5-Day Fly-In Northern Tanzania
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
Gallery
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Fly from Arusha to Tarangire
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and 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
Farm of Dreams Lodge
Octagon Lodge
Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 — Fly from Tarangire to Ngorongoro
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 the short distance to Ngorongoro Serena Safari Lodge, perched dramatically on the crater rim with panoramic views into the caldera below.
Accommodation
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Rhino Lodge
Simba Public Campsite
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 — Ngorongoro Crater Full-Day Game Drive
After an early breakfast, descend the 600-metre crater wall into the Ngorongoro Crater, one of Africa's most extraordinary wildlife theatres. The crater floor hosts an incredible density of wildlife — black rhino, lion, elephant, buffalo, hippo, and countless plains game. The scenery alone, with its soda lake, swamps, and grasslands enclosed by towering crater walls, is unforgettable. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the crater floor by the hippo pool. Ascend in the late afternoon to your lodge for sunset cocktails on the crater rim.
Accommodation
Ngorongoro Crater Lodge
Rhino Lodge
Simba Public Campsite
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
Into Wild Africa
Nyani Campsite
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.
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
Excluded
- International flights to Tanzania
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel and medical evacuation insurance
- Tips and gratuities for driver-guide and lodge staff
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and laundry services
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