2-Day Safari From Zanzibar — The Ultimate 2026 Guide (Flights, Itinerary, Prices & Best Parks)
Two days, One Night Short Fly-in Tour from Zanzibar to Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater
"If you’re planning a short adventure from Zanzibar and want to experience Tanzania’s wildlife in the most time-efficient way, a 2-day safari from Zanzibar is the perfect choice. This guide gives you everything you need: flight details, park comparisons, itinerary options, pricing, wildlife highlights, and expert tips for making the most of your short safari."
Why Book a 2-Day Safari From Zanzibar?
A quick 2-day safari is ideal for travellers who want to combine Zanzibar’s beaches with a world-class wildlife experience. Here’s why this experience is so popular:
✔ Fast & Convenient Fly-In Access
With direct flights from Zanzibar to the northern and southern safari circuits, you can reach national parks in 40–90 minutes, maximizing your game drive time.
✔ Ideal for Families, Couples & Honeymooners
Short transfers, comfortable lodges, and minimal travel fatigue make this the perfect add-on experience.
✔ Perfect Wildlife Variety Even in 2 Days
Depending on your chosen park, you can see:
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Big Five
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Elephants & giraffes
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Lions, leopards & cheetahs
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Hippos & rhinos (Ngorongoro)
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Over 500 bird species
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Cultural & Nature (Waterfalls)
Best Parks for a 2-Day Safari From Zanzibar
The competitor page highlights Tarangire + Ngorongoro (a strong option) but fails to compare all alternatives. Here’s a full breakdown:
Tarangire National Park (Elephants & Baobabs)
⭐ Best for: elephant lovers, landscape photography
⭐ Fly time: ~1h15m to Arusha
Famous for:
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Huge elephant herds
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Ancient baobab trees
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Walking opportunities (in nearby areas)
This is the best first-day stop for short safaris.
Ngorongoro Crater (Big Five in a Single Day)
⭐ Best for: ticking off the Big Five
⭐ Fly time: ~1h15m + 1–1.5h drive
Home to:
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Black rhinos
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Lions
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Hippos
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Buffalo
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Elephants
A must-see highlight for fast itineraries.
Route Overview
Tanzania 🇹🇿
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Start: Zanzibar (Day 1)
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Day 1: Tarangire NP
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Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater
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End: Zanzibar (Day 2)
2 Day Safari From Zanzibar to Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater Itinerary
Below is our most recommended 2 day Tanzania safari for travellers based in Zanzibar Island.
Day 1: Fly Zanzibar → Arusha Airport → Tarangire National Park game drive
Morning:
Fly from Zanzibar to Arusha (about 1 hour 15 minutes). Your safari guide picks you up at the airport and briefs you on the day’s plan before driving to Tarangire National Park.
Late Morning:
Enter Tarangire and begin your first game drive. The park is famous for its huge elephant herds, iconic baobab trees, and rich wildlife including lions, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, and seasonal predators near the Tarangire River.
Lunch:
Enjoy a scenic picnic at one of the designated spots inside the park.
Afternoon:
Continue your game drive through Tarangire’s diverse landscapes. This is a great time for photography as wildlife becomes more active later in the day.
Evening:
Exit the park and drive to your lodge in Karatu or Mto wa Mmbu. Enjoy dinner, relax, and prepare for your Ngorongoro Crater adventure the next day.
Day 2 — Ngorongoro Crater Full-Day Safari → Fly Back to Zanzibar
Early Morning:
After breakfast, depart your lodge and drive toward Ngorongoro Crater. Enjoy spectacular views from the crater rim before descending into the world-famous caldera.
Morning Game Drive:
Explore the crater floor, home to dense wildlife including lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, hyenas, zebras, and—if lucky—rare black rhinos. This is one of the best places in Africa for Big Five sightings in a single day.
Lunch:
Stop for a scenic picnic at the hippo pool, one of Ngorongoro’s most iconic viewpoints.
Afternoon:
Continue your game drive as animals become active after midday. Then ascend the crater wall and begin your journey back to Arusha.
