5-Day Fly-In Northern Tanzania

5 days

Overview

Cover three of Tanzania's most iconic safari destinations in just five days with this expertly crafted fly-in itinerary. Fly directly into Tarangire National Park for a day among its legendary elephant herds, then continue by air to the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. By replacing long road transfers with short scenic flights, this itinerary delivers the full Northern Tanzania experience without sacrificing precious game viewing time. Ideal for travellers who want variety, comfort, and efficiency.

Highlights

Two domestic flights replace over 12 hours of bumpy road transfers

Game drive among Tarangire's massive elephant herds and ancient baobab trees

Scenic flight over the Rift Valley with views of Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Highlands

Crater descent for high-density wildlife viewing in the Ngorongoro Crater

Afternoon and morning game drives across the Serengeti's wildlife-rich plains

Stay at three distinct lodges, each perfectly positioned in its park

Gallery

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Settle in and receive a briefing covering your flight schedule and the adventure ahead. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and rest well — your scenic flight to the bush leaves tomorrow morning from Arusha Airport.

Accommodation

Gran Meliá Arusha

luxury

Four Points by Sheraton Arusha

Mid-Range

Tulia Boutique Hotel & Spa

budget

Dinner

Day 2 — Fly from Arusha to Tarangire

After breakfast at your Arusha hotel, transfer to Arusha Airport for your morning flight to Kuro Airstrip in Tarangire National Park. On landing, embark on an afternoon game drive through the park's spectacular landscape of open savannah, acacia woodlands, and giant baobab trees. Tarangire is famous for its enormous elephant herds and the Tarangire River, a vital dry-season water source that attracts abundant wildlife. After a rewarding afternoon, arrive at Tarangire Safari Lodge, set on a bluff overlooking the Tarangire River.

Accommodation

Neptune Ngorongoro Luxury Lodge

luxury

Farm of Dreams Lodge

Mid-Range

Octagon Lodge

budget

Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 — Fly from Tarangire to Ngorongoro — Crater Game Drive

Enjoy a short early morning game drive in Tarangire before breakfast, making the most of your time in the park. After breakfast, transfer to Kuro Airstrip for a scenic flight toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The flight route offers breathtaking aerial perspectives of Lake Manyara shimmering below and the misty Ngorongoro Highlands rising ahead. Land at Lake Manyara Airstrip and drive to the crater rim, then descend 600 metres into the Ngorongoro Crater for an afternoon game drive. The crater floor hosts an incredible density of wildlife — black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and countless plains game. Ascend in the late afternoon to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, perched dramatically on the crater rim with panoramic views into the caldera below.

Accommodation

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

luxury

Rhino Lodge

Mid-Range

Simba Public Campsite

budget

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 — Fly from Ngorongoro to Serengeti

After a leisurely breakfast with crater views, transfer to Lake Manyara Airstrip for your short flight to Seronera Airstrip in the central Serengeti. The flight over the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and into the Serengeti ecosystem is a highlight in itself. On arrival, your driver-guide takes you on an afternoon game drive across the Seronera River Valley, one of the most predator-rich areas in Africa. Settle into Serengeti Sopa Lodge as the sun sets over the plains.

Accommodation

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti

luxury

Into Wild Africa

Mid-Range

Nyani Campsite

budget

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 — Morning Game Drive and Fly to Arusha

Your final morning begins with an early game drive through the Serengeti, capturing the bush at its most active. Watch lion prides basking in the golden morning light, giraffes silhouetted against the horizon, and plains game grazing peacefully. Return to the lodge for a farewell brunch. Transfer to Seronera Airstrip for your flight back to Arusha, enjoying one last aerial panorama of Tanzania's spectacular landscapes. Arrive in Arusha by mid-afternoon and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure.

Breakfast, Lunch

Included

Scheduled domestic flights: Arusha–Tarangire, Tarangire–Manyara, Manyara–Serengeti, Serengeti–Arusha
All accommodation as per itinerary (Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater rim, Serengeti)
All meals as indicated (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof for all game drives
Services of a professional English-speaking driver-guide
Park entry fees for Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, and Serengeti National Park
Ngorongoro Crater service and descent fees
Airport and airstrip transfers throughout