5 Day Fly-in and drive out Serengeti Safari

5-Day Tanzania Flying Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Go on an amazing 5-day fly-in safari to explore the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara. Start with a scenic flight to the Serengeti, where you’ll see the Great Migration and lots of wildlife.

Then, head to the Ngorongoro Crater, a famous spot and home to the Big Five animals. Finish your trip at Lake Manyara, known for its colorful birds and beautiful views.

This safari combines stunning flights with up-close animal sightings, giving you a great look at Tanzania’s natural beauty.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1: Arusha Airport – Serengeti National Park
Day 2: Full-day game drive in Serengeti National park.
Day 3: Morning in Serengeti National Park. Afternoon drives to Ngorongoro.
Day 4: Full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater.
Day 5: Lake Manyara National park – Arusha.

5 Day fly-in Safari detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arusha Airport – Serengeti National Park

You will depart from Arusha Airport in the morning on your flight to Serengeti Seronera, one of Tanzania’s top tourism destinations. Arriving at Seronera airstrip after about one hour, you will be warmly welcomed by our specialist safari guide, who will have a picnic lunch ready for you.

After lunch, your tourism adventure continues with an exciting game drive in search of the Serengeti's famous big cats and other wildlife, including ungulates. Later, you will be driven back to your camp or lodge for a relaxing evening, enjoying dinner and an overnight stay, reflecting on your unforgettable tourism experience in the Serengeti.

> Accommodation:

✓ Name: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp/ Same Camp

✓ Type: Lodge
✓ Level: Mid-range/ Luxury

Day 2: Full-day game drive in Serengeti National park.

Your Tanzania Classic Tours - 5-Day Fly Safari begins after breakfast with a wildlife adventure in Serengeti National Park. Observe the Great Migration, the "Big Five"—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinos—plus cheetahs, giraffes, and wild dogs. The park’s wetlands are home to unique birdlife, including eagles, vultures, and flamingos, while its iconic trees, like acacias and baobabs, add to the beauty.

With insights from your expert guide, this safari offers an unforgettable experience full of adventure, nature, and photographic opportunities.

> Accommodation:

✓ Name: Serengeti Heritage Tented Camp/ Same Camp

✓ Type: Lodge
✓ Level: Mid-range/ Luxury

Day 3: Morning in Serengeti National Park. Afternoon drives to Ngorongoro.

Your Tanzania Safari begins with an early breakfast, followed by a morning game drive through the Serengeti or nearby reserves, offering exciting wildlife sightings.

At midday, enjoy a picnic lunch in the African wilderness before continuing with an afternoon game drive, spotting more animals, including predators and unique birdlife.

In the late afternoon, drive to the Ngorongoro Crater rim, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for an overnight stay. Known as the "Garden of Eden," it provides a stunning backdrop for your evening and sets the stage for another day of wildlife exploration.

> Accommodation:

✓ Name: An’gata Camp/ Rhino Lodge

✓ Type: Lodge
✓ Level: Mid-range/ Luxury

Day 4: Full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater.

After an early breakfast, you will depart with a picnic lunch for a full day of game viewing in the stunning Ngorongoro Crater, one of Tanzania’s top safari destinations. Known for its abundant wildlife, the crater is home to large populations of lions, cheetahs, and the elusive black rhino, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife photography and close encounters with Africa’s iconic animals.

Spend the day exploring the crater’s rich ecosystem, spotting predators, herbivores, and a variety of bird species in this UNESCO World Heritage site. In the late afternoon, after a full day of safari adventures, you will be driven back to your lodge for a delicious dinner and a relaxing overnight stay, reflecting on the day's incredible wildlife sightings.

> Accommodation:

✓ Name: Heart and Soul Lodge

✓ Type: Lodge
✓ Level: Mid-range/ Luxury

Day 5: Lake Manyara National park – Arusha.

We visit Lake Manyara National Park for fantastic animal sightings and the option to explore the nearby Mto Wa Mbu village for a cultural experience. Located in the Great Rift Valley, the park features lush forests fed by underground streams from the Ngorongoro Highlands.

Highlights include the famous tree-climbing lions, herds of elephants, thousands of pink flamingos, and a variety of wildlife such as wildebeest, zebras, hippos, and numerous bird species.

The day ends with a scenic 2-hour drive back to Arusha, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this unique safari destination.

> Accommodation: Can be arranged at extra cost

What Costs Are Included?

Accommodation option as indicated in the safari
All Meals during the safari
Return transfers from the Airstrip
Transfers to Airport in Arusha
All park Entrance fees to Serengeti National Park
Game drives as indicated on the Safari itinerary
Services of an experience English Speaking driver Guide
Return flight from Arusha airport
Bottled water during the game drives

What Costs Are Excluded?

