3 Days Serengeti Migration Fly-in Drive-out Safari

Witness the Great Migration with our 3-Day Serengeti Migration fly in drive out safari. Fly to the North for river crossings and drive back via Ngorongoro Crater.

Experience the Great Migration: 3-Day Serengeti Fly-In Drive-Out Safari

This tour offers an efficient way to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration. You fly directly into the heart of the action in Northern Serengeti to maximize game viewing time. After witnessing dramatic river crossings, you drive through Central Serengeti and visit the Ngorongoro Crater before returning to Arusha. It is a perfect choice for travelers with limited time who want to see Tanzania's most famous wildlife spectacles without long initial road journeys.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha fly to Northern Serengeti (half-day game drive)
Day 2
Northern Serengeti (Migration game drive) to Central Serengeti
Day 3
Central Serengeti (morning big 5 game drive) drive to Arusha
Duration 3 Days
🚙
Tour Mode Fly In – Drive Out
🎯
Main Tour Focus Serengeti Migration
Tour Type Private Safari
Destination/Accommodation
Start/End
arusha
Tour Starting & Ending Point
1
Day 1
Northern Serengeti
Overnight: Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp
2
Day 2
Northern Serengeti
Overnight: Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
3
Day 3
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Kibo Palace Hotel

Arrival Day: Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Arrival Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will meet your driver for a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha. The drive takes about one hour and passes through local villages and coffee farms. This evening includes a safari briefing to prepare you for your flight the next morning. A positive moment many guests experience is seeing the towering peak of Mount Meru glowing in the sunset as they reach the city.

Destination: Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation: Mount Meru Hotel

  luxury 4 star lodge

Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images
Mount Meru Hotel Images

Meals & Drinks: Lunch, Dinner

Day 1: Arusha fly to Northern Serengeti (half-day game drive)

Arusha fly to Northern Serengeti (half-day game drive)

Your journey begins with a morning flight from Arusha Airport to Kogatende Airstrip, which takes about 90 minutes. Flying over the Serengeti allows you to see the vastness of the plains from above. After landing, your guide will pick you up for a game drive along the Mara River to look for the Great Migration herds. You will spend the afternoon watching for wildebeest crossings and crocodiles. A strange but exciting moment often occurs when a group of hippos decides to join a river crossing, creating a chaotic and loud scene in the water.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Mara Kati Kati Tented Camp

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Northern Serengeti (Migration game drive) to Central Serengeti

Northern Serengeti (Migration game drive) to Central Serengeti

After breakfast, you will spend the morning tracking the herds in the north before starting your drive toward the Central Serengeti. This route covers approximately 100 kilometers and takes about 5 to 6 hours because you will be viewing wildlife along the way. You will transition from the hilly north to the flat, golden grasslands of the Seronera Valley. A lucky moment for many is spotting a cheetah coalition hunting in the open plains near the Togoro area. You will arrive at your camp in Central Serengeti by evening for dinner.

Destination: Northern Serengeti

Accommodation: Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge

  luxury 5 star lodge

Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge
Serengeti Melia Safari Lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Central Serengeti (morning big 5 game drive) drive to Arusha

Central Serengeti (morning big 5 game drive) drive to Arusha

The final day starts with an early morning game drive in the Seronera Valley to find the Big Five. This area is famous for its resident pride of lions and leopards that live near the river loops. After a picnic lunch, you will begin the long drive back to Arusha, which covers about 320 kilometers and takes roughly 8 hours. You will pass through the Ngorongoro Conservation Area during the transit. An unexpected positive moment often happens near the park gate where a massive elephant might be standing right beside the road, allowing for a close-up photo.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Kibo Palace Hotel

  mid rage 3 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch

TOUR PRICE/COST

We offer two pricing options:

  •   Private Tour (Sharing Price)
  • The cost is shared within your private group. More people means a lower price per person.

  •   Group Joining Tour
  • Join others on a fixed-date tour at a set per-person rate—ideal for solo travelers or small groups.

    Private (Shared) Price

    No of pax Adult Child
    1 Pax $1,349 pp $1,012 pp
    2 Pax $949 pp $712 pp
    3 Pax $816 pp $612 pp
    4 Pax $749 pp $562 pp
    5 Pax $709 pp $532 pp
    6 Pax $682 pp $512 pp
    7+ Pax $663 pp $497 pp

    PRICE INCLUSIONS & PRICE EXCLUSIONS

    Inclusions
  •  Rescue fee
  •  Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  •  All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
  •  All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  •  Rescue fee
  •  Meals (as specified in the day-by-day description)
  •  All accommodation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional upgrade)
  •  All transportation mentioned (unless clearly labeled as optional)
  •  All Taxes/VAT
  • Exclusions
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  •  International flights to/from the start/end of the tour
  •  Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
  •  Tips: tipping guideline
  •  Personal items
  •  Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 3 Days Serengeti Migration Fly-in Drive-out Safari

    What is the best time to book a 3-Day Serengeti Migration fly in drive out safari?

    The best time for this specific itinerary is from July to October when the migration is in the Northern Serengeti. During these months, you have the highest chance of seeing the wildebeest cross the Mara River. Planning your trip during this window ensures you see the largest herds in a short timeframe.

    Is the flight from Arusha to the Serengeti included in the package?

    Yes, the domestic flight from Arusha or Manyara to the Northern Serengeti is a core part of this 3-day migration safari. This flight is essential to minimize travel time and maximize your wildlife viewing experience. We handle all the flight bookings and transfers to the airport for you.

    Can I see the Big Five during this 3-day migration safari in Serengeti Migration?

