Serengeti Fly-in Safaris

Explore the Serengeti from Above: Serengeti Fly-in Safaris

Serengeti Fly-in Safaris offer a thrilling way to explore one of Africa’s most iconic national parks. Instead of the traditional land-based safari, these aerial adventures take you on a journey through the Serengeti skies, giving you a unique view of the wildlife and vast landscapes below. Perfect for those seeking luxury and efficiency, fly-in safaris not only save time but also provide an unparalleled vantage point for spotting animals in their natural habitat.

Why Serengeti Fly-in Safaris are a Must-Do Adventure

Fly-in safaris offer an exciting blend of convenience, luxury, and adventure. Here’s why this type of safari should be on your bucket list:

Aerial Wildlife Viewing: See the Serengeti from the Sky

Imagine soaring over the Serengeti, with vast plains unfolding beneath you, teeming with wildlife. Fly-in safaris give you a bird’s-eye view of the ecosystem, allowing you to spot large herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and even predators like lions and cheetahs from above. The aerial perspective offers a completely new way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Serengeti.

Landing in the Serengeti’s Heartland

Your flight will bring you to one of the Serengeti’s remote airstrips, where your adventure continues. From there, you’ll be transferred to your luxury safari lodge or tented camp, perfectly situated within the park. These accommodations offer an immersive wilderness experience, allowing you to enjoy the Serengeti up close while having all the comforts of a high-end safari.

Immersive Game Drives and Excursions

Once you’ve arrived at your accommodation, it’s time to venture into the park. Game drives are led by experienced guides, offering opportunities for up-close encounters with the Serengeti’s diverse wildlife. During your stay, you can explore iconic landscapes like the Seronera Valley and the Moru Kopjes, or witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration (if visiting during the migration season). There’s also the option to engage in cultural experiences, such as visits to Maasai villages, where you’ll learn about the rich traditions of this indigenous group.

Sample Serengeti Fly-in Safaris Itinerary

Here’s a flexible itinerary to give you an idea of what a Serengeti Fly-in Safari looks like. It’s designed to maximize your time in the Serengeti while offering a mix of adventure and relaxation.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha – Gateway to Your Serengeti Adventure

• Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK): Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your dedicated safari guide who will transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha.

• Overnight Stay in Arusha: After a long flight, relax at your chosen hotel or lodge. This is a great opportunity to unwind, enjoy the local hospitality, and prepare for the exciting safari ahead. Your guide will brief you on the details of your upcoming Serengeti adventure, giving you a rundown of your itinerary and what to expect.

• Dinner: Enjoy a delicious Tanzanian dinner at your lodge or hotel, with a range of options from local delicacies to international dishes.

Day 2: Flight from Arusha to Serengeti – The Start of Your Safari Journey

• Morning Flight to the Serengeti: After an early breakfast, head to Arusha Airport for a scenic flight to the Serengeti National Park. This flight offers stunning aerial views of Tanzania’s landscape, giving you a bird’s-eye perspective of the plains and savannah below.

• Game Drive en Route to Your Accommodation: Upon landing in the Serengeti, you’ll embark on your first game drive as you make your way to your lodge or tented camp. The Serengeti is home to a wide array of wildlife, so keep your camera ready for your first sightings of giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, and possibly even predators like lions or cheetahs.

• Afternoon Exploration: After checking in and enjoying a light lunch at your accommodation, head out for an afternoon game drive. The Serengeti’s vast plains are teeming with life, and your guide will ensure you have the best chance to see a wide range of animals. From elephants to lions, every turn could offer a new opportunity for wildlife viewing.

• Evening at Your Lodge or Camp: Return to your accommodation in the evening for dinner, relaxation, and the chance to discuss the day’s exciting experiences with fellow travelers.

Day 3-4: Immersive Safari Experience – Exploring the Serengeti’s Iconic Wildlife

• Morning and Afternoon Game Drives: For the next two days, enjoy morning and afternoon game drives in the Serengeti, maximizing your chances of spotting a diverse array of wildlife. The early morning and late afternoon are the best times to see animals when they are most active.

• Visit Famous Wildlife Spots: Explore well-known areas like Seronera Valley, a rich ecosystem known for its concentration of predators and prey, and Grumeti River, a key location during the Great Wildebeest Migration. If you’re visiting during the migration season, be sure to witness one of nature’s most remarkable spectacles—the wildebeest and zebra crossings over the Grumeti River. You’ll also have the chance to spot other notable wildlife, including the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros).

• Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari: For a truly unique experience, consider adding a hot air balloon safari (additional cost). Float above the Serengeti’s endless plains as the sun rises, offering unparalleled views of the landscape and wildlife below. This is an unforgettable way to see the park from a completely different perspective.

• Guided Nature Walk: If you’re looking for a more immersive experience, you can also take a guided walking tour with a trained guide. Explore the Serengeti on foot, learning about the park’s flora, fauna, and ecosystem in greater detail.

• Cultural Encounters: Depending on the schedule and your interests, you may also have the opportunity to visit a nearby Maasai village for a cultural exchange. Learn about the Maasai people’s traditions, their close relationship with wildlife, and how they coexist with the Serengeti’s animals.

• Evening Return: After a full day of game drives and adventure, enjoy a relaxed dinner at your lodge or tented camp. Share stories with your fellow travelers and unwind in the serene atmosphere of the Serengeti.

