A Tanzania fly-in safari from Zanzibar is the easiest and most time-saving way to experience wildlife. Starting from Zanzibar’s white-sand beaches and clear blue waters, this safari lets you fly straight from the island to famous national parks such as Serengeti, Nyerere (Selous), Ruaha, Tarangire and Mikumi; bringing together a relaxing beach holiday and unforgettable game drives.
You can wake up in Zanzibar, enjoy breakfast by the Indian Ocean, and by the same afternoon be watching lions, elephants and giraffes on a Big Five safari in mainland Tanzania.
Understanding a Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar?
A fly-in safari from Zanzibar involves boarding a scheduled or chartered flight from Zanzibar (ZNZ) directly to a national park airstrip. Upon landing, your safari guide meets you and game drives begin immediately.
Unlike road safaris (overland/driving), a fly-in safari tour is designed to maximize time for game drives and wildlife viewing inside Tanzania’s national parks as instead of long road transfers, you fly directly from Zanzibar to a safari airstrip near the action.
It is one of the most popular Tanzania safari choices for Zanzibar-based travellers as it allows for a seamless transition from the white sand beaches to the heart of the savannah in a fraction of the time. This makes it ideal if you have limited time, want comfort, or are planning a honeymoon or luxury trip
How Fly-in Safaris from Zanzibar Work (Step-by-Step)
1. Morning pickup from your Zanzibar hotel
2. Flight from Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ)
3. Scenic bush flight over Tanzania
4. Landing at a park airstrip
5. Meet safari guide and start game drive
6. Complete itinerary and Fly out
Most flights operate daily and connect seamlessly with lodge schedules.
Best Tanzania Safari Parks to Fly-in from Zanzibar
Zanzibar isn’t just a beach paradise, it’s also the perfect gateway to Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations. With convenient fly-in safaris, travelers can transition seamlessly from white-sand beaches to world-class wildlife experiences in just a few hours. These fly-in options save time, reduce long road journeys, and maximize time spent on safari. Below are the best Tanzania safari parks you can easily fly to from Zanzibar for an unforgettable bush-to-beach adventure.
1. Serengeti National Park (Fly-In)
The Serengeti National Park is the gold standard for African safaris, famous for its endless plains and the legendary Great Migration. For first-time visitors and honeymooners, it offers the greatest wildlife experience, from massive herds to the world’s most famous big cat populations.Choosing a luxury Serengeti fly-in safari from Zanzibar is the smartest way to experience this iconic landscape. By bypassing the grueling 8-hour drive from Arusha, you shrink the journey into a scenic 2-hour flight. This allows you to swap a sunrise beach breakfast for a midday game drive, landing directly at airstrips like Seronera or Kogatende. It is the ultimate time-efficient escape, ensuring every moment of your trip is spent among wildlife rather than in transit.
2. Nyerere National Park (Selous)
Nyerere National Park (formerly the Selous Game Reserve) is a revelation. This massive wilderness is sculpted by the mighty Rufiji River, creating a lush, water-rich landscape that feels worlds away from the dry savannahs of the Serengeti.
Nyerere is a standout choice for short fly-in safaris from Zanzibar, offering a unique variety of ways to see wildlife that you won’t find in other parks.
Visitors can enjoy legendary boat safaris to see hippos and crocodiles at eye level, or join an expert-led walking safari to discover the smaller wonders of the bush on foot. With significantly fewer crowds, it offers an intimate atmosphere that is perfect for couples on a romantic getaway or repeat visitors looking to experience a different, more peaceful side of Tanzania.
3. Mikumi National Park (Safari from Zanzibar)
Mikumi National Park is the closest safari park to Zanzibar offering an incredible wildlife density that rivals larger parks, but at a much more affordable safari price point making it a favorite among budget travellers. A Mikumi fly-in safari from Zanzibar is a short 45minute to 1hour flight from Stone Town,making it the most popular destination for short safaris from Zanzibar. It’s the perfect experience for first-time travelers who want to see lions, elephants & giraffes without the long-haul travel time or high costs of the northern circuit national parks.
4. Ruaha National Park
Ruaha National Park offers a truly wild and untamed safari experience. Known for its rugged landscapes and ancient baobab-studded plains, Ruaha is a remote sanctuary where you can often drive for hours without seeing another vehicle. This makes it a premier destination for exclusive fly-in safaris from Zanzibar, catering to honeymooners, experienced safari travelers who value solitude and deep immersion in the wild. With one of the highest concentrations of lions and elephants in East Africa, it provides an undisturbed stage for professional photographers to capture wildlife behaving exactly as nature intended.