Evening:
Fly from Arusha back to Zanzibar, arriving in time to return to your hotel and relax after your safari adventure.
Other 2-Day Safari Itineraries Options From Zanzibar.
2 Day Serengeti safari from Zanzibar
Maximize your Tanzania vacation with a seamless 2-day Fly-In safari from Zanzibar. Experience the legendary Serengeti with full-day game drives straight from the beach. Ultimate Beach & Bush combo.
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Day 1: From Zanzibar → Serengeti, proceed with game drive, overnight at lodge.
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Day 2: Sunrise Serengeti game drive → fly back to Zanzibar in the afternoon.
2 Day Safari and Serval wildlife from Zanzibar
Maximize your Zanzibar holiday with a seamless 2-day Fly-In safari from Zanzibar. Explore the elephant-rich Tarangire and enjoy the unique Serval Wildlife experience.
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Day 1: From Zanzibar → Tarangire, proceed with game drive → overnight in Arusha.
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Day 2: Serval Wildlife visit → optional Materuni Waterfalls or Chemka Hot Springs → fly back to Zanzibar.
2 Day Nyerere (Selous) + Boat Safari from Zanzibar
Explore the vast Nyerere National Park (Selous) with classic game drives and an unforgettable Rufiji River boat safari on this 2 day Nyerere National park (Selous) fly-in from Zanzibar. A unique style of safari unavailable elsewhere.
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Day 1: From Zanzibar → Nyerere (Selous), proceed with game drive → overnight at safari lodge.
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Day 2: Morning boat safari on the Rufiji River → lunchtime break → fly back to Zanzibar.
Zanzibar Flight Route for a 2 day Tarangire & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
Zanzibar → Arusha Airport (ARK) Flight
Operating Airlines:
Flight Duration:
~1h15m
Route:
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Zanzibar (ZNZ) → Arusha Airport (ARK) -Tarangire, Ngorogoro
Frequency:
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Daily morning flights
Best Time To Fly For A 2-Day Safari From Zanzibar
Morning Flights reccommended to fit a enough game drive times on a first day
Other Flight Routes
2. ZNZ→ Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Best for: Serval Wildlife Sanctuary, northern circuits (if ARK flights are full)
Route:
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Zanzibar (ZNZ) → Kilimanjaro (JRO)
Duration: ~1h30m
Frequency: Daily
Airlines: Precision Air, Flightlink
Ideal when ARK connections are unavailable.
3. Zanzibar → Serengeti Airstrips
Best for: 2-day Serengeti Fly-In Safaris
Route Options:
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ZNZ → Seronera (central Serengeti)
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ZNZ → Kogatende (Northern Serengeti / Migration)
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ZNZ → Ndutu (Dec–March migration calving)
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ZNZ → Grumeti (Western Corridor)
Duration: 1.5–2.5 hrs depending on airstrip
Frequency: Seasonal & varies by region
Airlines: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air
These are direct fly-in routes, ideal for premium safaris.
4. Zanzibar → Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Best for: Boat safaris, southern circuit, budget 2-day trips
Route:
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Zanzibar (ZNZ) → Mtemere Airstrip
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Zanzibar (ZNZ) → Siwandu Airstrip
Duration: 45–60 minutes
Frequency: 1–2 daily flights
Airlines: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air
Quickest safari access from Zanzibar.
5. Zanzibar → Mikumi National Park
Best for: Affordable safaris close to Dar es Salaam
Route:
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Zanzibar (ZNZ) → Mikumi Airstrip
Duration: 50–60 minutes
Frequency: Scheduled flights depending on season
Airlines: Coastal Aviation
Perfect for travellers seeking a low-budget short safari.
Safari Accommodation Options
Based on region:
Northern Circuit
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Marera Valley Lodge
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Heart And Soul Lodge
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Oldeani Mountain Lodge
(Listed by competitor, but we expand.)
