3 Day Safari from Zanzibar
A 3 day safari from Zanzibar to the Serengeti is the best use of a short time on the mainland. Small planes carry you from Zanzibar to the Serengeti, where you spend two nights in the park and have two full days of game drives, in season among the Great Migration herds.
A 3 day safari from Zanzibar to the Serengeti is the best use of a short time on the mainland. Small planes carry you from Zanzibar to the Serengeti, where you spend two nights in the park and have two full days of game drives, in season among the Great Migration herds.
Our 3 day fly-in safaris from Zanzibar start from USD 2,550 per person.
Itinerary: 3 days from Zanzibar
Day 1: Fly to the Serengeti
An early flight takes you from Zanzibar to Arusha and then to the Serengeti by light aircraft. A guide meets you at the airstrip and you begin an afternoon game drive in a private 4x4.
Day 2: Full day in the Serengeti
Sunrise to sunset in the park, with a picnic lunch if you wish. We position you with the herds in season. Optional hot air balloon at dawn.
Day 3: Game drive and return
A morning game drive, then a flight back via Arusha to Zanzibar in the afternoon or evening.
Calving season and river crossings
We choose the Serengeti area by month. In January to March the herds are in the south, and in July to October they are in the north near the Mara River. We pick the right camp and airstrip so you spend your time with the animals, not on the road. See our Great Migration page for the calendar.
What to know before booking
Fly-in safaris depend on flight schedules, so book early for the high season. Luggage is limited to about 15 kilograms in a soft bag. The package covers all domestic flights, park fees, camp accommodation, meals as listed and a private guide.
Why fly in to the Serengeti
The Serengeti is far from Zanzibar by road, and a fly-in is the only practical way to reach it in a short trip. The flight over the plains is itself part of the experience, with views of the Rift Valley and the migration herds from the air in season. Because you arrive in the park by mid-morning, you do not lose a day to travel.
Extend to 4 or 5 days
Adding a day lets you visit the Ngorongoro Crater and stay a second night in the Serengeti. This is our most popular extension, and it adds a full day of game drives without a long drive. See our 4 day safari for the options.
Which camps work best for a 3 day fly-in
The aim of a short fly-in is to be close to the animals. In the dry season we choose camps in the central and northern Serengeti near the airstrips, so that you do not waste time driving. In the calving season we choose camps near Ndutu. Camps are small and quiet, with comfortable tents and a shower, and your guide meets you at the airstrip with a vehicle ready for the first game drive.
Prices and what affects them
Flights make a fly-in safari more expensive than a road safari. The price depends on the camp, the season and the number of travellers. Two people sharing pay more per person than four. We quote the whole package, with the flights and the transfers in Zanzibar, so there are no surprises.
3 day safari packages from Zanzibar
- 4 Day Fly In Fly Out Serengeti Safari (4 Days / 3 Nights, from USD 3,000 per person) A private 4 day fly-in, fly-out Serengeti safari from Zanzibar with three days of game drives and minimal road travel.
- 3 Day Great Migration River Crossing Safari Zanzibar Fly In & Fly Out (3 Days / 2 Nights, from USD 2,600 per person) Experience the Great Migration in Northern Serengeti on a thrilling 3 Day fly in, fly out safari directly from Zanzibar, USD 2,600 per person.
- 3 Day Zanzibar to Serengeti Fly In & Fly Out Calving Migration Safari (3 Days / 2 Nights, from USD 2,550 per person) Fly directly from Zanzibar to Serengeti for a fast-paced 3 Day calving season safari in Ndutu, returning by air to Zanzibar, USD 2,550 per person.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see the Great Migration on a 3 day safari from Zanzibar?
Yes. We choose the camp and airstrip where the herds are in the month you travel.
How much does a 3 day safari from Zanzibar cost?
Prices start from USD 2,550 per person for two sharing and depend on the camp and the season.
Is it better to stay longer?
If you can, add a night. More days in the Serengeti means more time with the herds and less time in flight.
Can I do this in the low season?
Yes. Flights run all year, and the green season from March to May has lower prices and quieter parks.
Can I take my luggage on the plane?
You can take a soft bag of up to about 15 kilograms. Store the rest of your luggage at your Zanzibar hotel.