Safari ultime de 2 jours au départ de Zanzibar : vol vers le parc national de Tarangire et le cratère du Ngorongoro
Safari ultime de 2 jours au départ de Zanzibar : vol vers le parc national de Tarangire et le cratère du Ngorongoro
Trip Length
3-days / 2Night
Starts/End
Arusha/DSM
Fly-in
Serengeti
Live Guides
German, French & Spanish
« Notre safari de deux jours au départ de Zanzibar, à Tarangire et au cratère du Ngorongoro, méticuleusement planifié et optimisé en termes de temps, est le choix idéal pour les voyageurs qui souhaitent vivre une expérience faunique inoubliable sans sacrifier une seule journée à la plage. Cet itinéraire exclusif en avion vous évite de longs trajets en voiture et vous permet de passer 48 heures à observer les Big Five et à vous émerveiller devant les merveilles naturelles de la vallée du Grand Rift. »
Quick Overview – 3-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari
-
Duration: 3 days / 2 night
-
Safari Style: Fly-in / fly-out
-
Start & End: Arusha or Dar es Salaam (Zanzibar optional)
-
Flights: Light aircraft into Serengeti airstrip
-
Game Drives: Afternoon and morning sessions + Hot Air Balloon
-
Ideal For: Limited-time travelers, premium trips, Serengeti highlights
Day-by-Day 3-Day Serengeti Fly-In safari Itinerary
This well-planned 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari itinerary shows exact timings and activities vary by season, Serengeti region, and camp location.
Day 1 – Fly Into Central Serengeti & Afternoon Game Drive
Your safari begins with a scenic light-aircraft flight from Arusha, Dar es Salaam, or Zanzibar directly into the Central Serengeti, landing at a bush airstrip within the park. Upon arrival, your professional safari guide meets you and begins a game drive en route to your lodge or camp. Wildlife viewing often starts immediately, with chances to see lions, elephants, giraffes, and large plains game before settling into camp for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation | Day 1
restaurant
Pension complète
WiFi gratuit
Chambres non-fumeurs
Accessible
Bar
WiFi gratuit
Day 2 – Full Day of Game Drives + Optional Hot Air Balloon Safari
The second day is dedicated entirely to exploring the Central Serengeti. Most travelers enjoy morning and afternoon game drives, tracking predator activity and seasonal wildlife movements across open plains and riverine areas.
Alternatively, you may choose an optional hot air balloon safari, departing before sunrise for a panoramic aerial view of the Serengeti at first light, followed by a bush breakfast. After returning to camp, the day continues with relaxed game drives or downtime before an evening wildlife experience.
Accommodation | Day 2
restaurant
Pension complète
WiFi gratuit
Chambres non-fumeurs
Accessible
Bar
WiFi gratuit
Day 3 – Morning Game Drive & Fly Out
An early morning game drive offers excellent opportunities to observe wildlife during peak activity hours, particularly big cats returning from night hunts. After breakfast, you transfer back to the nearby airstrip for your scheduled flight out of the Serengeti, returning to Arusha, Zanzibar, or onward destinations. The safari concludes without long overland travel, making this itinerary ideal for travelers with limited time.
How You Fly Into the Serengeti: Routes & Gateways
Understanding routing is essential for trust and realistic planning.
Primary Routing: Via Arusha
Most 3-day Serengeti fly-in safaris operate via Arusha, the main gateway to northern Tanzania. From Arusha, scheduled or charter flights operate daily into the Serengeti.
Why Arusha works best:
-
Short, direct flight times
-
Reliable schedules
-
Easy connections from Kilimanjaro International Airport
Typical flight time from Arusha to the Serengeti ranges from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the airstrip and any intermediate stops.
Secondary Routing: From Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam
For travelers combining safari with the coast, secondary routing from Zanzibar or Dar es Salaam is possible and increasingly popular.
This routing makes sense when:
-
You are finishing a Zanzibar beach holiday
-
You want to avoid returning to Arusha
-
Time efficiency is the priority
The trade-off is longer flight time compared to Arusha routing, but you still avoid long road transfers entirely.
Serengeti Airstrips & Real Flight Times
Fly-in safaris use bush airstrips located inside the Serengeti, allowing direct access to wildlife areas.
