5-Day Mara River Migration Safari
Arusha Ngorongoro Crater Central Serengeti Kogatende Arusha
From, per person$2,626
Tanzania safari
5-Day Luxury Serengeti Fly-In Safari from Zanzibar
Overview
Rather than covering several parks, this safari stays in one place and goes deep. You fly from Zanzibar to an airstrip inside the Serengeti, skipping the long road from Arusha, and spend four nights at a luxury tented camp on the plains.
Without hours of driving between parks, the days are yours to shape. Go out at dawn and come back for lunch, or take a picnic and stay out until evening. One morning begins in the basket of a hot air balloon drifting over the Seronera River valley. Later the same day, a guided walk shows you the tracks, plants and smaller creatures that a vehicle rolls past. Your last morning includes a final game drive before the light aircraft returns you to Zanzibar.
Tanzania Tourism Safaris arranges the flights, the camp, the activities and an open-sided safari vehicle with an experienced guide. It is the most indulgent of our short safaris from the island, suited to couples and small groups who want comfort, quiet and time to watch wildlife without hurrying.
Tour highlights
- Fly in and out: no long road transfers
- Four nights at a luxury Serengeti tented camp
- Sunrise hot air balloon flight
- Guided walking safari on the plains
- Flexible game drives at your own pace
Day by day
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Day 1 Light Aircraft from Zanzibar to the Serengeti Stay Luxury tented camp in the SerengetiMeals Lunch, Dinner
After a transfer to Zanzibar’s airport, board your domestic flight north. The route connects through Arusha and continues by light aircraft to an airstrip in the Serengeti, giving you a first look at the plains from above. Your guide meets the plane with the safari vehicle, and game viewing starts on the drive to camp. Settle in over lunch, then head out for an afternoon drive among the grasslands, kopjes and acacia woodland.
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Day 2 Game Drives Shaped Around Your Day Stay Luxury tented camp in the SerengetiMeals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
There is no fixed plan today. Many guests head out before breakfast, when lions and cheetahs are most active, and return to camp for lunch and a rest before a late-afternoon drive. Others prefer a picnic and a full day in the field. Your guide follows recent sightings, and depending on the season, the migrating wildebeest and zebra may be within reach. Elephant, giraffe, hippo and eland are also common.
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Day 3 Following the Herds and the Hunters Stay Luxury tented camp in the SerengetiMeals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A second unhurried day gives your guide time to try a different part of the park. You might wait near a kopje where a pride has been resting, follow a river line in search of leopard, or sit with a herd and see what follows it. Photographers get the long sessions in good light that short trips rarely allow. Evenings are relaxed, with sundowners and dinner at camp.
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Day 4 Balloon Flight at Dawn and a Walk in the Bush Stay Luxury tented camp in the SerengetiMeals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
An early pickup takes you to the launch site for a hot air balloon flight over the Seronera River valley, a permanent water source that draws wildlife year-round. After landing, return to the ground for a walking safari led by a park ranger: learn to read tracks and dung, hear how plants are used locally, and notice insects and birds you would miss from a vehicle. Where your camp is permitted to offer it, a night drive may follow dinner.
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Day 5 Final Morning Drive, Flight Back to the Island Meals Breakfast, Lunch
Make the most of the last morning with one more drive while the plains are cool and busy, perhaps returning to a favorite sighting from earlier in the stay. Back at camp after breakfast, your guide takes you to the airstrip for the light-aircraft flight back to Zanzibar, connecting through Arusha. A transfer can take you on to your hotel or the international airport, depending on your plans.
Prices by season
Per person in US dollars. The price depends on when you travel and how many travelers share the trip.
| Season | 1 traveler | 2 travelers | 4 travelers | 6 travelers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Low season 1 Mar – 31 May | $14,912 | $9,942 | $9,008 | $8,596 |
| High season 1 Nov – 20 Dec and 6 Jan – 29 Feb | $15,697 | $10,465 | $9,475 | $9,048 |
| Peak season Now 1 Jun – 31 Oct and 21 Dec – 5 Jan | $17,442 | $11,628 | $10,528 | $10,054 |
Tour price includes
- Return domestic and light-aircraft flights between Zanzibar and the Serengeti
- Open-sided 4×4 safari vehicle and all ground transport
- Experienced professional safari guide
- Serengeti park entry and service fees
- Four nights at a luxury tented camp
- Hot air balloon flight and guided walking safari
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- Government VAT (18%)
- First-aid kit in the vehicle
Tour price excludes
- International flights
- Tanzania visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Souvenirs and other personal spending
Questions about this safari
Why fly into the Serengeti instead of driving?
By road, the Serengeti is most of a day from Arusha in each direction. Flying in saves those hours for wildlife and avoids the bumpy roads. Light aircraft have tight luggage limits, usually soft bags only, and we send the exact allowance with your booking documents.
Is the hot air balloon flight included?
Yes. One sunrise balloon flight over the Seronera River area is part of the price. Flights depend on the weather, and the balloon operator may postpone or cancel for safety. Ask us when you book how a weather cancellation is handled, so you know what to expect.
Is the walking safari safe?
Walks are led by a park ranger who knows the area and how animals behave, and they keep a sensible distance from large wildlife. You walk at an easy pace, focusing on tracks, plants and birds. Wear closed shoes and neutral colors, and follow the ranger’s instructions.
Before you go
- Best Time To Visit Tanzania
- How Much Does a Tanzania Safari Cost?
- Top Safari Packing List in Tanzania
- The Best Guides on Tanzania Visa Requirement
- Tanzania Travel Insurance
- Tanzania Travel Safety
- Tipping In Tanzania Safari
- Tanzania Safari Faqs
Listed in Luxury safaris
Where you will go
Parks on this safari
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