Day 5: Serengeti to Arusha – Reflecting on Your Serengeti Adventure

• Morning Game Drive: On your final morning in the Serengeti, head out for one last game drive to catch any wildlife you may have missed. Early mornings are perfect for spotting predators or seeing animals in the cool morning light. It’s your last chance to experience the Serengeti’s beauty up close.

• Breakfast and Departure: After your morning game drive, return to your lodge for breakfast, then transfer to the Serengeti airstrip for your flight back to Arusha. The flight back offers another opportunity to take in the scenic landscape below, perhaps spotting wildlife from the air.

• Free Time in Arusha: Upon arrival in Arusha, you’ll have some free time to explore the town, shop for souvenirs, or enjoy optional activities such as visiting local markets or museums. You can also enjoy a final Tanzanian meal before your departure.

• Departure: Depending on your onward travel plans, you will be transferred to your hotel for the night or directly to Kilimanajaro International Airport for your return flight. If you’re heading home or onto your next destination, your guide will assist with all travel arrangements to ensure a smooth journey.

Tailor Your Serengeti Fly-in Safari to Your Preferences

This sample itinerary is just a guide, and we’re happy to customize it according to your interests, time frame, and budget. Whether you’re focused on wildlife viewing, cultural immersion, or luxury experiences, we can help create the perfect Serengeti adventure for you.

Top Serengeti Fly-in Safari Highlights You Shouldn’t Miss

A Serengeti Flying Safari offers a range of exciting activities, with one of the biggest highlights being the incredible Great Wildebeest Migration. This awe-inspiring event takes place annually between June and October, when over 1.5 million wildebeests and thousands of zebras migrate from the southern Serengeti plains and Ngorongoro Crater to Masai Mara National Park in Kenya, only to return once again.

During this epic journey, the animals face significant challenges, including the exhaustion of traveling over 3,000 miles. It’s a dramatic survival story where many animals fall prey to predators like lions, cheetahs, and hyenas. The best months to witness this phenomenon are August and September, when the migration reaches its peak, and the dramatic river crossings are at their most intense. By late October, the rains begin, signaling the herds’ return to the southern Serengeti and the Ngorongoro grasslands.

Where to Stay in Serengeti National Park

Accommodations in Serengeti National Park vary from budget-friendly options to luxurious lodges. Your choice depends on your preferences and travel budget. Some of the most popular lodges include:

• Mwiba River Lodge

• Mwiba Wildlife Reserve

• Mbali Mbali Soroi Serengeti Lodge

• Singita Sasakwa Lodge

• Zawadi Serengeti Safari Lodge

Each offers a unique experience, from high-end luxury to more intimate safari stays.

Discover Tarangire National Park

Tarangire National Park, located just a short distance from Arusha, is another incredible destination in Tanzania that shouldn’t be missed on your safari. Known for having the second-largest concentration of wildlife in Tanzania (after the Serengeti), Tarangire is famous for its massive elephant herds. With its stunning landscapes and a rich variety of wildlife, it provides an exceptional experience for visitors.

Wildlife and Scenic Wonders of Tarangire National Park

Tarangire’s landscapes are as diverse as its wildlife. One of its standout features is the striking Baobab trees, some of which are centuries old. These trees are steeped in local legend, believed to have once wandered across the earth on their roots, until the creator stopped them and planted them upside down, ensuring they would never move again. A visit to these ancient trees is a fascinating cultural and historical experience.

In addition to elephants, the park is home to a variety of animals such as wildebeests, buffaloes, gazelles, zebras, and more. The park’s unique scenery, with its savannahs, wetlands, and forests, provides a beautiful backdrop to your safari adventures.

Where to Stay in Tarangire National Park

Whether you’re looking for a budget option or a luxury lodge, Tarangire offers a variety of accommodations that suit all tastes and budgets. Here are some top choices:

• Tanzania Baobab Tented Camp

• Kwa Kuchinia

• Roika Tarangire Tented Lodge

• Tarangire Treetops

• Oliver’s Tented Camp

• Maramboi Tented Camp

• Tarangire Sopa Lodge

• Tarangire Safari Lodge

Each offers a unique experience, ensuring you enjoy the beauty of Tarangire while staying in comfort.

Explore Lake Manyara National Park

Nestled between the Great Rift Valley and Lake Manyara, this park is one of Tanzania’s most beautiful and diverse landscapes. Famous for its tree-climbing lions, the park is home to various habitats, from woodlands and swamps to grasslands and evergreen forests. The stunning Lake Manyara, a shallow alkaline lake, provides a perfect backdrop to the wildlife and flora that call the park home.

Where to Stay in Lake Manyara National Park

Lake Manyara offers accommodation options to suit every traveler, whether you’re looking for luxury or budget-friendly lodges. Some top picks include:

• Lake Manyara Tortillis Camp

• andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge

• Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge

• Lake Manyara Kilimanjaro Lodge

• Lake Manyara Wildlife Lodge

These lodges provide an ideal base for exploring the park’s beauty and wildlife.

Book Your Serengeti Fly-in Safari with Trek Africa Expeditions

At Trek Africa Expeditions, we offer expert safari services across Uganda, Kenya, Congo, Tanzania, and Rwanda. We’re a trusted safari operator in Tanzania and beyond, with a dedicated team ready to handle all your travel needs. Our partnerships with the Tanzania Tourism Board ensure top-notch services throughout your safari journey. Highly rated on TripAdvisor, Trek Africa Expeditions provides personalized itineraries and exceptional experiences. Contact us today to book your Serengeti Fly-in Safari and let us help you plan the adventure of a lifetime.