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

You begin your journey with a scenic flight from Arusha directly into the heart of the Serengeti to save time on the first day. Once on the ground, your private guide will be waiting to start your first game drive immediately. After exploring the plains and the Ngorongoro Crater, you return to Arusha by road on the final day. This combination allows you to skip the long initial drive while enjoying the landscape on the way back.

This specific itinerary targets the highest concentrations of wildlife in Northern Tanzania to give you the best chance of success. The Ngorongoro Crater is a sanctuary for the rare black rhino, while the Serengeti is famous for its lions and leopards. Our guides are experts at tracking these animals and will prioritize your sightings during every game drive. While nature is unpredictable, these two locations offer the most reliable Big Five encounters in the world.

Because you are taking a small bush plane for the first leg of your trip, there is a weight limit of fifteen kilograms per person. We recommend using soft-sided bags instead of hard suitcases so they can fit into the small luggage pods of the aircraft. If you have extra bags that you do not need for the safari, we can safely store them at our office in Arusha until you return. This keeps your travel light and efficient for the flight.

Flying into the park on the first morning allows you to start viewing animals by midday. You will have a full day of exploration on the second day and another morning drive on the third day before heading back to Arusha. We maximize your time in the wilderness by taking picnic lunches so you do not have to return to the lodge in the middle of the day. Every daylight hour is used to ensure you see as much as possible.

Even in the heart of the bush, we provide comfortable accommodations that feature en-suite bathrooms and comfortable beds with mosquito netting. You will have access to hot water showers and solar power for charging your cameras and phones. The camps also provide full-board meals, including fresh breakfasts and multi-course dinners. This setup offers a true wilderness experience without sacrificing essential modern comforts

Yes, you can easily include a sunrise hot air balloon safari on the second morning of your trip. This extra activity provides a breathtaking aerial view of the plains and the wildlife below. After landing, you will enjoy a traditional champagne bush breakfast before continuing with your regular game drives. Please notify us during the booking process so we can secure your space for this popular addition.

Our chefs and lodge partners are highly skilled at catering to various dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets. We ensure that every meal is fresh and nutritious to keep your energy up for the long game drives. Please inform us of any allergies or dietary restrictions at the time of booking. We also provide plenty of bottled drinking water in the safari vehicle throughout the entire journey.

The dry season from June to October is generally the best for viewing predators and large herds as they gather around water sources. However, the period from January to March is also fantastic because it coincides with the calving season in the southern Serengeti. Each season offers a unique perspective, but the flight-in option is beneficial year-round for avoiding muddy roads during the rainy months. Our team can help you choose the best dates based on your specific wildlife interests.

The flight on the first day significantly reduces the total time spent in a vehicle, making it much easier for kids and seniors. We use comfortable 4x4 vehicles with plenty of legroom and soft suspension to ensure a smooth ride during the game drives. The lodges we select are also chosen for their accessibility and high standards of service. We can adjust the pace of the drives to match the comfort levels of all family members.

Driving back allows you to see the changing landscapes of the Rift Valley and visit local Maasai villages along the route. You will pass through the lush highlands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, which offers a stark contrast to the flat plains of the Serengeti. It also gives you a chance to stop at local markets or gift shops for souvenirs before reaching Arusha. This return journey completes your understanding of the region's geography and culture.