Fly in Safaris Tanzania

Overview

Fly-in safaris in Tanzania provide a fast, scenic, and luxurious way to explore the country’s iconic national parks. Instead of spending hours on dusty roads, you’ll board small aircraft that take you directly to remote locations like the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Ruaha, Tarangire, and Selous. This travel style is ideal for those looking to save time, increase comfort, and enjoy a truly immersive safari experience.

One of the most popular options is a fly-in safari in the Serengeti, where you can witness the Great Migration and spot predators such as lions, cheetahs, and leopards. Another favorite is the Ruaha fly-in safari, perfect for guests wanting off-the-beaten-track wildlife experiences in a less-crowded setting.

Tanzania fly-in safaris are well-suited for luxury travelers, families, and honeymooners. They typically include full-board stays at premium lodges or tented camps, guided game drives, and seamless air transfers. Whether you’re flying in from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or booking a fly-in safari from Zanzibar, this type of tour is both time-efficient and unforgettable.

Not sure where to fly into Tanzania for safari? Most fly-in itineraries begin at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha Airport for northern parks, while southern routes often use Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam. From there, bush flights connect you directly to national park airstrips.

With a fly-in African safari in Tanzania, you’ll enjoy spectacular aerial views, quick access to top wildlife spots, and more time spent in nature. Choose a fly-in safari in Tanzania for an exclusive, stress-free adventure across some of Africa most breathtaking landscapes.

Highlights

Ronell Joubert

Reservations Specialist

Why Travel with Us?