Common airstrips include:
-
Central Serengeti airstrips
-
Western or northern sector airstrips (season-dependent)
Typical internal flight times:
-
Arusha → Serengeti: ~1–2 hours
-
Zanzibar → Serengeti: ~2–3 hours (may include stops)
Upon landing, your safari guide meets you at the airstrip and transfers you directly to your lodge—often beginning wildlife viewing immediately.
Wildlife Expectations on a Short Serengeti Safari
The Serengeti is renowned for its wildlife density, which is why a short safari can still be rewarding.
On a well-planned 3-day fly-in safari, you can expect:
-
Year-round big cats (especially lions)
-
Large herbivore herds
-
Diverse birdlife
-
Excellent predator-prey interactions
Seasonality matters, but wildlife is always present. Migration sightings depend on time of year and location, and no ethical operator will guarantee specific animals. What matters most is guide expertise and camp positioning.
3-Day Fly-in Safari vs Road Safari to the Serengeti
This comparison is critical for decision-making.
A fly-in safari is built around efficiency and comfort. By flying directly into the Serengeti, you avoid exhausting overland journeys and preserve energy for game drives. This makes the experience feel calm, focused, and immersive—even in a short timeframe.
A road safari reduces costs but increases travel time significantly. On a 3-day schedule, road transfers often dominate the itinerary, leaving less time for actual wildlife viewing.
Quick decision summary:
-
Fly-in safari: best for short, premium, time-efficient trips
-
Road safari: better for longer itineraries with flexible schedules
For a 3-day Serengeti visit, flying is almost always the more balanced option.
Cost Range & Value Explained
A 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari costs more than a road-based alternative, but the price reflects real operational factors—not just convenience.
What drives the cost:
-
Aircraft operation and fuel
-
Remote camp logistics
-
Limited guest capacity
-
Skilled guides and staff
Prices vary by:
-
Season
-
Camp category
-
Flight routing
-
Availability
Rather than focusing on the lowest price, value should be measured by time saved, comfort gained, and experience quality delivered.
Who a 3-Day Serengeti Fly-in Safari Is Best For
This safari format is especially well-suited to:
-
First-time Serengeti visitors with limited time
-
Honeymooners and couples
-
Seniors seeking reduced physical strain
-
Zanzibar travelers adding a short safari
-
Travelers prioritizing experience over distance covered
It may be less suitable for:
-
Budget-focused travelers
-
Visitors wanting to explore multiple Serengeti regions slowly
Alternatives & Extensions to Consider
If your schedule allows flexibility, it’s worth considering nearby alternatives or extensions.
-
Tarangire offers exceptional elephant sightings and works well as a contrast to the Serengeti.
-
Ngorongoro Crater provides a unique, high-density wildlife experience in a compact area.
-
Lake Manyara adds scenic variety and birdlife.
These are best treated as contextual options, not replacements for the Serengeti experience.
How to Book the Right 3-Day Serengeti Fly-in Safari
Short safaris require precise planning.
Key booking considerations:
-
Airstrip selection vs lodge location
-
Seasonal wildlife patterns
-
Aircraft seat availability
-
Realistic expectations
Avoid booking purely on price. The success of a 3-day fly-in safari depends on routing logic and local expertise, not just the itinerary outline.
Related Fly-In Safaris You May Also Consider
Best For: Family-friendly • Fly-in • Big 5 • Big Cats •
You Visit: Zanzibar →Serengeti Park→ Hot Air Balloon Option → Fly-out
Best For: Short safari • Fly-in • Big 5 • Cultural
You Visit: Zanzibar → Serengeti → Fly-out
Best For: • Fly-in • Big 5 • Migration • Serengeti
You Visit: Zanzibar → Serengeti→ Ngorongoro Crater→ Zanzibar
Frequently Asked Questions – 3-Day Serengeti Fly-In Safari
Is a 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari worth the cost?
-
Yes, a 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari worth the cost. This is because flying eliminates long road transfers and allows you to spend most of your limited time on game drives. The value comes from time efficiency, comfort, and access to prime wildlife areas. For short trips, fly-in safaris often deliver a better overall experience than longer road itineraries.
Is 3 days enough time to experience the Serengeti?
-
Three days is enough for a meaningful Serengeti experience when flights are used instead of driving. You can enjoy multiple game drives and strong wildlife sightings in one well-chosen region. It is not a full exploration, but it is highly rewarding when planned correctly.
Who is a 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari best for?
