3 Days Tanzania Drive-in Fly-out Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro

Experience a 3-day Tanzania Drive-In Fly-Out safari. Visit Ngorongoro and Serengeti, then fly back to Arusha to save time. See the Big Five with expert guides.

3 Days Tanzania premium Drive-In Fly-Out Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro

This 3-day Tanzania Drive-In Fly-Out safari is designed for travelers who want to maximize their time in the wild. You will drive from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti, then fly back to Arusha on the final day. This 3-day Drive-In Fly-Out safari in Tanzania removes the long return drive, giving you more time for wildlife viewing. Experience the Big Five with expert guides and enjoy a scenic flight over the endless plains of the Serengeti.

Tour Highlights:

Day 1
Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day Tour)
Day 2
Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Half-day game Drive)
Day 3
Serengeti (Morning game drive) – Flight Back to Arusha
Duration 3 Days
🚙
Tour Mode -
🎯
Main Tour Focus -
Tour Type -
Destination/Accommodation
Start
kilimanjaro
Tour Starting Point
1
Day 1
Ngorongoro Crater
Overnight: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge
2
Day 2
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Serengeti Sopa Lodge
3
Day 3
Central Serengeti
Overnight: Arusha Serena Hotel
End
arusha
Tour Ending Point

Arrival Day: Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), our driver will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel in Arusha. The drive covers 50 kilometers and takes about 1 hour. This day is dedicated to resting and preparing for your 3-day Drive-In Fly-Out safari. During the drive, you might see the peaks of Mount Meru or local coffee plantations. Your guide will meet you in the evening to provide a detailed briefing about the journey and check your equipment for the safari ahead.

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 to Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day Tour)

Arusha to Ngorongoro Crater (Full Day Tour)

After an early breakfast, you will travel from Arusha to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The drive takes about 3.5 hours and covers a distance of 180 kilometers. You will descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a full day of game viewing. This is one of the best locations on your 3-day Drive-In Fly-Out safari in Tanzania to spot the rare black rhino. A positive and unexpected moment often occurs when you see a massive bull elephant walking calmly alongside your vehicle on the crater floor. You will enjoy a picnic lunch near the hippo pool before ascending to your lodge for dinner and rest.

Destination: Ngorongoro Crater

Accommodation: Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images
Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge Images

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Half-day game Drive)

Ngorongoro to Serengeti (Half-day game Drive)

Today you head toward the Serengeti National Park, covering a distance of 145 kilometers in about 4 hours. The route takes you through the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands before reaching the endless plains. Your 3-day Drive-In Fly-Out safari continues with an afternoon game drive in the Seronera region, which is famous for its leopard and lion populations. You might experience the exciting sight of a leopard resting on a large acacia branch with its kill. In the evening, you will settle into your camp located in the heart of the park, surrounded by the sounds of the African bush

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Serengeti Sopa Lodge

  luxury 4 star lodge

Mid rage 3 star lodge
Semi luxury 4 star lodge

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Serengeti (Morning game drive) – Flight Back to Arusha

Serengeti (Morning game drive) – Flight Back to Arusha

The final day of your 3-day Tanzania Drive-In Fly-Out safari begins with a sunrise game drive at 6:00 AM. This is the prime time to see cheetahs and lions while they are still active in the cool morning air. After a mid-morning breakfast, your driver will take you to the Seronera Airstrip. You will board a small aircraft for a scenic flight back to Arusha, which takes about 1 hour. A highlight of this 3-day Drive-In Fly-Out safari is the aerial view of the Rift Valley and the volcanic landscape from the plane. Upon arrival at Arusha Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel or Kilimanjaro Airport for your departure.

Destination: Central Serengeti

Accommodation: Arusha Serena Hotel

  luxury 4 star lodge

Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel Images
Arusha Serena Hotel

Meals & Drinks: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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

    Pricing Notice: No activities or park fees were found for this itinerary (ID: 2358). Please check the admin panel and ensure fees are selected and saved.

    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
  • 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
  • The Booking Form

    RELATED FAQS ABOUT 3 Days Tanzania Drive-in Fly-out Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro

    What does a three-day drive-in and fly-out Tanzanian wildlife tour involve exactly?

    This unique itinerary starts with a scenic drive from Arusha through the highlands to the Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti plains. Instead of spending several hours driving back on the final day, you board a light aircraft from a bush airstrip directly back to the city. This approach maximizes your time spent observing animals and minimizes long road transfers.

    Are there specific luggage restrictions for the fly-out portion of this Serengeti and Ngorongoro trip?

    Since the return leg uses small bush planes, there is usually a weight limit of 15 kilograms per person, including hand luggage. It is essential to use soft-sided bags rather than hard-shell suitcases to ensure they fit into the aircraft's small cargo pod. If you have extra gear, we can arrange for it to be stored in Arusha and returned to you upon landing.

    Will I still have enough time to see the Big Five on such a fast-paced three-day safari?

    Yes, by flying out on the last day, you gain an extra morning of game viewing that would otherwise be spent on the road. This schedule allows for a thorough exploration of the Ngorongoro Crater and the heart of the Serengeti. Our experienced guides focus on the most active wildlife areas to help you spot lions, leopards, and elephants efficiently.

    From which airstrip do we usually depart at the end of this fly-out safari from the Serengeti?