Excellent rating
Based on 16 reviews
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Hiked Kilimanjaro (6 days) and went on a Safari (5 days Kilimanjaro Hike was amazing! Our guide (Mollel) and porters were all excellent. They were each knowledgable, encouraging and friendly. They took time to get to know us and understand our needs. They helped us feel comfortable with the challenge and enabled us to enjoy our trek from start to finish!Our Safari was equally outstanding! Again, we had terrific guides (Sam & Tembo). They, too, were knowledgable, accommodating and made each day a super fun adventure for all of us! They were incredible at tracking down all of the Big 5! They even found the black rhinos!The Value for the Money was unreal, as well. I would 100% recommend Soul of Tanzania to anyone who is looking for a once-in-a-lifetime Tanzanian experience!
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Shairanking F
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Unforgettable Safari and experience at its best Journey to Africa My friend and I did a 8 day Safari, starting in Tarangire NP, Serengeti central and South (Ndutu) with big Migration, Ngorongoro crater and Lake Tanganyika. All planning including our wishes and suggestions from Weguide Safari what is best for the time we were traveling were done with WhatsApp. The communication was very easy with very quick respondSo we had an excellent Safari with weguide africa safaris with nice, safe and quite large accommodations and tented camps, including good food.I think our guide Mollel will be the best guide you can find. He has a very good knowledge about animals and their behavior, wildlife and Tanzania culture. Besides he is helpful, friendly and a very good and save driver.We have seen all Big 5 and a great number of other animals living there.He even could find animals hidden under bushes or in trees in a great distance and getting closer we could watch them very, very nearby.My brother with family did the Safari before us with Guide Kennedy. and we all together have the same opinion that this Safari couldn't be topped.It was my best Safari I've done until now and I couldn't imagine getting something better. So much wildlife!!!!I would it recommend to 100%
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GreengatePeter
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SOLO TRIP TO TANZANIA SAFARI WITH WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS ( 100% I RECCOMENDED WEGUID FOR SOLO TRAVELLERS) Tanzania as a safari destination has it all: if this is your first safari and your driving ambition is to get some amazing sightings and to rack up the big 5 as soon as possible then Ngorongoro Conservation Area is probably the best place in the world. Head for the Serengeti, however, if you have time for a longer safari and your goal is to take time to roam – moving as a nomad with the vast herds, or simply skitting across the savannah between the rock outcrops that are the lookout posts of the Serengeti prides. The Serengeti remains for me (alongside Botswana’s Kalahari) as one of the very best places in the world to experience the awe-inspiring vastness of the African wilderness. There is no feeling like being in the middle of the incomparable immensity of the savannah with no other vehicle in sight and a herd of wildebeest stretching as far as the eye can see towards the horizon.
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GoPlaces65996083400
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Tanzanian Romantic Safari for Couple Unforgettable honeymoon - safari & beach holidayOverall, great experience with WeGuide Celia has been extremely helpful in tailoring the itinerary for the safari and has assisted us all along the process.Our guide, Sam, and was always on time and truly did his best to show us all the possible animals within the visited parks. We've had nice lunches (with juice and wine) during the 5 days of Safari and the car was always sparkling clean in the morning when our guide was picking us up :) We would've appreciated our guide to be a bit more involved in the conversation (the answers we got to our questions about birds/animals weren't really detailed and we would've enjoyed talking/getting to know our guide a bit more, especially during our common lunches) but of course this didn't ruin our experience.Our safari was followed by a beach holiday in Zanzibar : Ceci has arranged a pick-up at the airport for us. The hotel (Z hotel in Nungwi) was also great and the honeymoon package made our holiday unforgettable.I can only recommend Soul of Tanzania and Tanzania in general. The safari is a magical experience everyone should have in a lifetime.
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phillip
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Viajero solo en la vida silvestre de Tanzania y safaris de experiencia en Zanzíbar Planeamos nuestro viaje a Tanzania junto con Cecie en weguide Safari. Le hemos dicho aproximadamente lo que queríamos hacer (lago Manyara, Ngorongoro, Serengeti y Zanzibar) y ella sugirió el itinerario y el alojamiento que discutimos y adaptamos juntos. El Serengeti fue probablemente el más impresionante de los parques y tal vez si el tiempo hubiera sido un problema, me habría saltado el lago Manyara para ir directamente al Ngorongoro. (Aunque el alojamiento en el lago Manyara fue increíble, Escarpment Luxury Lodge). Todos los alojamientos tenían algo especial y terminar con un par de días de relax en Zanzíbar fue simplemente perfecto.
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Marion
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Great experience at Mara River (Serengeti) So nice to see and read about sam maasai guide. He was my guide when I visited Tanzania. I also had great game driving experiences, and yes, being patient definitely paid off time after time. We experienced elephants crossing the Mara River, and Sam explained how the matriarch makes the decision to cross and how the elephants would not all cross at once, rather cross in small groups of adults, babies, and elders. We stayed and saw group after group cross and come up the bak of the river directly beside our vehicle,. We also saw a group in the river stop and surround each other and then there was trumpeting by the herd on both sides of the river. Sam explained that they must have sensed danger like crockerdiles, and that they would reteat back; that’s exactly what happened and the trumpeting continued on both sides of the river for a while. When we returned to the Mara River Camp that evening, everyone was envious of our experience and commented how much they loved to have heard the elephants communicating. Like you and your son, we had great experiences every day. Love your photos and descriptions. It’s truly the trip of a lifetime
