5-Day Tanzania Safari: Drive In, Fly Out
A private 5-day safari from Arusha by road through Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Crater to the central Serengeti, then a short flight back to Arusha instead of the long drive.
One Long Drive Instead of Two
The classic northern circuit is wonderful by road, but the drive back from the Serengeti to Arusha takes most of a day. On this safari you see the landscape on the way in, through Tarangire, the green highlands and the Ngorongoro Crater, and then fly back from the Seronera airstrip in about an hour.
That saves a day of driving and gives you a last morning game drive in the Serengeti before the flight. You can also fly on to Zanzibar for a beach stay instead of back to Arusha.
Prefer to drive both ways? See the 4-Day Tarangire, Serengeti & Ngorongoro Safari →
Why Travellers Choose It
- Tarangire's elephants and baobabs
- A morning on the Ngorongoro Crater floor
- Two nights in the central Serengeti
- A flight back from Seronera instead of a full day's drive
- Option to fly on to Zanzibar
Read our park guides: Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti National Park
Route Map
- By road
- By air
- Day of the trip
- Arusha
Lines show the order of travel, not the exact roads.
We collect you in Arusha in the morning for the drive to Tarangire and a full day of game drives among elephants and baobabs, with a picnic lunch.
Overnight: Mid-range lodge near Mto wa Mbu or in Karatu
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Down into the Ngorongoro Crater for a game drive on the crater floor among buffalo, zebras, lions and, with luck, black rhinos.
Overnight: Lodge in Karatu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over the crater highlands and across the short-grass plains into the Serengeti, with a game drive on the way to your camp.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in the central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A full day of game drives around the Seronera River valley and the kopjes. Elephants, giraffes, zebras, buffalo, impalas, wildebeest and hippos are common. Lions are seen often and leopards more rarely. Wild animals move freely, so no sighting can be guaranteed.
Overnight: Lodge or tented camp in the central Serengeti
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A last game drive, then your guide takes you to the Seronera airstrip for the flight to Arusha, or on to Zanzibar.
Meals: Breakfast
The price depends on the flight fare, the season and lodge availability for your dates, so we quote this safari on request. Send us your dates and group size and we will reply within 24 hours.
On requestYou can fly from Seronera to Zanzibar instead of Arusha; ask us for the fare.
Trip Notes
- Start: your hotel in Arusha · End: Arusha airport
- Private safari: your group only, on the dates you choose
- Lodges named when we confirm availability
- Small plane on day 5: soft bags, about 15 kg per person
Includes
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with a pop-up roof and a professional driver-guide
- All park entry and concession fees and the Ngorongoro Crater vehicle fee
- 4 nights in mid-range lodges and camps, full board
- Flight Seronera–Arusha
- Drinking water
Excludes
- International flights and visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tanzania's compulsory inbound travel insurance for foreign visitors (44 US dollars per person, from 1 October 2026)
- Hot-air balloon flight (optional)
- Tips for your guide and lodge staff
- Drinks not included in the meal plans
- Any government increase in park fees or taxes after booking
Questions Travellers Ask
Why fly back?
The drive from the central Serengeti to Arusha takes most of a day. The flight takes about an hour, so you keep a morning game drive and arrive rested.
Does the guide fly with us?
No. Your guide drives the empty vehicle back to Arusha after taking you to the airstrip.
Can we fly to Zanzibar instead?
Yes. Flights from the Serengeti to Zanzibar run most days, at a different fare.
How much luggage can we take on the plane?
Usually about 15 kg per person in a soft bag. Extra luggage can go back with the vehicle.