-
This safari is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want a premium wildlife experience. It works especially well for Zanzibar visitors, honeymooners, and first-time safari guests. Comfort-focused travelers benefit the most from this format.
Is a Serengeti fly-in safari suitable for seniors?
-
Yes, fly-in safaris are often the best option for seniors because they avoid long, tiring road journeys. Flights are short, lodges are comfortable, and daily schedules are flexible. Planning with lodge location in mind further reduces physical strain.
Can families with children do a 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari?
-
Yes, families can enjoy fly-in safaris when lodges and flight schedules are chosen carefully. Many camps accommodate children and adjust activities to suit families. Advance planning is essential to ensure a smooth and safe experience.
Are Serengeti fly-in safaris wheelchair accessible?
-
Some fly-in safaris can be adapted for wheelchair users depending on aircraft access, lodge design, and vehicle modifications. Accessibility varies widely, so honest consultation is essential before booking. A customized plan is required to ensure realistic expectations.
Are fly-in safaris safe in Tanzania?
-
Yes, safari flights in Tanzania are operated by licensed aviation companies with experienced pilots. Aircraft are designed for short bush flights and follow strict safety regulations. Safety standards are well established in the safari aviation sector.
What luggage is allowed on a Serengeti fly-in safari?
-
Soft-sided luggage with strict weight limits is required due to aircraft size and balance regulations. These limits are enforced for safety, not convenience. Packing light is essential for a smooth fly-in experience.
Which Serengeti region is best for a 3-day fly-in safari?
-
The best region depends on the season and wildlife movement rather than personal preference alone. Central Serengeti works year-round, while Ndutu and Kogatende are highly seasonal. Choosing the wrong region can significantly reduce wildlife sightings on a short trip.
Can I start a 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari from Zanzibar?
-
Yes, a fly-in safari starting from Zanzibar is possible and popular for travelers combining beach and safari. Flights are longer than from Arusha but still far more efficient than road transfers. This option works best with careful timing and routing.
How does a fly-in safari compare to a road safari for Serengeti?
-
Fly-in safaris prioritize time efficiency, comfort, and experience quality. Road safaris are more budget-friendly but consume significant time on long drives. On a 3-day schedule, flying usually delivers better value overall.
What wildlife can I realistically expect to see in 3 days?
-
You can expect strong chances to see lions, elephants, giraffes, buffalo, and a wide variety of plains game. Wildlife sightings depend on location, season, and guide expertise rather than trip length alone. No ethical safari guarantees specific animals.
Is the Great Migration guaranteed on a short Serengeti safari?
-
No, migration sightings depend on timing and location, not the number of days. A 3-day safari can coincide with migration activity if the season is right. Planning around migration requires flexibility and realistic expectations.
Are Serengeti fly-in safaris suitable for LGBTQ+ travelers?
-
Yes, fly-in safaris are generally discreet, private, and lodge-based experiences. Reputable operators focus on professionalism, safety, and guest comfort rather than personal background. Choosing experienced operators ensures a respectful and smooth trip.
Can I add a hot air balloon safari to a 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari?
-
Yes, a hot air balloon safari can be added depending on region, season, and availability. It offers a unique aerial perspective of the Serengeti at sunrise. This experience is optional and typically planned for the second morning.
What is the best time of year for a 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari?
-
The Serengeti offers excellent wildlife viewing year-round, but highlights vary by season. Migration and calving seasons are location-specific and short-lived. Flexibility increases the chances of optimal wildlife encounters.
How far in advance should I book a 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari?
-
Booking early is recommended because flights and small camps have limited capacity. Peak seasons fill quickly, especially for fly-in lodges. Last-minute bookings are possible but more restrictive.
Is a fly-in safari a luxury experience or a practical one?
-
It is both, but practicality is the main reason most travelers choose it. Flying saves time, reduces fatigue, and improves the quality of the safari experience. The luxury comes from comfort and efficiency, not excess.
Start Planning Your 3-Day Serengeti Fly-in Safari
A 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari is about doing less travel and more safari. When planned correctly, it delivers one of the most efficient and rewarding ways to experience the Serengeti in a limited timeframe.
If you value comfort, time, and experience quality, this safari format offers exceptional return on investment.
Request a custom 3-day Serengeti fly-in safari consultation or compare Serengeti fly-in options to find the route and lodge combination that fits your travel goals.