    Most departures take place from the Seronera Airstrip, which is centrally located and easy to reach from many luxury camps. The flight provides a spectacular aerial view of the plains and the Great Rift Valley as you head back toward Arusha. It is a scenic finale to an intense few days in the wild.

    Can I add a hot air balloon flight to this three-day drive-in and fly-out expedition?

    Absolutely, many guests choose to include a sunrise balloon flight over the Serengeti on the second or third morning. This activity fits perfectly into the schedule and offers a breathtaking perspective of the migration from above. Afterward, you can enjoy a champagne breakfast before continuing with your final game drive and flight.

    What kind of meals are provided during this short fly-out journey across Northern Tanzania?

    We provide full-board catering which includes hot breakfasts, picnic lunches for the bush, and gourmet dinners at your lodge. Even on the day you fly out, a packed lunch is usually provided for you to enjoy at the airstrip or during the flight. We cater to all dietary preferences as long as we are informed in advance.

    What amenities are typically available at the lodges used in this Serengeti and Ngorongoro package?

    We select high-quality lodges and tented camps that offer comfortable beds, private bathrooms with hot water, and solar power. Many of these properties feature viewing decks where you can watch the sunset over the savannah. These amenities ensure you can relax in comfort after a full day of searching for predators.

    Is it possible to alter the trip to drive both ways instead of flying back?

    While this specific package is designed for efficiency, we can certainly change it to a drive-back option if you prefer. However, the fly-out safari from the Serengeti is highly recommended because it saves nearly seven hours of road travel. This extra time can be used for a more relaxed morning of photography in the park

    How does weather affect the flight portion of this three-day Tanzanian wildlife experience?

    Light aircraft are generally reliable, though heavy rain can occasionally cause short delays for takeoffs or landings. Our team monitors the weather closely and maintains contact with the flight operators to ensure a smooth transition. Safety is always the top priority for both the ground and air portions of your holiday.

    What is included in the cost of this drive-in and fly-out safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro?

    The price covers all park entrance fees, professional guide services, 4x4 vehicle use, and the domestic flight back to Arusha. It also includes full-board accommodation and bottled water during your daily game drives. This comprehensive package is designed to provide a hassle-free and high-impact wildlife experience.

    REVIEWS FOR 3 Days Tanzania premium Drive-In Fly-Out Safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro

    Write a Review

    Flying out of the Serengeti was the highlight of our trip

    5/5

    Flying out of the Serengeti was the highlight of our trip because we saw the vast plains from above. The transition from the dusty roads to the air was seamless and saved us so much time

    By: Thomas Miller
    From: Flag US

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    Highly Recommended Safari Company in Tanzania

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD organized everything perfectly and our guide was an expert at finding big cats. The drive through Ngorongoro was stunning and the flight back to Arusha was very comfortable. I highly recommend this company for their professionalism and local knowledge.

    By: Elena Schmidt
    From: Flag DE

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    Unforgettable Ngorongoro Adventure with Expert Guides

    5/5

    We saw four of the Big Five in just the first two days of our journey. The logistics of driving in and flying out allowed us to enjoy the animals right until the last second.

    By: Paolo Rossi
    From: Flag IT

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    Amazing Safari Experience with Burigi Chato Safaris Co Ltd

    5/5

    This was the most efficient and beautiful way to see Tanzania in a short amount of time.

    By: sarah william
    From: Flag AU

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    Exceptional Wildlife Experience & Comfortable Travel

    5/5

    Our experience with Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD was incredible from the moment they picked us up. The flight at the end was a great way to avoid the long drive back on bumpy roads. We stayed in a wonderful tented camp that made us feel very close to nature

    By: Marc Dubois
    From: Flag FR

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    A Short-Time Safari Packed with Wildlife

    5/5

    The guide was very patient with our photography and knew all the best spots for birding too. Driving into the crater was like entering a lost world filled with wildlife. It was a well-organized three days that exceeded all our family's expectations.

    By: Linda Cooper
    From: Flag CA

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    Faith and Wildlife in Harmony: A Memorable Ngorongoro Safari

    5/5

    I was worried about the small planes but the flight was very smooth and scenic. We got to see the Ngorongoro highlands from the air which was breathtaking. It is definitely worth the extra cost to fly back instead of driving.

    By: Robert Brown
    From: Flag US

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    A Short-Time Safari Packed with Wildlife

    5/5

    Everything went according to the schedule and we never felt rushed during our game drives. The Serengeti is truly magical and the abundance of animals is simply unmatched anywhere else.

    By: helga welber
    From: Flag AU

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    A Perfect Balance: Adventure, Insight, and Spiritual Reflection in Ngorongoro

    5/5

    Great value for money and a very professional team on the ground. The picnic lunches were fresh and we enjoyed eating them while watching zebras in the distance.

    By: Pierre Lefebvre
    From: Flag FR

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    Nature’s Beauty in a Day: A Spirit-Centered Ngorongoro Experience

    5/5

    Burigi Chato Safaris CO LTD provided a top-notch 4x4 that handled the terrain with ease. The flight back was quick and gave us an extra afternoon to relax in Arusha before our flight home. I will definitely be recommending this specific package to my friends.

    By: james wilson
    From: Flag AU

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