Flight Duration from Zanzibar to Safari Parks
Flights used for Tanzania fly-in safaris from Zanzibar are by small safari aircraft designed for short bush airstrips owned by private operators catering specifically to the needs of travelers. Flight times may vary depending on weather, operator and intermediate stops at other airstrips. Most departures are in the morning, allowing guests to begin game drives shortly after landing, often directly from the airstrip.
| Route | Flight Time | Airline/Operator |
| Zanzibar to Mikumi | 45–60 minutes | Coastal Aviation / Safari Air |
| Zanzibar to Nyerere | 1–1.5 hours | Precision Air / Air Tanzania |
| Zanzibar to Serengeti | 2–3 hours | Coastal Aviation / Wilderness Air |
| Zanzibar to Ruaha Fly-in Safari | 3–4 hours (with stops) | Safari Air / Serengeti Air |
Cost of a Tanzania Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar
Prices depend on park choice, season, and accommodation level.
Average Price Guide
* Budget / Mid-range: USD 500–900 per person per day
* Luxury: USD 900–1,600+ per person per day
What the Price Includes
* Go & Return flights from Zanzibar
* Park fees and conservation charges
* Accommodation and meals
* Game drives with professional guide
Packing for Your Zanzibar Fly-In Safari: Luggage Rules You Need to Know
The moment you step off Zanzibar’s exotic beaches and board an aircraft bound for Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife regions, your safari adventure truly begins. And while the planes that take you into the bush are small, the impact of your packing decisions is huge. For a smooth and seamless transition from Zanzibar to remote safari airstrip, it’s essential to pack light, smart, and in accordance with a few key guidelines out below as the baggage policy and luggage rules are strictly tight for safety purposes.
The 15kg Total Weight Limit
All passengers are restricted to a total of 15kg (33 lbs). This is an all-inclusive limit that covers both your checked bag and your carry-on or camera gear. These small planes have limited cargo capacity, and pilots must strictly manage weight for safety during takeoff from bush strips like Seronera or Kogatende.
Soft-Sided Bags Only
Fly-in Safaris strictly prohibit hard-shell suitcases. To fit into the plane’s small, irregularly shaped cargo pods, your luggage must be “squashable.” You should use a soft-sided duffel bag made of canvas or nylon. Bags with rigid frames or large wheels will often be rejected at the boarding gate in Zanzibar airport.
Managing Excess Luggage
Since you won’t need your beachwear or heavy suitcases in the wild savannah, the most common solution is to leave your main luggage at your Zanzibar hotel. Most resorts provide secure, complimentary storage for guests. If you aren’t returning to the same hotel, you can use the secure storage facilities at Zanzibar Airport (ZNZ) for a small fee.
Plastic Bag Ban
Remember that Tanzania has a strict ban on single-use plastic bags. Avoid using them for laundry or shoes within your luggage. Instead, use cloth bags or packing cubes to organize your gear and keep your total weight under the 15kg limit.
Best Time to Do a Fly-in Safari from Zanzibar
A fly-in safari from Zanzibar is an unforgettable experience at any time of year. However, the wildlife viewing experience can vary significantly depending on the season as each time of year offers something unique. Wildlife safaris from Zanzibar operate year-round, but the best time depends on your interests:
- June – October (Dry Season): Ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals concentrate around waterholes and visibility is excellent. This is also peak season, so expect more tourists and higher prices.
- January – March (Calving Season): Perfect for witnessing wildebeest births in the Serengeti, attracting predators. It’s a great time for action-packed safari experiences with fewer crowds.
- April – May (Green Season): A quieter time with lower prices and lush landscapes. While animal sightings may be harder due to thick vegetation, it’s great for birdwatching and remote safaris with fewer tourists.
No matter the season, each offers unique wildlife experiences, making Zanzibar a great gateway for a safari year-round. Read more on our guide about the best time of year to visit Tanzania to better plan your safari
Our Zanzibar Fly-In Safari Tour Itineraries
While most travelers start their journey exploring the best things and activities to do in Zanzibar, the ultimate way to elevate your island holiday is with a luxury fly-in safari. Our curated itineraries are designed to transition you seamlessly from the spice markets of Stone Town to the heart of the Serengeti.”
