8 Days Fly-In Tanzania Safari and Zanzibar Beach Fly-In Safari
Description
This 8-day fly-in Tanzania safari and Zanzibar beach holiday combines the ultimate in time efficiency with Tanzania's best wildlife and beach experiences. Fly directly into the Serengeti for uninterrupted game viewing, then fly to Zanzibar for perfect beach relaxation - no long road drives required.
From the moment your small aircraft touches down on the Serengeti's grass airstrip to your final sunset cocktail on Zanzibar's white sand beach, this itinerary delivers an extraordinary variety of Africa's finest experiences in the most time-efficient way possible.
Safari Highlights
Fly-in to Serengeti for maximum wildlife time then fly to Zanzibar beaches
Both Serengeti and Zanzibar reached by aircraft for ultimate time efficiency
Three full days in the Serengeti with expert guide and private vehicle
Zanzibar beach extension for total relaxation after safari excitement
No long road drives - aircraft connect all three destinations
Light aircraft provides stunning aerial views of the Rift Valley, crater, and Serengeti plains
Baggage limit of ~15 kg per person applies — we help you pack smart for maximum comfort
Air medical evacuation available from all Serengeti airstrips in under 60 minutes
Multiple airstrips across the Serengeti allow flexible routing and park zone access
Day-by-Day 8-Day Fly-In Serengeti Safari & Zanzibar Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Central Serengeti from Arusha, Zanzibar or Nairobi
Begin your safari with a scheduled flight from Arusha Airport, Zanzibar Airport or Wilson Airport (Nairobi) to Seronera Airstrip in the heart of Serengeti National Park. Upon arrival, meet your professional safari guide and immediately begin an exciting game drive through the wildlife-rich Seronera Valley. Home to abundant resident wildlife throughout the year, this area offers exceptional opportunities to spot lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, zebras, hippos and countless antelope species. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the bush before continuing your afternoon game drive and arriving at your lodge in time for dinner and a relaxing evening beneath the African stars.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge or Tented Camp – Central Serengeti | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Safari in Central Serengeti
Spend the day exploring the endless plains of Central Serengeti, one of Africa's finest wildlife destinations. Your guide will take you through the famous Seronera River Valley, Moru Kopjes and other prime wildlife habitats in search of lion prides, elusive leopards, cheetahs, elephants, hyenas, crocodiles and abundant plains game. Depending on the season, witness thousands of wildebeest and zebras moving across the plains while enjoying a picnic lunch surrounded by spectacular scenery.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge or Tented Camp – Central Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Optional Balloon Safari & Full-Day Game Drive
Rise before sunrise for an unforgettable optional Hot Air Balloon Safari, floating silently above the Serengeti as wildlife awakens below. After landing, celebrate with a champagne bush breakfast before continuing with a full-day game drive exploring remote areas of Central Serengeti. Search for large lion prides, solitary leopards, cheetahs hunting across the plains and massive elephant herds while your guide shares fascinating insights into the Serengeti ecosystem.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge or Tented Camp – Central Serengeti | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Central Serengeti to Ngorongoro Highlands
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely game drive as you journey southwards through Serengeti National Park towards Naabi Hill Gate. Continue through the breathtaking Ngorongoro Conservation Area, stopping at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the world-famous Ngorongoro Crater. Wildlife viewing continues along the route before arriving at your beautiful lodge in Karatu or the Ngorongoro Highlands for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge – Ngorongoro Highlands / Karatu | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Ngorongoro Crater Safari & Optional Cultural Experience
Descend over 600 metres into the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater for one of Africa's greatest wildlife experiences. Spend the day exploring the crater floor in search of the Big Five, including the endangered black rhino, while also spotting hippos, flamingos, jackals, hyenas and countless bird species. After ascending the crater, enjoy an optional Maasai Village visit or Mto wa Mbu Cultural Tourism Experience before returning to your lodge for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Mid-Range/Luxury Lodge – Karatu / Ngorongoro Highlands | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Tarangire National Park & Flight to Zanzibar
After breakfast, travel to Tarangire National Park, famous for its iconic baobab trees, magnificent elephant herds and excellent predator sightings. Enjoy a full-day game drive along the Tarangire River, where elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, buffaloes, wildebeest and more than 550 bird species thrive. Following your afternoon safari, transfer to Arusha Airport for your scheduled flight to Zanzibar. Upon arrival, meet our driver and transfer to your beachfront resort for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Beach Resort – Zanzibar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Stone Town & Spice Farm Tour
Explore Zanzibar's fascinating cultural heritage with a guided excursion through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stone Town. Wander its narrow streets, visit the Old Fort, House of Wonders, Sultan's Palace and Darajani Market before continuing to a traditional spice farm where you'll discover why Zanzibar is known as the "Spice Island." Learn about cloves, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and tropical fruits before returning to your beach resort for a relaxing evening.
