Fly-In Safari

A fly-in safari swaps hours of bumpy road for scenic 30–90 minute flights in small bush planes, landing on airstrips deep inside the parks. It’s the smartest way to combine far-flung areas — say the northern Serengeti with the southern Selous — without losing days to driving, and the aerial views of the plains are spectacular in their own right.

It’s also the only practical way to reach Tanzania’s remote southern and western parks. Camps meet you at the airstrip and you’re on a game drive within minutes. For travellers short on time or chasing the wildest corners, flying transforms what’s possible in a week.

How It Unfolds

Is It Worth It?

Flying is worth it when distance or time is the constraint — it's the only realistic way to combine the northern and southern circuits in one trip, or to reach Ruaha and the Selous comfortably. For a straightforward Northern Circuit loop, driving is cheaper and lets you see the landscape change. Note small luggage limits (usually ~15kg, soft bags).

Good to Know

• Soft bags only, ~15kg luggage limit typical
• Best for combining distant parks
• Aerial views are a highlight in themselves
• Schedules can shift with weather — build in buffer