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Whistler
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Mikumi National park and Zanzibar island The Mikumi National Park is located in eastern Tanzania, some 100 kms south of Morogoro and 280 km west of Dar Es Salaam. It is next to the Selous Reserve and a few kilometers from the Udzungwa Mountains National Park. The wildlife includes monkeys, lions, leopards, panthers, elephants, giraffes zebras, hipos, etc. Approximately 360 different species of birds have been spotted. The park is very popular and is easily accessible from Dar Es Salaam. It is specially equipped for bird watching. Greenery includes the miombo forest which is dominated by Brachystegia spp. The Combretum-Terminalia forest is common between the hills and the plains along the river.In this lower part dominated by Acacia spp, Adansonia digitata baobab and Sterculia appendiculata and the top of gallery forest and riparian dense scrub along rivers Mgoda, Kikobogo and Mkata. The ebony Dalbergia melanoxylon, Sclerocarya caffra, Cassia abbreviata flabellifer and Hyphaene Borassus Ventricosa, Balanites aegyptiaca and Ficus spp are all very close to each other. They are common and important to elephants and baboona. A truly unforgettable experience. with weguide afrkca safaris
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ASHLEY P
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"Zanzibar family trip excursion" "This was our first trip with WeGuide Africa Safari - I believe it's no coincidence that the Bradt Africa guides are simply the best ones on the market and that WeGuide Africa are extraordinary in the depth of their knowledge of the situation on the ground and in their capacity to coordinate and synchronise everything to make it an excellent trip for a family with young children In Zanzibar excursion .We stayed Luxury property at Zuri hotel in Zanzibar .I saw some of the most amazing sights and things in Africa, which I would not have found without the guidance of WeGuide Africa Safari . And for the unforseeable and unavoidable occasional hick ups, the team is there to help where they can.I hope WeGuide Africa Safari stays a well kept secret
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Wilton Backer
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conquérir le Kilimandjaro" super 7 jours via machame route Bonjour mes amis de TripAdvisor.Je m'appelle Xavier.Je viens de rentrer d'une randonnée INCROYABLE sur le mont Kilimandjaro avec weguide Africa Safaris. J'y suis allé avec Erick le guide et il était IMPRESSIONNANT. Erick m'a tellement aidé à me sentir à l'aise tout au long du voyage et il m'a fait me sentir plus fort simplement en étant en sa présence.Tout d'abord, weguide Africa Safaris m'a aidé à chaque étape du processus de courrier électronique pour planifier le voyage. Ils sont tellement professionnels et organisés et m'ont fait me sentir vraiment très à l'aise et bienvenu pour voyager dans un pays étranger. (je viens de la FR)Je savais que c'était la bonne entreprise pour moi juste par la manière organisée et professionnelle de leurs e-mails. Ils vous guident à chaque étape.Si vous essayez de décider avec quelle compagnie escalader le Kilimandjaro ou avec quelle compagnie partir en safari, C'EST LA SEULE. WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS est vraiment incroyable avec de très bons prix aussi.J'ai escaladé le mont Kilimandjaro avec Erick The Guide et il était un professeur tellement spectaculaire avec qui partager le voyage. Il avait tellement de connaissances sur la montagne et il a un VRAI amour pour la nature et l'exploration. . Erick The Guide et tout l'équipage qui nous a accompagnés étaient géniaux. L'équipage de porteurs que nous avions avec nous était tellement sympathique et accueillant. Ils m'ont vraiment fait me sentir chez moi pendant tout le voyage.Je sais que beaucoup de gens ont peur de voyager à cause de COVID. Mais je ne pense pas que cela devrait vous empêcher de venir en Afrique.Si quoi que ce soit, je pense que c'est le moment le plus courageux et le plus spontané pour parcourir le monde.J'ai passé un très bon moment avec WEGUIDE AFRICA SAFARIS et je pense que c'est le moment idéal pour explorer le monde. Allez saisir cette chance et VOYAGEZ. Cela pourrait juste changer votre vie.Erick The Guide et weuide Africa Safaris - vous étiez tous les meilleurs et je vous remercie de m'avoir donné l'opportunité d'escalader le mont Kilimandjaro.Quiconque lit ces mots - weguide Africa Safaris est super sympa, super professionnel et super organisé et ils ont des prix imbattables. N'ayez pas peur de suivre votre cœur. Le monde est fait pour être exploré.Merci Erick et toute l'équipe de weguide Africa Safaris qui ont facilité mon voyage. Je suis très reconnaissant de vous avoir trouvé.
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XAVIER
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Tanzania wildlife familiy safari with weguide africa safaris great company in Tanzania The trip was definitely a wonderful experience. The guide was very good, and that is one of the most important parts of a trip like this.Ngorongoro and Serengeti are two fantastic places, and we had the rare privilege of visiting with very little tourism, really feeling and breathing the place.With my current experience, I will change the first part of the trip avoiding lake Manyara and the long transfer of the first day, and planning at least two safaris in the crater
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Where to go in Tanzania on your Fly in Safaris Tanzania

