Overview

A 5-Day Fly-In Big Five Safari is one of the most efficient and rewarding ways to experience Tanzania’s world-famous wildlife destinations. Designed for travelers who want to maximize their safari time, this adventure replaces long road transfers with scenic bush flights, allowing you to spend more time in the wilderness and less time on the road.

From the moment you arrive in the Serengeti, you are immersed in one of Africa’s most spectacular ecosystems, home to large prides of lions, elusive leopards, vast herds of elephants, buffalo and countless other wildlife species.

This carefully crafted journey by Serengeti Travels combines the endless plains of the Serengeti with the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater, two of Tanzania’s most iconic safari destinations. Guests enjoy expertly guided game drives, exceptional wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes while staying in carefully selected accommodations that provide comfort, personalized service and authentic safari charm.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned safari enthusiast, this itinerary offers an ideal balance of adventure, convenience and exclusivity. The fly-in experience not only saves valuable travel time but also provides unforgettable aerial views of Tanzania’s diverse landscapes.

With the opportunity to spot all members of the Big Five in just five days, this safari delivers outstanding value and creates memories that will last a lifetime. Serengeti Travels ensures every detail is professionally arranged, allowing you to focus entirely on enjoying the safari experience.

Highlights

• Scenic fly-in transfers from Arusha to the Serengeti, maximizing safari time and minimizing long road journeys.

• Experience two of Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations: Serengeti National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater.

• Outstanding opportunity to spot the legendary Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo.

• Enjoy extensive game drives across the vast Serengeti plains with experienced professional safari guides.

• Witness incredible wildlife concentrations, including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, hyenas, wildebeests, and numerous antelope species.

• Explore the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, often referred to as Africa’s "Garden of Eden."

• Capture breathtaking aerial views of Tanzania’s landscapes during bush flights.

• Stay in carefully selected safari lodges or tented camps offering comfort, excellent service, and prime wildlife locations.

• Enjoy personalized safari experiences with small groups or private safari options.

• Ideal for travelers with limited time who want a premium wildlife experience without sacrificing comfort.

• Exceptional photography opportunities featuring dramatic landscapes, abundant wildlife, and stunning African sunsets.

• Seamlessly organized by Serengeti Travels, ensuring a stress-free, memorable, and high-value safari adventure.

• Reserve now & pay later. Secure your spot while staying flexible.
• Bes price guarantee Find a lower price online? Get the difference refunded!

Where You Will Experience

Your 5-Day Fly-In Big Five Safari with Serengeti Travels takes you through Tanzania’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, each offering unique landscapes and exceptional game-viewing opportunities.

Serengeti National Park – The heart of your safari adventure and one of Africa’s greatest wildlife sanctuaries. Famous for its endless golden plains, the Serengeti is home to abundant wildlife throughout the year, including lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, cheetahs, giraffes, zebras and large herds of wildebeest. Depending on the season, you may also witness part of the world-renowned Great Migration.

Central Serengeti (Seronera Region) – Known as the wildlife-rich center of the park, this area offers some of the best year-round game viewing in Tanzania. The permanent water sources attract predators and prey alike, making it an excellent location for Big Five sightings and unforgettable safari moments.

Ngorongoro Crater – A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the natural wonders of Africa. The crater floor supports an extraordinary concentration of wildlife, including the endangered black rhino, large lion prides, elephants, buffalo, zebras, hippos and flamingos. Its breathtaking scenery and dense wildlife population make it one of the highlights of any Tanzanian safari.

Scenic Bush Flights – Beyond the game drives, you will also experience spectacular aerial views of Tanzania’s wilderness, rivers, savannahs and wildlife-rich landscapes, adding an exclusive dimension to your safari journey with Serengeti Travels.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Arusha to Serengeti National Park and enjoy your first afternoon game drive in Big Five territory.

Day 2: Spend a full day exploring Central Serengeti, renowned for exceptional wildlife sightings and predator action.

Day 3: Discover different areas of the Serengeti on a full-day game drive with opportunities to follow the Great Migration and spot the Big Five.

Day 4: Enjoy a final Serengeti game drive before transferring to the scenic Ngorongoro Highlands for overnight.

Day 5: Descend into the Ngorongoro Crater for a spectacular wildlife safari before returning to Arusha.

Best time to experience

The best time to enjoy this 5-Day Fly-In Big Five Safari with Serengeti Travels is during the dry season from June to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak and animals gather around limited water sources, making them easier to spot across the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

This period also offers excellent chances to witness dramatic predator action, especially lions, leopards, and cheetahs hunting across open plains. The weather is generally clear, with sunny days and minimal rainfall, creating perfect conditions for game drives and photography.

Another highly recommended period is January to March, when the southern Serengeti becomes the calving ground for the Great Migration. This season attracts large concentrations of wildebeest, zebras, and predators, offering intense wildlife interactions and unforgettable safari moments.