Serengeti
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Tented camps
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Mobile camps
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Luxury lodges
Nyerere/Mikumi
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Riverside eco-lodges
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Tented bush camps
Serval Wildlife
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Serval Lodge (family-friendly)
Best Time for a 2-Day Safari From Zanzibar
Choosing the right time for a 2-day safari from Zanzibar can significantly enhance your wildlife experience, photography opportunities, and overall comfort. While the competitor briefly mentions dry vs green season, this expanded guide gives travellers a complete, month-by-month understanding of Tanzania’s safari seasons.
Dry Season (June–October) — Best Overall
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Easier wildlife spotting
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Dry roads
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Clear skies for photography
Green Season (Nov–May) — Scenic & Affordable
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Lush landscapes
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Lower prices
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Great birdwatching
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Calving season (Jan–March)
How Much Does a 2-Day Safari From Zanzibar Cost?
Breakdown of Average Costs
Flights: $120–$350
Park Fees:
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Ngorongoro: $70–$200 depending on vehicle
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Tarangire: ~$50 pp
Accommodation:
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Budget: $60–$120 pp per night.
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Mid-range: $130–$220 pp per night.
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Luxury: $300–$700 pp per night.
Safari Vehicle + Guide: $345 per day.
Total Estimated Cost
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Budget: $550–$850
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Mid-range: $900–$1,300
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Luxury: $1,400–$2,100
Tips to Save Money
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Travel during green season
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Choose parks closer to Arusha
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Book flights early
Other Safaris You May Like
Questions About 2-Day Tanzania Safaris From Zanzibar
What is the best 2 day safari in Tanzania from Zanzibar?
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The best option for safari if you just have a day or two is Tarangire National Park, and or Ngorongoro Crater. You can start a safari from Zanzibar island (Flights Included), and proceed to Zanzibar beach holiday at the end of your Safari on Tanzania's Mainland.
For example 2 day fly-in safari from Zanzibar:
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-Fly into Arusha Airport (ARK) on a morning flight.
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-Take a full-day game drive in Tarangire Park, overnight at Farms Of Dreams.
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-Ngorongoro Crater game drive then fly back to Zanzibar in the evening.
Flying from Zanzibar for a 2-day safari tour:
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You can fly from Zanzibar directly to Arusha airport the Tarangire or Ngorongoro. Overnight at lodges.
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If you have to do a day trip to Tarangire National Park or Tarangire from Zanzibar, you should consider at least one night at least, this will be a more relaxed tour, than rushing to come back on the same day.
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The cost of a 2-day Safari with a private vehicle from Zanzibar to Tarangire and Ngorongoro crater is about $1,163 per person ( all inclusive of driver guide, flights, entrance fees, and unlimited game drive), and overnight will be at semi luxury lodge accommodation.
What is the 2 days Mikumi safari from Zanzibar?
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Typically, the best 2 days 1 Night Mikumi safari from Zanzibar includes round-trip flights, semi-luxury accommodations, all meals, unlimited game drives, expert guides, and extra activities like walking safaris and boat trips. Also, transportation to and from the airport in Zanzibar and Dar Es Salaam are all included.
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The best time to visit Mikumi National Park for Safari is during the dry season, which falls between June and March. During this time, the wildlife is more concentrated around water sources, making it easier for awesome game drives and spotting animals.
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Mikumi National Park is well known to be home to a wide variety of wildlife, including predators such as Lions, and herbivores like giraffes, hippos, buffaloes, wildebeests, hyenas, and elephants. Please note that, it is not easy to find all of Africa’s big 5 on the same day, especially for 2 day safari in Tanzania's Mainland.
Can you do a two day safari in Tanzania fly-in from Zanzibar?
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There are many 2-day/1-night safari tours available in Tanzania. Most safaris start from Zanzibar, Arusha or Dar es Salaam, but most travelers prefer to book a quick 2-day safari from Zanzibar for a short wildlife experience to Tanzania's Mainland. To take a tour of the entire Northern circuit you need at least 4 or 5 days of safari, but in 2 days you can visit the famous Ngorongoro Crater combined with Tarangire or Lake Manyara National Parks.