Accommodation option as indicated in the safari
All Meals during the safari
Return transfers from the Airstrip
Transfers to Airport in Arusha
All park Entrance fees to Serengeti National Park
Game drives as indicated on the Safari itinerary
Services of an experience English Speaking driver Guide
Return flight from Arusha airport
Bottled water during the game drives

8 Questions About 5 Day Fly-in and drive out Serengeti Safari

1. What is a fly-in and drive-out safari?

A fly-in safari involves taking a short domestic flight—usually from Arusha, Kilimanjaro, or Zanzibar—directly into the Serengeti, landing at bush airstrips like Seronera, Kogatende, or Ndutu. It’s ideal for those looking to save time, avoid long drives, and enjoy stunning aerial views. This option is perfect for shorter safaris (3–5 days) or travelers seeking a more comfortable, fast-paced experience.

A drive-out safari means returning by road, often with scenic game drives through parks like the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, or Tarangire. Though it takes longer (8–10 hours), it offers a richer overland experience, more wildlife encounters, and a chance to see diverse landscapes and local culture along the way—great for those with extra time and a spirit of adventure.

2. What’s the best time of year to go?

On a 5-day Tanzania flying safari, you can visit the Serengeti at any time of year, but the best period depends on what you’d like to experience. From June to October, the dry season offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources, making sightings easier. July to September is ideal for witnessing the Great Migration in the Northern Serengeti, where wildebeest and zebras brave dramatic river crossings. From December to March, the Southern Serengeti comes alive during calving season, with thousands of wildebeest giving birth—drawing in predators and offering dramatic wildlife encounters. Each season offers something special, making the Serengeti a must-visit, year-round safari destination.

3. What kind of accommodation is offered?

On a 5-day Tanzania flying safari, you can choose from a range of accommodations to match your budget and travel style, including luxury lodges, mid-range tented camps, and budget campsites. Most stays include meals, hot showers, and beautiful views, ensuring a comfortable and authentic safari experience whether you’re seeking indulgence or adventure.

4. Is it safe to fly into the Serengeti?

On a 3-day Serengeti safari, you can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffaloes, and occasionally rhinos. Other common sightings include cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, hippos, wildebeest, and hyenas. You'll also spot numerous bird species and possibly a crocodile or two near rivers and waterholes.

5. What kind of animals will I see?

On a 5-day Tanzania flying safari, you can expect to see an incredible variety of wildlife, including the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and occasionally rhinos. You'll also likely encounter cheetahs, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, hyenas, hippos, and more than 500 species of birds, making for an unforgettable safari experience.

6. What should I pack for a 5-day safari?

Essentials for a 5-day Tanzania flying safari include neutral-colored clothing for blending into the environment, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection, and a light jacket for cooler mornings and evenings. Don’t forget binoculars and a camera to capture wildlife moments, as well as insect repellent, any necessary medications, and a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated on game drives.

7. How much does a 5-day fly-in/drive-out safari cost?

Prices for a 5-day Tanzania flying safari vary based on the level of accommodation, season, and group size:

Budget: $1,800–$2,500 per person
Mid-range: $2,500–$4,000
Luxury: $4,000–$7,000+

These rates typically include flights, park fees, accommodations, meals, and game drives.

8. What does a typical 5-day itinerary look like?

A sample 5-day Tanzania flying safari itinerary might look like this:

Day 1: Fly into the Serengeti and enjoy an afternoon game drive.
Days 2–3: Spend two full days on game drives across different parts of the Serengeti, tracking wildlife and enjoying the stunning landscapes.
Day 4: Drive to Ngorongoro, with optional stops at Olduvai Gorge or a Maasai village for cultural insight.
Day 5: Explore the Ngorongoro Crater on a morning game drive, then return to Arusha by road.

This route offers a perfect mix of convenience, wildlife, and cultural experiences.

5 Day Fly-in and drive out Serengeti Safari

5-Day Tanzania Flying Safari: Serengeti, Ngorongoro & Tarangire

Itinerary at a Glance

5 Day fly-in Safari detailed itinerary

Day 1: Arusha Airport – Serengeti National Park

Day 2: Full-day game drive in Serengeti National park.

Day 3: Morning in Serengeti National Park. Afternoon drives to Ngorongoro.

Day 4: Full-day game drive in Ngorongoro Crater.

Day 5: Lake Manyara National park – Arusha.

What Costs Are Included?

What Costs Are Excluded?

5 DAY FLY-IN SAFARI PRICE

Booking Inquiry

8 Questions About 5 Day Fly-in and drive out Serengeti Safari

1. What is a fly-in and drive-out safari?

2. What’s the best time of year to go?

3. What kind of accommodation is offered?

4. Is it safe to fly into the Serengeti?

5. What kind of animals will I see?

6. What should I pack for a 5-day safari?

7. How much does a 5-day fly-in/drive-out safari cost?

8. What does a typical 5-day itinerary look like?