5 Day Fly In Safari from Zanzibar to Serengeti
Return flights, private 4x4, expert guide, optional balloon
Beach start with extra time in big cat country
Begin on Zanzibar and then fly straight to the Serengeti. With five full days, you gain more field time for dawn and dusk behavior. In addition, there is space for a slower midday break if you travel with family. Central plains hold resident predators all year, and the open country gives clear views. From December to March, we can instead base near Ndutu to follow calving on short grass, and as a result you will see heightened predator interaction.
Our pacing favors early departures and, furthermore, picnic lunches near productive lines. Afterward, we plan long golden hour drives. You keep the same private 4x4 and driver guide throughout, therefore the plan remains flexible every day.
Long tail cues. 5 day fly in safari from Zanzibar, Zanzibar to Serengeti itinerary 5 days, central Serengeti cats, Ndutu calving season, Serengeti balloon.
Route and flight plan
- First, take a morning flight from Zanzibar ZNZ to a Serengeti airstrip. Choose Seronera for central plains or Ndutu in calving months
- Next, board a light aircraft with a typical soft bag limit of 15 kg plus a small camera bag
- Then, meet your private driver guide at the airstrip and begin game viewing at once
- Finally, return by air to Zanzibar on day 5 with an afternoon beach transfer
If you need to route via Arusha, we coordinate the short connection. Moreover, we can store any hard suitcase until your return flight.
Day by day itinerary
Air times and camp choices adjust with season and availability
Day 1. Zanzibar to Serengeti. PM game drive
Fly from Zanzibar into the Serengeti, where your driver guide meets you at the strip with a private 4x4. After a short camp check in, head out for an easy afternoon loop along river lines and short grass. Here you often find zebra, elephants and plains game as the light softens. In the evening, settle in and prepare for an early start.
Day 2. Central Serengeti full day
Begin before dawn to work kopjes for lions warming in first light. Afterwards, cross short grass for cheetah scans and hyena tracks. We carry a picnic so that we stay out through the most productive hours and, meanwhile, use shade for a quiet pause. Later, the afternoon focuses on giraffe corridors and water points before a wide sunset on a ridge.
Day 3. Balloon at sunrise or flexible predator morning
At first light, join an optional hot air balloon with a bush breakfast. Otherwise, remain on the ground and position near watercourses for active predator behavior. We follow fresh signs; consequently, we often wait in good light for natural movement. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed siesta in camp and then return for the late afternoon glow.
Day 4. Open plains circuit with golden hour finish
Today we either return to promising ground from earlier drives or, alternatively, explore new sections depending on current movement. In either case, we plan a longer golden hour session. Consequently, you will frame silhouettes and wider scenes that show the size of the plains.
Day 5. Dawn loop then flight back to Zanzibar
Start with a short sunrise circuit for final sightings. Then transfer to the airstrip for your flight back to Zanzibar. On arrival, continue with a beach transfer. If routed via Arusha, any stored luggage is rejoined en route.
Season tip. Central Serengeti is reliable all year. From December to March, a Ndutu base adds calving and concentrated predator action. Otherwise, central plains remain productive with resident cats.
Best time to go
June to October
Clear mornings and cool nights with steady predator activity around kopjes and river lines. Consequently, this period suits first-time visitors.
November and April to May
Green landscapes and fewer vehicles. In addition, fresh grass brings strong grazing and soft light for photography.
December to March
Calving season near Ndutu with intense predator interaction and short grass visibility. Therefore, photographers often favor these months.
Year round
Resident wildlife holds in central areas; however, early starts always improve chances for cats.
Transparent costs for 5 days
Typical per person ranges for two travelers. Final quote varies by season, routing and camp category
- Includes return light aircraft flights Zanzibar to Serengeti, private 4x4 with pop top, expert guide, park fees, four nights full board and bottled water
- Balloon flight is optional and, additionally, priced on request
See wider ranges in the Tanzania safari cost guide or request a tailored quote
What is included and not included
Included
- Return flights Zanzibar ZNZ to Serengeti airstrip
- Private 4x4 with pop top and fridge
- Professional driver guide
- All park and concession fees
- Four nights full board at a safari camp or lodge
- Drinking water in the vehicle
Not included
- Some drinks and personal expenses
- Balloon flight and special activities
- Travel insurance and visas
- Tips at your discretion
Why book with Hazina Afrika
Efficient Zanzibar logistics
Coordinated flights and smooth ground handling from beach to bush. Moreover, our team tracks schedule changes daily.
Productive locations
Camps close to river lines, kopjes and short grass zones so that travel times stay short and sightings increase.
Seasoned driver guides
Field craft and positioning that improve viewing and photos; likewise, patient timing reduces crowding.
Filmmaker pacing
Unhurried time at sightings for better behavior and light. Consequently, you return with stronger images.
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View detailsFrequently asked questions
Are there daily flights from Zanzibar to Serengeti
Most routes operate daily in peak months; however, frequencies reduce in shoulder periods. We therefore match schedules to your dates and camp location.
Which airstrip should I use
Seronera is ideal for central Serengeti. Ndutu is recommended from December to March. Alternatively, western or northern strips are used when the herds shift.
What is the baggage limit on light aircraft
Soft bags to a typical combined limit of 15 kg per person plus a small camera bag. If needed, we can store any hard suitcases in Arusha and return them after the trip.
Is a balloon flight possible on this plan
Yes. Day 3 is recommended and seats are limited; consequently, booking ahead helps.
Is this trip suitable for children
Yes for many families. A private vehicle allows flexible pacing and early returns to camp when required. Even so, minimum age depends on your chosen camp policy.
Can I extend to 7 days
Yes. You can add nights in the same area or, alternatively, combine central with Ndutu or the western corridor. We then adjust flights and routing to fit.
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