Accommodation: Beach Resort – Zanzibar | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Relax on Zanzibar's Beaches & Departure
Enjoy your final morning relaxing on Zanzibar's spectacular white sandy beaches or choose from optional activities including snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, a traditional dhow cruise or a visit to Mnemba Atoll (additional cost). Depending on your international flight schedule, transfer to Zanzibar Airport for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable Tanzania safari and tropical beach holiday to a memorable close.
Accommodation: N/A | Meals: Breakfast
Includes & Excludes
All national park entry and conservation fees
Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof
Professional English-speaking guide
Full board accommodation
All meals during safari
Bottled water during game drives
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
All light aircraft flights: Arusha to Serengeti (fly-in) and Zanzibar transfer
International flights
Tanzania visa fees
Travel insurance
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Frequently Asked Questions
Tanzania offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round. The dry season (June to October) is ideal as animals gather near water sources making game viewing easier. The short dry season (January to March) is great for bird watching and the calving season. For the Great Migration river crossings, plan for July to October in Northern Serengeti. Contact us to discuss the best time for your specific interests.
Yes, all our safari itineraries are fully customizable. We can adjust the number of days, parks visited, accommodation category (budget to luxury), add Zanzibar beach extension, Kilimanjaro trekking, cultural experiences, or any other special request. Simply contact us with your preferences and we will design your perfect Tanzania safari.
Pack light, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive green), a warm fleece or jacket for early morning drives, comfortable walking shoes, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insect repellent, binoculars, camera with extra batteries and memory cards, and any personal medications. A detailed packing list is provided upon booking confirmation.
Scheduled flights have a strict 15 kg (33 lbs) soft-sided bag limit per person. Charter flights can be more flexible. We recommend a soft duffel bag rather than a hard suitcase. We can arrange advance luggage storage at your Arusha hotel for items not needed on safari.
We typically use Cessna 208 Caravans (10-13 seats) or smaller Cessna 172/182 aircraft (3-4 seats) operated by Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, or similar licensed Tanzanian carriers. Flights are scheduled, meaning you share the aircraft with other passengers, unless you choose a private charter option.
Light aircraft flights are occasionally delayed by weather or visibility conditions. Our operators prioritize safety above all else. In the rare event of a significant delay, our ground team adjusts the day's itinerary to minimize impact. We recommend travel insurance that covers flight delays for complete peace of mind.
Safari Details
Safari Type
Fly-In Safari and Zanzibar Beach
Safari Circuit
Fly-In + Zanzibar
Key Destinations
Serengeti • Ngorongoro • Zanzibar
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Safari Vehicle
4x4 Land Cruiser with Pop-Up Roof
Departure Point
Arusha • JRO Airport • ARK Airport
Best For
Time-Efficient Couples • Luxury Seekers • Safari and Beach Lovers
Safari Price
$Upon Request
Price depends on group size, accommodation category & season.
Why Book With Us
Expertise and Experience
Tailored Services
Comprehensive Planning
Client Satisfaction
24/7 Support
Contact Details
Mr. Yamat
Tour Operator
Call Us : +255 686 241 980
Email : info@safarismate.com
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