Driving from Arusha to the central Serengeti can take a full day, with long stretches of rough road. A light aircraft covers a similar distance in a fraction of that time, so you can start your first game drive the same afternoon. Over a short trip, that saved time can mean an extra day of wildlife viewing. Actual flight times vary by route and schedule, and we confirm the details when we plan your private itinerary. We plan each transfer carefully so the schedule feels relaxed and your time in the park is protected.

With a fly-in safari you can choose a region based on the season, since airstrips serve different parts of the park. December to March suits the southern Serengeti and Ndutu for calving, while July to October suits the northern Serengeti and Kogatende for Mara River crossings. The central Serengeti around Seronera offers year-round game viewing, and the Western Corridor can suit late May to July. Timing varies with rainfall, so we advise you carefully. Our team will explain what each season looks like, so you can choose the airstrip and camp that match your wishes.

Fly-in safaris do not mean giving up privacy. At the airstrip, your own 4x4 and private driver-guide are waiting, and you decide when to head out, how long to stay with a sighting and when to return to camp. Your guide stays with you during your time in the Serengeti, helping you spot wildlife and explaining behaviour, landscapes and culture. This private approach makes the time you save even more rewarding and personal. Everything about your day stays flexible, from the first drive to the sundowner stop at the end of the afternoon.

Light aircraft have baggage limits, so soft-sided bags are recommended, and we advise on weight and packing well before you travel. Flights are typically short and scenic, offering views over Ngorongoro, the Rift Valley and the plains. Fly-in safaris pair well with comfortable lodges and tented camps, so you can relax after your flight. We handle all bookings and airport transfers, so connections are smooth and your arrival is stress-free. Our team will explain what to pack and how to check in, so your travel days feel simple and calm.

Fly-in safaris cost more than fully road-based trips because of the flights, but they save time. As a general guide, mid-range safaris run about $550–$990 per person per day, luxury about $990–$2,500, and ultra-luxury from about $2,500, with flights as an extra. Tell us your dates, interests and budget, and we will design a private fly-in itinerary, then refine it with you until it fits perfectly. We will also explain what is included, so flights, park fees, camps and transfers are clear before you confirm your booking.

A fly-in fly-out safari means you travel to and from the Serengeti by light aircraft instead of driving. You fly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro to an airstrip in the park, where your private driver-guide and 4x4 meet you for a game drive. It saves many hours of travel and gives you more time with wildlife, which makes it popular for shorter itineraries. We plan everything for you, from flight bookings to airstrip pickups and camp check-in, so your journey flows smoothly from arrival to departure.

Flight times depend on the departure airport and the airstrip, but light aircraft usually take a fraction of the time that driving would require. Some routes include a stop at another airstrip, and schedules can vary by season. We confirm the exact flight details when planning your private itinerary and arrange airport transfers at each end of the journey. Our team also advises on the best time of day to fly, helping you reach camp in time for an afternoon game drive and enjoy a smooth arrival.

A fly-in safari is worth considering if time is limited, if you want to avoid long road transfers, or if you enjoy scenic flights. It adds flight costs, but it can give you an extra day of wildlife viewing. If you prefer to see the countryside along the way, a road-based safari may suit you better. We can compare both options for your dates and budget. Tell us your dates, travel style and budget, and we will explain whether flying or driving gives you the better balance of time, comfort and cost.

Yes. Every fly-in safari we arrange is private and tailor-made, with your own 4x4 vehicle and private driver-guide meeting you at the airstrip. You choose the timing of your game drives, the camps and the regions you visit. This flexibility makes the experience more personal, especially for couples, families and photographers who want to follow their own rhythm. Your guide handles every detail on the ground, from park entry to timing, so you can focus on wildlife and scenery from the moment you land.

Light safari aircraft have limited baggage allowances, so soft-sided bags are recommended because they fit more easily in the cargo area. Exact limits depend on the airline and aircraft. We provide the specific weight guidance when we confirm your flights, and we can advise on what to pack so your luggage stays within the limit. Our team will also confirm check-in times and weight guidance with you, so you arrive at the airport prepared and relaxed.

The best time depends on what you want to see. December to March is excellent for calving in the southern Serengeti and Ndutu, and July to October suits Mara River crossings in the northern Serengeti. The dry season from June to October is generally good for game viewing across the park. Migration timing varies with rainfall, so we plan flexibly with you. We will recommend the region and the camps that make the most of your travel dates, and we adjust the plan if conditions change.

Scheduled light-aircraft flights serve airstrips across the Serengeti, including areas in the central Seronera, southern Ndutu, western Grumeti and northern Kogatende regions. Seronera offers year-round predator viewing, Ndutu suits the calving season from about late January to February, Grumeti covers the Western Corridor, and Kogatende is the base for Mara River crossings, which peak in August and September. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris matches your travel month to the right airstrip and camp, then arranges your private vehicle and guide to meet you on arrival. Your driver-guide meets you at the airstrip with the vehicle ready.

Fly-in safaris often pair well with mid-range and luxury lodges or tented camps close to airstrips, which means less transfer time and more time in the bush. Some camps are seasonal and move with the Great Migration, while permanent lodges offer reliable year-round locations. Budget camping is possible but less common on fly-in itineraries. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris selects accommodation based on your budget, travel dates and the regions you want to visit, and organises your private game drives from the airstrip to the camp. Camps near airstrips also reduce long transfers after arrival.

You can fly into the Serengeti, drive or fly onward to Ngorongoro Crater, and then connect to Zanzibar for beach relaxation. Many travellers do a short Serengeti flight itinerary from Arusha, followed by a flight to Zanzibar. A private Kilimanjaro climb works best as a separate section, with rest days before the safari. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris designs each connection, including flights, transfers and accommodation, so the route stays smooth and every private leg of the journey has its own vehicle and guide. This keeps daily travel short and your schedule relaxed.

Pack light and use soft duffel bags, because small aircraft have strict weight limits and hard suitcases do not fit well in the cargo hold. Take neutral-coloured clothes, a warm fleece for mornings, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable closed shoes. Bring binoculars and a camera, and keep valuables, medication and documents in your hand luggage. Laundry service at many camps means you can pack even less. Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris confirms current baggage allowances and sends a packing list before your private trip. Ask us about laundry at your camp to pack lighter.

Contact Foot Slopes Tours and Safaris with your travel dates, number of travellers, budget and the Serengeti region you prefer, and we will design a private tailor-made fly-in itinerary. The quote will show flights, camp or lodge stays, park fees, your private vehicle and guide, transfers and meals. After you confirm and pay the deposit, we reserve seats and rooms. Book early for peak months because flight seats and camps near the migration fill quickly, especially from July to October and December to March. Early requests also help secure your preferred departure times.