Book a Tanzania drive-in fly-out safari and enjoy a seamless, time-saving wildlife adventure through the Northern Circuit. Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its vast elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and rich wildlife. Continue to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five in a single day.
Tanzania drive-in fly-out safari is designed for those who want a quick wildlife adventure with a convenient return. You will drive from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire, then fly back to Arusha from a nearby airstrip on the final day. This 2-day drive-in fly-out safari in Tanzania maximizes your time in the parks by removing the long return drive. Experience the Big Five with expert guides and enjoy a scenic aerial view of the Rift Valley.
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a driver will transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. The 50-kilometer drive takes about 1 hour. This day is for resting and receiving a briefing for your 2-day drive-in fly-out safari in Tanzania. You may catch a view of Mount Meru from your hotel. Your guide will confirm your flight details for the second day, ensuring a smooth transition from the bush back to the city at the end of your tour.
Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport
Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel
mid rage 3 star lodge
Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will drive 120 kilometers to Tarangire National Park. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. You will spend the day searching for lions, leopards, and Tarangire’s famous elephant herds. A positive and unexpected moment often happens when you see a leopard resting in a baobab tree, providing a great photography opportunity. You will enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before heading to your accommodation in the Karatu area for dinner and a restful night.
Destination: Tarangire
Accommodation: African Sunrise Lodge
mid rage 3 star lodge
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today, you explore the Ngorongoro Crater, a world-class site for spotting the rare black rhino. You will spend the morning viewing wildlife on the crater floor. An unexpected positive highlight often occurs as you watch a pride of lions using the shade of your vehicle. After a picnic lunch, your driver will take you to the Lake Manyara Airstrip. Your 2-day Tanzania drive-in fly-out safari concludes with a 30-minute flight back to Arusha, offering stunning views of the Great Rift Valley from the air.
Destination: Ngorongoro Crater
Accommodation: Gold Crest Hotel
mid rage 3 star lodge
Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We offer two pricing options:
The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.
Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.
| No of pax | Adult | Child |
|---|---|---|
| 1 pax | $0  pp | $0  pp |
| 2 pax | $0  pp | $0  pp |
| 3 pax | $0  pp | $0  pp |
| 4 pax | $0  pp | $0  pp |
| 5 pax | $0  pp | $0  pp |
| 6 pax | $0  pp | $0  pp |
| 7 pax | $0  pp | $0  pp |
| Adult | Child |
|---|---|
| $0  pp | $0  pp |
The Booking Form
Book a Tanzania drive-in fly-out safari and enjoy a seamless, time-saving wildlife adventure through the Northern Circuit. Begin your journey with a scenic drive to Tarangire National Park, known for its vast elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and rich wildlife. Continue to the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in Africa to spot the Big Five in a single day.
N.B: After you send your booking we will get back to you with in 24 hours.
What does the 2-day drive-in fly-out safari to Tarangire and the crater actually involve?
This specific travel style starts with a scenic drive from Arusha to reach the wildlife areas. On the final afternoon, instead of driving back, you take a small bush plane to your next destination. This saves several hours of road travel and provides a stunning aerial view of the Rift Valley. It is the most efficient way to maximize your time in the bush.
Are there luggage restrictions for this air-linked excursion?
Since the return leg involves a light aircraft flight, there is usually a strict weight limit of 15kg per person. It is important to use soft-sided bags that can fit easily into the small cargo pods of the plane. If you have extra gear, we can arrange for it to be transported back to Arusha by road while you fly. This ensures you do not have to worry about your belongings during the game drives.
Can we see the Big Five during this short Tanzanian trip?
Even though the trip is only two days, you have an excellent chance of spotting the famous Big Five. Tarangire is packed with elephants and lions, while the Ngorongoro Crater is one of the best places to find the rare black rhino. Your guide will prioritize high density areas to make every minute count. You will be amazed at how much wildlife you can see in such a short window.
Is it possible to fly out to Zanzibar after the 2-day drive-in fly-out safari to Tarangire and the crater concludes?
Many travelers choose to head straight to the beach after their time in the wild. We can easily book your flight from the Lake Manyara airstrip directly to the island instead of returning to Arusha. This alteration allows you to go from the dusty plains to the turquoise ocean in just a couple of hours. It is a popular way to combine adventure and relaxation.
How long is the drive on the first day to the park?
The initial journey from Arusha takes about two to three hours on well maintained roads. You will pass through vibrant local towns and see the changing landscape as you approach the Tarangire gate. This drive is a great way to see the Tanzanian countryside before the game viewing begins. Your guide will share stories about the local culture along the way.
What kind of amenities can I expect at the selected lodges?
We choose high quality lodges or tented camps that offer comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and delicious dining. Most properties also feature a swimming pool where you can relax after a busy day on the plains. You will find that even in the heart of the wild, the service and hospitality are top notch. Electricity and hot water are standard features at all our partner locations.
What is the flight experience like at the end of the trip?
The bush plane flight is an adventure in itself, offering a bird's eye perspective of the diverse landscape. You might see the shimmering waters of Lake Manyara or the steep walls of the Great Rift Valley from above. It is a smooth and scenic way to conclude your two day adventure without the fatigue of a long road journey. The pilots are very experienced and often point out landmarks during the flight.
When is the ideal time to book this specific itinerary?
The dry season from June to October is perfect because wildlife gathers around permanent water sources. However, the green season from November to May offers beautiful scenery and lower prices for those on a budget. Both parks are year round destinations that never fail to impress. We recommend booking at least six months in advance to secure the best flight seats and lodge rooms.
Can we add a Maasai village visit before our flight out?
Yes, we can include a cultural stop at a local boma on the second morning before heading to the airstrip. This allows you to experience the rich traditions of the Maasai people alongside your wildlife sightings. It adds a wonderful human element to your short trip and supports local communities. This activity usually takes about an hour and is very rewarding.
What type of vehicle is used for the ground portion of the trip?
You will travel in a custom built 4x4 Land Cruiser with a pop-up roof for the best wildlife photography. These vehicles are designed to handle the rugged terrain of the parks while keeping you comfortable. Each seat is a window seat to ensure no one misses a thing during the game drives. The vehicle also comes equipped with a cooler for your drinks and charging ports for your devices.
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