Serengeti National Park – Tanzania’s Wildlife Paradise The Serengeti National Park stands as one of Africa most iconic wildlife destinations. Furthermore, this remarkable park offers visitors an unforgettable safari experience…

Gombe National Park, nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika in western Tanzania, stands as the country’s smallest national park. Despite its size, this remarkable park holds immense global significance….

Lake Ndutu, located in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stands as a pivotal destination in Tanzania’s northern safari circuit. Indeed, this shallow, alkaline lake and its surrounding plains become the epicenter…

Nyerere National Park, formerly the northern part of the vast Selous Game Reserve, stands as Tanzania largest and newest national park. It encompasses an enormous area. Indeed, this sprawling wilderness…

Ruaha National Park, centrally located in Tanzania, stands as the country’s second-largest national park. It covers an expansive area of approximately 20,226 square kilometers. Therefore, this vastness contributes to its…

Lake Manyara National Park, nestled at the base of the Great Rift Valley escarpment, offers a uniquely diverse safari experience in northern Tanzania. Though smaller than some of its famous…

Tarangire National Park, located in northern Tanzania, stands out as a premier safari destination. This remarkable park is famous for its immense elephant population and iconic baobab trees. It truly…

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Frequently Asked Question About Fly in Safaris Tanzania

A fly-in safari involves taking light aircraft flights between different safari destinations or directly to airstrips within national parks, minimizing long and often bumpy road transfers. Instead of driving for many hours between parks, you take short, scenic flights. Upon arrival at a bush airstrip, a safari vehicle from your chosen lodge or camp will meet you, and your game drives typically begin shortly after landing. This maximizes your time spent on game viewing and reduces travel fatigue.

  • Time-Saving: This is the biggest advantage. You save countless hours that would otherwise be spent driving on sometimes challenging roads, allowing you to spend more time on game drives and enjoying your camp.
  • Access to Remote Parks: Some of Tanzania’s most wild and pristine parks, like Ruaha and Mahale Mountains, are best (or only practically) accessed by air.
  • Reduced Travel Fatigue: Avoid the long, dusty, and bumpy drives, making for a more comfortable and refreshing safari experience.
  • Spectacular Aerial Views: Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the vast plains, Rift Valley, volcanic landscapes, and even wildlife from above. It’s a unique perspective.
  • More Time in Camps/Lodges: By cutting down travel time, you get more leisure time to relax and enjoy the amenities of your chosen accommodation.
  • Local Guides: In many fly-in safari arrangements, your game drives are conducted by guides from the specific camp or lodge you are staying at. These guides are often highly specialized and have extensive local knowledge of the area and its wildlife, as they operate in that particular zone daily.

Fly-in safaris are generally more expensive than driving safaris due to the cost of domestic flights. The exact price varies widely based on:

  • Flight legs: The number of flights you take.
  • Lodge/Camp standard: Luxury fly-in safaris staying at exclusive camps will be significantly more expensive.
  • Season: Peak season (June-October) flight and accommodation costs are higher.
  • Duration: Longer safaris involve more flights and accommodation nights.

Roughly, you can expect to pay anywhere from $600 to $2,000+ per person per day for a fly-in safari, depending on the level of luxury and itinerary.

This is a crucial consideration! Light aircraft have strict luggage limitations due to weight and space constraints. Typically, you are limited to:

  • 15-20 kg (33-44 lbs) per person, including hand luggage.
  • Soft-sided bags/duffel bags are mandatory. Hard-sided suitcases cannot be accommodated in the small luggage compartments of the aircraft.
  • It’s always best to check the specific limits with your safari operator, as they can vary slightly by airline and aircraft type.

Domestic airlines operate scheduled and charter flights to numerous airstrips located within or very close to Tanzania’s national parks and major safari hubs. Common airstrips include:

  • Seronera (Central Serengeti)
  • Kogatende/Lamai (Northern Serengeti)
  • Ndutu (Southern Serengeti)
  • Lake Manyara Airstrip
  • Tarangire Airstrip
  • Ruaha Airstrip
  • Mtemere/Siwandu (Nyerere National Park/Selous)
  • Kigoma/Mahale (for chimpanzee trekking)

Major international airports for connecting flights are Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) in Dar es Salaam, and Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) in Zanzibar.

Most domestic safari flights in Tanzania are operated by reputable local airlines using small, light aircraft such as:

  • Cessna Caravans (often 12-13 seaters)
  • Twin Otters
  • Other similar turboprop planes. These aircraft are specifically designed for short take-offs and landings on bush airstrips and offer excellent viewing opportunities.

Absolutely! Fly-in safaris are perfect for combining with a relaxing beach holiday in Zanzibar. You can easily fly from the Serengeti or other safari parks directly to Zanzibar, or vice versa, maximizing your time for both adventure and relaxation without lengthy transfers.

A fly-in safari is ideal for:

  • Travelers with limited time who want to maximize their safari experience.
  • Those seeking a more luxurious and comfortable journey.
  • Visitors wanting to explore remote and less-visited parks.
  • Individuals who prefer to avoid long road journeys.
  • Photographers looking for aerial perspectives of the landscape.