlife viewing, while the period from December to March is known for the calving season in the southern plains. The famous migration river crossings usually take place between July and October in the northern Serengeti, attracting many travelers during this period.
9. What accommodation is included in a fly-in safari in Serengeti?
A fly-in safari in the Serengeti typically includes accommodation in carefully selected lodges and tented camps that range from comfortable mid-range options to high-end luxury properties. These accommodations are designed to provide both immersion in nature and modern comfort, often featuring spacious rooms, en-suite facilities, and attentive service. Many are located in prime wildlife areas, allowing guests to enjoy close proximity to the natural environment.
10. Are meals included in a fly-in safari package?
Meals are usually included in a fly-in safari package on a full-board basis, meaning that breakfast, lunch, and dinner are provided throughout your stay. The quality of dining is generally high, with many lodges offering a combination of international and locally inspired cuisine. In more exclusive camps, beverages and unique dining experiences may also be part of the package, enhancing the overall safari experience.