A fly-in safari in Tanzania is the ultimate way to experience the country’s vast and remote wilderness. Instead of spending long hours on bumpy roads, you can fly directly into the heart of the action, maximizing your time for game drives, walking safaris, and luxury lodge stays.
But is it worth the extra cost? In this guide, we’ll cover:
✔ How fly-in safaris work
✔ Best destinations for fly-in safaris
✔ Pros and cons of flying vs. driving
✔ Costs and how to save money
1. What is a Fly-In Safari?
A fly-in safari means traveling between safari destinations by small aircraft (Cessna Grand Caravan, Pilatus PC-12, or similar) rather than driving long distances.
✔ You land at airstrips inside national parks, close to lodges and wildlife areas.
✔ Safari guides pick you up in 4×4 vehicles upon arrival for game drives.
✔ Ideal for remote parks like Ruaha, Nyerere (Selous), Mahale, and Katavi.
✔ Tip: If you have limited time (5–7 days) but want to visit multiple parks, a fly-in safari is the best choice.
2. Best Destinations for a Fly-In Safari in Tanzania
📍 Serengeti National Park – Best for the Great Migration
✔ Why Fly? The Serengeti is huge (14,750 km²), and driving takes 6+ hours from Arusha.
✔ Best Airstrips:
- Seronera Airstrip (Central Serengeti) – Year-round game viewing.
- Kogatende Airstrip (Northern Serengeti) – Best for Mara River crossings (July–October).
- Grumeti Airstrip (Western Corridor) – Great for private reserves.
✔ Best Lodges:
- Sayari Camp (Luxury) – Near the Mara River.
- Lamai Serengeti (Mid-Range) – Remote & scenic.
✔ Tip: A fly-in safari lets you follow the migration more easily by flying between different regions.
📍 Ruaha National Park – Best for Remote Big Cat Encounters
✔ Why Fly? Ruaha is far from major cities, with rough roads and long driving hours.
✔ Best Airstrip: Msembe Airstrip, near luxury lodges.
✔ What You’ll See:
- Largest lion population in Tanzania.
- Leopards, cheetahs, and wild dogs in open plains.
- Elephants & giraffes roaming baobab forests.
✔ Best Lodges:
- Jabali Ridge (Luxury) – Remote & exclusive.
- Mdonya Old River Camp (Budget) – Classic bush experience.
✔ Tip: Ruaha is hard to reach by road, making fly-in safaris the best way to explore it.
📍 Nyerere National Park (Selous) – Best for Boat Safaris & Wild Dogs
✔ Why Fly? A drive from Dar es Salaam takes 4+ hours, while a flight takes 45 minutes.
✔ Best Airstrip: Mtemere Airstrip, close to lodges & boat safari areas.
✔ What You’ll See:
- One of Africa’s largest wild dog populations.
- Hippos & crocodiles along the Rufiji River.
- Walking safaris in untouched wilderness.
✔ Best Lodges:
- Sand Rivers Selous (Luxury) – Riverside luxury with top-notch guides.
- Nyerere Tented Camp (Budget) – Affordable yet comfortable.
✔ Tip: A fly-in safari is the only way to reach deeper parts of Nyerere, where wildlife is more abundant.
📍 Katavi National Park – Best for Secluded Wilderness
✔ Why Fly? Katavi is one of Tanzania’s most remote parks, and driving takes two days from Arusha.
✔ Best Airstrip: Ikuu Airstrip, near prime game viewing areas.
✔ What You’ll See:
- Massive buffalo herds (1,000+ animals together).
- Lion vs. buffalo battles in open plains.
- Hippos & crocs fighting for space in shrinking rivers (dry season).
✔ Best Lodges:
- Chada Katavi (Luxury) – Ultimate remote experience.
- Katavi Wildlife Camp (Mid-Range) – Great for serious safari lovers.
✔ Tip: A fly-in safari is the ONLY practical way to visit Katavi unless you have weeks to spare.
📍 Mahale Mountains National Park – Best for Chimpanzee Trekking
✔ Why Fly? No roads! The only way to get here is by flight + boat ride.
✔ Best Airstrip: Mahale Airstrip, followed by a boat transfer on Lake Tanganyika.
✔ What You’ll See:
- Chimpanzee trekking in dense forests.
- Leopards, bush pigs & colorful birds.
- Crystal-clear Lake Tanganyika, perfect for swimming & kayaking.
✔ Best Lodges:
- Greystoke Mahale (Luxury) – Iconic beachfront lodge.
- Mbali Mbali Mahale Lodge (Mid-Range) – Great for chimp tracking.
✔ Tip: If you love primates & adventure, a fly-in safari to Mahale is a must.
3. Fly-In Safari vs. Drive-In Safari – Pros & Cons
| Factor | Fly-In Safari | Drive-In Safari |
|---|---|---|
| Travel Time | Fast (1–2 hours per flight) | Long (5–10+ hours on rough roads) |
| Cost | Expensive ($300–$600 per flight) | More affordable |
| Comfort | No bumpy roads, scenic views | Long drives, but good for seeing rural areas |
| Flexibility | More time for game drives | Fixed itinerary, limited reach |
| Best For | Remote parks (Ruaha, Katavi, Mahale) | Budget travelers & Northern Circuit safaris |
✔ Tip: A combination safari (drive to nearby parks, fly to remote ones) offers the best balance of cost & convenience.
4. Fly-In Safari Costs – How Much to Budget?
| Flight Route | One-Way Price (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Arusha → Serengeti | $250 – $400 |
| Dar es Salaam → Nyerere (Selous) | $250 – $350 |
| Arusha → Ruaha | $350 – $500 |
| Ruaha → Katavi | $400 – $600 |
| Katavi → Mahale | $350 – $500 |
✔ Tip: Book in advance—flights fill up fast in peak season (June–October).
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fly-In Safaris
Q1: Are fly-in safaris safe?
✔ Yes! Reputable airlines like Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Safari Air Link operate them safely.
Q2: Can I bring a lot of luggage?
❌ No—weight limits are 15kg (33 lbs) per person in soft bags.
Q3: Are fly-in safaris worth it?
✔ If you want to visit remote parks (Ruaha, Katavi, Mahale), yes—it’s the only practical option.
Conclusion: Is a Fly-In Safari Worth It?
✔ Yes, if you:
- Have limited time but want to see multiple parks.
- Want to visit remote destinations (Ruaha, Katavi, Mahale).
- Prefer comfort over long road trips.
Ready to Plan Your Fly-In Safari?
Contact us today for custom fly-in safari itineraries with expert guides & luxury lodges!