    While the focus is on the wildebeest migration, you have a very high chance of seeing all the Big Five. The Serengeti is home to lions, leopards, buffaloes, and elephants, while the Ngorongoro Crater is the best spot for rhinos. Most guests manage to spot all five over the course of these three days.

    What kind of aircraft is used for the fly in portion of the trip?

    Small bush planes like the Cessna Caravan or Dash 8 are typically used for these flights. They carry between 12 to 20 passengers and offer great views of the landscape from above. Because these are small planes, there is usually a luggage limit of 15 kilograms in soft-sided bags.

    How much driving is involved in the drive out portion of the safari?

    The drive out starts on day two from the North to Central Serengeti and continues on day three to Ngorongoro and Arusha. You will spend several hours in the vehicle, but most of this time is spent game viewing through the park. The final stretch from the Ngorongoro gate back to Arusha is about 3 to 4 hours on a paved road.

    Are meals and water provided during the game drives?

    We provide all meals, including picnic lunches for full-day game drives and breakfast and dinner at your lodges. Plenty of bottled mineral water is available in the safari vehicle at all times to keep you hydrated. You do not need to worry about food while you are out in the wilderness.

    Can this 3-day Serengeti Migration fly in drive out safari be customized for families?

    Yes, we can adjust the pace and accommodation choices to suit families with children. We can select lodges with family rooms and ensure the vehicle has enough space for everyone to be comfortable. The fly-in aspect is actually very helpful for families because it reduces the long hours spent on the road.

    What should I pack for a 3-day migration safari?

    You should pack light clothing in neutral colors like khaki or olive green. Bring a warm jacket for early morning game drives in Ngorongoro as it gets quite cold on the crater rim. Do not forget a good pair of binoculars, a camera with extra batteries, and sun protection like a hat and sunscreen.

    What happens if we do not see a river crossing on the second day?

    Nature is unpredictable, so river crossings are never guaranteed even in the peak season. However, our guides stay in constant radio contact with others to locate where the herds are moving. Even if a crossing does not happen, you will still see massive herds and plenty of predator activity in the area.

    Is there mobile network coverage during the safari?

    Most lodges and camps in the Serengeti and Ngorongoro offer Wi-Fi in the common areas or lounge. Mobile network coverage is available in many parts of the park, though it can be spotty in remote areas like the Mara River. You will be able to check emails or send photos back home most evenings.

    REVIEWS FOR Experience the Great Migration: 3-Day Serengeti Fly-In Drive-Out Safari

    Write a Review

    the wildebeest movement

    5/5

    The flight into the North was so fast and saved us a lot of energy. We saw a river crossing on the very first afternoon which was lucky. Our guide from Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was very patient while we waited for the wildebeest to move.

    By: Elena Rossi
    From: Flag AR

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    Ngorongoro Crater was much bigger

    5/5

    This was a short but very intense trip that covered all the highlights we wanted to see. The Ngorongoro Crater was much bigger than I imagined and full of animals. Everything was well organized from the airport pickup to the drop off.

    By: Samuel Jenkins
    From: Flag GB

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    Ngorongoro Crater was much bigger

    5/5

    This was a short but very intense trip that covered all the highlights we wanted to see. The Ngorongoro Crater was much bigger than I imagined and full of animals. Everything was well organized from the airport pickup to the drop off.

    By: Samuel Jenkins
    From: Flag GB

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    Serengeti Migration fly in drive out

    5/5

    enjoyed the 3-day Serengeti Migration fly in drive out safari because it allowed me to see the North without the long drive. The small plane flight was smooth and the views of the plains were beautiful. We saw many lions in the Central Serengeti area

    By: Hiroshi Tanaka
    From: Flag BG

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    the highlight of my trip

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD provided a great vehicle with a pop-up roof that made photography very easy. We saw a rhino in the crater which was the highlight of my trip. The transition from the Serengeti to Arusha was handled very professionally.

    By: Clara Meyer
    From: Flag DE

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    The Mara River wildebeest crossing

    5/5

    Excellent way to see the migration if you only have a few days in Tanzania. The Mara River area was crowded with wildebeest and the action was constant. Our guide knew exactly where to park the car for the best views.

    By: David Thompson
    From: Flag SD

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    Unforgettable safari

    5/5

    I loved the contrast between the vast Serengeti plains and the deep Ngorongoro Crater. Flying in made the trip feel very luxury and gave us more time for wildlife. The food at the camps was surprisingly good for being in the middle of nowhere.

    By: Isabelle Laurent
    From: Flag DK

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    migration safari in Serengeti

    5/5

    We had a fantastic time on our 3-day migration safari in Serengeti Migration. The amount of animals we saw in just three days was incredible. I highly recommend the fly in option to anyone who wants to avoid the bumpy roads at the start.

    By: Mark van der Berg
    From: Flag NL

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    very well-planned safari

    5/5

    A very well-planned itinerary that did not feel rushed despite the short duration. The drive back through the highlands was beautiful and we saw many local villages. Our driver was very knowledgeable about the birds and trees too.

    By: Sarah O'Connor
    From: Flag CG

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    Watching the wildebeest gathering

    5/5

    Watching the wildebeest gather by the river was a very tense and exciting experience. The 3-day Serengeti Migration fly in drive out safari is perfect for photographers. We returned to Arusha with thousands of great photos and memories.

    By: Carlos Mendez
    From: Flag FR

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image

    logistics of the flight and the drive out safari

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris made our dream of seeing the migration come true very easily. The logistics of the flight and the drive out were seamless. We even saw a leopard with a kill in the Seronera valley.

    By: Anita Kumar
    From: Flag SN

    Photos related to the place visited

    Review Image
    Review Image
    Review Image