2-Days Mikumi Safari from Zanzibar
Day 1: Fly Zanzibar to Mikumi, afternoon game drive
Day 2: Morning game drive, fly back to Zanzibar
3 Days Serengeti Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar
Day 1: Fly to Serengeti, afternoon game drive
Day 2: Full-day game drives
Day 3: Morning game drive, return flight to Zanzibar
Why a Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar is the Best Way to See Tanzania’s Wildlife
For Zanzibar residents or travelers in Zanzibar looking to explore Tanzania’s wildlife, a fly-in safari is the best choice. Here’s why:
- Skip Long Road Transfers
Avoid lengthy drives by flying directly into the heart of the parks and save valuable time. - More Time Inside Parks
Quick flights mean more hours spent on safari, maximizing your wildlife experiences. - Seamless Beach-to-Bush Travel
Effortlessly transition from Zanzibar’s beaches to thrilling game drives with minimal travel time. - Comfort and Convenience
Enjoy a stress-free journey with luxury flights and dedicated airstrips inside the parks.
A Tanzania fly-in safari from Zanzibar is the most practical and rewarding way to experience wildlife while enjoying Zanzibar’s beaches. Whether you choose Mikumi for a short safari, Serengeti for iconic wildlife, or Nyerere National Park for exclusivity, fly-in safaris offer unmatched efficiency.
Explore our best Tanzania Fly-In safari packages from Zanzibar and let our local experts design the perfect beach-and-bush itinerary.
Fly-In Safaris from Zanzibar: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is a 1-day safari from Zanzibar possible?
Yes. Mikumi National Park and Nyerere (Selous) National Park are the primary destinations for 1-day fly-in safaris. Flights typically depart Zanzibar at 7:00 AM and return by 5:00 PM, providing 6 to 8 hours of game viewing.
2. Which park is best for a safari from Zanzibar?
Nyerere (Selous): Best for a wild, off-road experience and boat safaris.
Mikumi: Best for high animal density (Lions, Elephants, Zebras) and budget-friendly options.
Serengeti: Best for the Great Migration, though it requires a 2-hour flight and is recommended for 2 to 3 day itineraries.
3. How much does a fly-in safari from Zanzibar cost?
In 2026, a 1-day fly-in safari costs between $450 and $700 USD per person. This includes return flights, park fees, 4×4 game drives, and lunch. Multi-day packages range from $1,100 to $1,800 USD depending on accommodation levels.
4. How long is the flight from Zanzibar to the safari parks?
Flights to the Southern Circuit (Mikumi and Nyerere) take 45 to 60 minutes. Direct flights to the Northern Circuit (Serengeti and Ngorongoro) take 2 to 2.5 hours.
5. What are the luggage limits for Zanzibar safari flights?
There is a strict 15kg (33 lbs) weight limit per person, inclusive of hand luggage. You must use soft-sided duffel bags as hard-shell suitcases are prohibited as they cannot fit into the small cargo pods of bush planes.
6. Can I see the “Big Five” on a safari from Zanzibar?
You can see four of the five (Lion, Leopard, Elephant, Buffalo) in Nyerere or Mikumi. To see the Rhino, you must fly to the Ngorongoro Crater or specific regions of the Serengeti.
7. Is it better to fly or take the ferry for a safari from Zanzibar?
Flying is the superior option.While the ferry to Dar es Salaam is cheaper, the subsequent 6 to 8 hour drive to the parks is exhausting. A fly-in safari puts you on a game drive within 90 minutes of leaving Zanzibar.
8. Do I need a separate visa for a mainland Tanzania safari?
No. Zanzibar is part of the United Republic of Tanzania. Your initial tourist visa covers both the island and the mainland. However, you must carry your passport for identification at airport security.
9. Are Zanzibar safari flights safe?
Yes. Flights are operated by established regional carriers (such as Coastal Aviation and Auric Air) using modern turboprop aircraft and pilots specialized in remote bush landings.
10. When is the best time for a safari from Zanzibar?
The dry season (June to October) is peak time for wildlife viewing as animals congregate at water sources. January and February are also excellent for predator action. Travellers tend to avoid April and May due to heavy rains.
11. Is a Zanzibar safari suitable for children?
Yes. Fly-in safaris are ideal for families because they eliminate long, bumpy road transfers. Most lodges provide family suites and private 4×4 vehicles for a more flexible schedule.
12. What should I pack for a 1-day safari from Zanzibar?
Wear neutral-colored clothing (khaki or tan); avoid blue and black as they attract tsetse flies. Essential items include a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a power bank for your camera.