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Of course, it is possible to reduce traveling time and spend both days in just one of these parks. An even more great option is an overnight safari trip to Arusha National Park, located very close to the city. Here you can enjoy game drives together with walking safaris, but a more amazing and unique experience is a canoe trip on the Momella Lakes. Large flocks of flamingos often drop by the lakes together with great Meru mountain views.
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From Dar es Salaam, a perfect 2-day safari tour is to Mikumi National Park. The park is home to many animals, including huge buffalo herds and many bird species. Or you can fly to Saadani Park, which is found on the beaches of the Indian Ocean (only the national park meets with the Indian ocean). Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) is also a great option and can also be visited on a 2-day fly-in safari from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam.
Is a 2 day safari in Tanzania enough?
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For travelers from Europe or the United States to Tanzania, the cost and time involved in reaching Africa mainly Tanzania, can be significant. Given the investment in airfare and the time spent traveling to the destination, it does make sense to maximize your Tanzania safari experience. A two-day safari might seem like a quick and cost-effective option, but it doesn’t give enough time to truly experience the African wilderness.
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To make the most of your Tanzania Safari, consider spending at least a 5 days or a week on safari. This will allow you to explore multiple national parks, witness a variety of wildlife, and do different activities without being rushed.
Is 2 days enough for Zanzibar?
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Yes! A day safari in Tanzania from Zanzibar, Dar Es Salaam or Arusha or 2 days in Zanzibar island might be good enough for a Zanzibar beach holiday But also when you want to get something unique to Zanzibar for example; a quick wildlife experience in Tanzania's mainland from Zanzibar.
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You may opt to book a 2-day safari from Zanzibar as well as other Tanzania safaris from Zanzibar packages because we are an expert and top tour operator in Zanzibar and Tanzania. 2 days tours in Zanzibar can start at any day you want. The dry season from July to September is when the majority of visitors arrive in Zanzibar. If you think 2 days in Zanzibar is not enough, you can extend it to 3 or 4 days to give yourself more time to experience Zanzibar and Tanzania safari.
What should I pack for a 2-day Tanzania safari?
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Pack light and bring:
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Neutral clothing
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Sunscreen & sunglasses
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Comfortable shoes
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A warm layer for mornings (especially Ngorongoro)
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Camera or phone with extra battery
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Small backpack
Domestic flights have weight limits, so soft bags are preferred.
Is a 2-day safari from Zanzibar suitable for families with children?
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Absolutely. Short fly-in safaris are ideal for families because they avoid long road drives. Parks like Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Serval Wildlife are especially child-friendly with predictable wildlife sightings and comfortable lodges.
What is the best 2-day safari itinerary from Zanzibar?
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The most recommended itinerary is:
Day 1: Fly from Zanzibar → Tarangire game drive
Day 2: Ngorongoro Crater full-day safari → Fly back to Zanzibar
This route offers a high chance of spotting the Big Five within 48 hours.
How do you get from Zanzibar to the safari parks?
Most safaris involve a direct domestic flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to:
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Arusha (ARK) – gateway to Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Serengeti
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Seronera Airstrip – central Serengeti
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Nyerere (Selous) Airstrip
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Mikumi Airstrip
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Flights take 45 minutes to 2.5 hours, depending on the route.
Which parks can I visit on a 2-day safari from Zanzibar?
The most popular routes include:
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Tarangire + Ngorongoro Crater (top-rated classic combo)
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Serengeti Fly-In Safari (best for migration & big cats)
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Nyerere (Selous) (great for boat safaris)
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Mikumi National Park (affordable and close to Dar es Salaam)
Each park specialises in unique wildlife and landscapes, giving travellers flexible options based on budget and interests.
How long does a flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Arusha (ARK) take?
A direct flight from Zanzibar to Arusha takes approximately 1 hour 15 minutes, sometimes up to 1 hour 30 minutes depending on aircraft type and minor route variations. This fast connection is what makes 2-day safaris highly convenient.