9 Days Fly-In Southern Tanzania Safari Fly-In Safari
Description
This 9-day fly-in Southern Tanzania safari takes you to Tanzania's remote and exceptional southern wilderness, far from the tourist trails of the Northern Circuit. Visiting both Ruaha National Park and the vast Selous (Nyerere) Game Reserve by fly-in, you discover an authentic and spectacular side of Tanzania few visitors ever see.
The Southern Circuit offers a profoundly different and rewarding Tanzania safari experience. Vast untouched wilderness, exceptional lion and elephant populations, boat safaris on the Rufiji River, and walking safaris in true wilderness create a depth of experience that is uniquely powerful and unforgettable.
Safari Highlights
Discover Tanzania's remote and wild Southern Circuit by fly-in safari
Ruaha National Park - Tanzania's largest park with exceptional elephant densities
Selous Game Reserve (Nyerere National Park) - Africa's largest game reserve
Fly between remote airstrips in both Southern parks
Authentic wilderness experience away from Northern Tanzania crowds
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 9-Day Fly-In Northern & Southern Tanzania Safari Itinerary
Day 1: Fly-In to Central Serengeti — First Game Drive
Begin your safari with a scenic flight from Arusha, Zanzibar, Nairobi, or another convenient gateway to Seronera Airstrip in Central Serengeti. On arrival, meet your private safari guide and immediately begin your first game drive through the Seronera Valley. This wildlife-rich area is renowned for its resident lion prides, cheetahs, leopards, elephants, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and abundant birdlife. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the wilderness before continuing with an afternoon game drive. As the sun begins to set, make your way to your lodge or luxury tented camp for dinner and your first night beneath the Serengeti sky.
Accommodation: Central Serengeti mid-range/luxury lodge or tented camp | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Full-Day Serengeti Safari — Wildlife & Migration
Spend a full day exploring the Serengeti with your private guide. Set out early when wildlife activity is at its peak and search for predators including lions, cheetahs and leopards. Depending on the season and wildlife movements, follow areas where large herds of wildebeest and zebra are concentrated. Continue through the Seronera Valley and surrounding plains, with opportunities to explore different habitats and wildlife corridors. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park before continuing your afternoon game drive. During the Great Migration season, your guide will position the safari around the current location of the herds.
Accommodation: Central Serengeti mid-range/luxury lodge or tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Serengeti — Ngorongoro Highlands via Game Drive
Enjoy an early morning game drive in the Serengeti before beginning your scenic journey toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The route continues through the changing landscapes of the Serengeti plains and highlands, with wildlife sightings possible along the way. Stop for a picnic lunch before continuing toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Arrive in the Karatu or Ngorongoro area in the afternoon and check into your lodge or luxury camp. The evening is free for relaxation at the property while enjoying views of the surrounding highlands.
Accommodation: Karatu/Ngorongoro Highlands mid-range/luxury lodge or camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Ngorongoro Crater — Big Five Safari & Flight to Nyerere
Descend early into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular morning game drive on the crater floor. Explore the grasslands, woodland, wetlands and lakes while searching for lions, elephants, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, hippos and, with luck, the endangered black rhino. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the crater before ascending toward the Ngorongoro Highlands. Continue to Manyara Airstrip for your scheduled flight to Nyerere National Park. On arrival, meet your Southern Circuit safari team and transfer to your lodge or luxury camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Nyerere National Park mid-range/luxury lodge or tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Full-Day Nyerere National Park — Game Drive & Boat Safari
Start with an early morning game drive in Nyerere National Park, exploring the diverse habitats around the Rufiji River and its surrounding plains. Look for elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, lions, wild dogs and other wildlife. After lunch and a short break, continue with an afternoon boat safari on the Rufiji River. Cruise through channels and lakes searching for hippos, crocodiles and waterbirds while enjoying the changing scenery of southern Tanzania. Return to camp in the evening for dinner.
Accommodation: Nyerere National Park mid-range/luxury lodge or tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Nyerere — Morning Game Drive & Transfer to Mikumi
Head out early for another wildlife-focused game drive in Nyerere, using the cooler morning hours to search for predators and large mammals. Depending on recent sightings, explore different areas of the park to maximize your chances of seeing elephants, buffalo, giraffes, zebras and other wildlife. After the game drive, continue by road toward Mikumi National Park. The journey provides an opportunity to experience the changing landscapes of southern Tanzania and rural communities along the way. Arrive in the Mikumi area for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mikumi mid-range/luxury lodge or camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Mikumi National Park — Full-Day Safari
Spend a full day exploring Mikumi National Park, one of southern Tanzania’s most accessible wildlife destinations. The park’s open Mkata River plains provide excellent opportunities to see elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and a wide variety of antelope. Explore the floodplains and woodland habitats with your private guide, stopping for a picnic lunch in the park. Continue with an afternoon game drive before returning to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Mikumi mid-range/luxury lodge or camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Mikumi — Ruaha National Park
After breakfast, depart Mikumi and continue south-west toward Ruaha National Park, Tanzania’s largest national park and one of the country’s most rewarding wilderness destinations. Arrive in the Ruaha area and, time permitting, enjoy an introductory game drive as you enter the park. The landscape changes dramatically into rugged hills, baobab-studded plains and the Great Ruaha River ecosystem. Watch for elephants, lions, giraffes, buffalo, greater kudu and other species that make Ruaha famous. Continue to your lodge or luxury tented camp for dinner.
Accommodation: Ruaha National Park mid-range/luxury lodge or tented camp | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Ruaha National Park — Final Game Drive & Departure
Begin your final morning with an early game drive through Ruaha, taking advantage of the cooler hours when wildlife is most active. Explore the Great Ruaha River and surrounding woodland in search of elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, antelope and abundant birdlife. After the game drive, return to camp for breakfast and prepare for your onward journey. Depending on your departure schedule, transfer to the airstrip for a flight to Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, Arusha or your next destination. End of your Northern and Southern Tanzania safari adventure.
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 internal Tanzania charter/scheduled flights between parks
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 Southern Tanzania Safari
Safari Circuit
Southern Circuit Fly-In
Key Destinations
Ruaha National Park • Selous (Nyerere) National Park
Duration
9 Days / 8 Nights
Safari Vehicle
4x4 Land Cruiser with Pop-Up Roof
Departure Point
Arusha • JRO Airport • ARK Airport
Best For
Adventure Seekers • Off-the-Beaten-Path • Authentic Wilderness
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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