The green season (November to May) is also rewarding for travelers who prefer fewer crowds, lush landscapes, and excellent birdwatching opportunities. Although some rains occur, wildlife viewing remains strong, especially in the central Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater.

Overall, Tanzania offers year-round safari experiences, but your ideal timing depends on whether you prioritize predator action, migration viewing, or a quieter, more scenic adventure with Serengeti Travels.

Accommodation Options

The accommodation for this 5-Day Fly-In Big Five Safari with Serengeti Travels is carefully selected to ensure comfort, excellent location, and an authentic safari atmosphere throughout your journey. In the Serengeti National Park, you will stay at well-located tented camps such as Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar, offering en-suite tents, comfortable bedding, hot showers, and a true bush experience right in the heart of wildlife territory.

For travelers seeking a more enhanced experience, options like Serengeti Heritage Camp, Embalakai Authentic Camp, or similar provide a balance of comfort and intimacy, while higher-end choices such as Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or similar deliver upgraded facilities, scenic views, and refined dining in close proximity to wildlife action.

In the Ngorongoro Highlands, accommodation is based at beautiful countryside lodges such as Ngorongoro Farm House or similar, set within lush coffee plantations offering spacious rooms, peaceful surroundings, and warm hospitality after your Serengeti adventure. Alternative comfortable options include Tloma Lodge, Marera Valley Lodge, or Kitela Lodge or similar, all strategically located for easy access to the Ngorongoro Crater descent gate.

Each property is chosen to minimize travel time while maximizing safari experience, ensuring guests enjoy both relaxation and convenience. With Serengeti Travels, all accommodation options are thoughtfully matched to your budget and travel style, ranging from comfortable mid-range stays to premium luxury lodges, all designed to enhance your unforgettable Tanzanian safari experience.

Tour cost

The cost of this 5-Day Fly-In Big Five Safari with Serengeti Travels depends on the level of accommodation, season of travel, and whether you choose a private or shared safari experience. On a mid-range basis using camps such as Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar and Ngorongoro Farm House or similar, the price generally starts from around 2,200 to 3,200 USD per person for the full 5-day fly-in package.

This includes internal bush flights, all park entry fees, professional guide services, full-board accommodation, and daily game drives.

For a luxury experience featuring upgraded lodges such as Serengeti Serena Safari Lodge or Kubu Kubu Tented Lodge or similar combined with high-end Ngorongoro properties like Kitela Lodge or similar, the cost typically ranges from 3,500 to 5,500 USD per person. This option offers enhanced comfort, premium locations, and more exclusive safari services.

Budget-friendly options using simpler tented camps may reduce the cost to approximately 1,800 to 2,200 USD per person, depending on group size and travel season. Prices may also vary during peak periods such as the Great Migration months.

Overall, this safari offers strong value for money considering the inclusion of fly-in transfers, expert guiding, and access to Tanzania’s most iconic wildlife destinations, all carefully arranged by Serengeti Travels for a seamless and memorable experience.

Fly-In Option

For travelers who prefer to reduce driving time, The 5 Day Serengeti Great Migration Safari can be upgraded to a fly-in safari. Scheduled light aircraft flights operate from Arusha or Zanzibar directly to Serengeti airstrips near migration areas.

A fly-in safari saves valuable time and provides aerial views of the vast plains below. It is ideal for luxury travelers, honeymooners and guests combining safari with a Zanzibar beach extension. Upon landing, your private guide meets you for immediate game viewing.

This option enhances convenience, comfort and overall safari efficiency while maintaining full focus on Big Five wildlife viewing and the Serengeti–Ngorongoro experience curated by Serengeti Travels.

Why Book This

This 5-Day Fly-In Big Five Safari with Serengeti Travels is designed for travelers who want maximum wildlife experience in minimum time without compromising comfort. By replacing long road journeys with scenic bush flights, you spend more time on game drives and less time in transit, making the safari more efficient and rewarding.

The itinerary combines two of Tanzania’s most iconic destinations, Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater, giving you a high chance of encountering all members of the Big Five along with thousands of other wildlife species in their natural habitat. Each day is carefully planned to deliver rich game viewing, stunning landscapes and unforgettable safari moments.

With expertly selected accommodations such as Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar and Ngorongoro Farm House or similar, you enjoy comfort, great locations and authentic safari atmosphere throughout your journey. Professional guides, well-organized logistics and seamless fly-in connections ensure a smooth and stress-free experience from start to finish.

This safari is ideal for honeymooners, families, photographers and time-conscious travelers who want a premium yet practical way to explore Tanzania’s wilderness. Booking with Serengeti Travels guarantees personalized service, flexible options and a truly memorable Big Five adventure.

How to Book

Booking your 5-Day Fly-In Big Five Safari with Serengeti Travels is simple and flexible, designed to make your planning process smooth and stress-free. You can start by contacting our safari team with your preferred travel dates, number of travelers and accommodation level, whether mid-range or luxury. Once we receive your inquiry we will tailor a detailed itinerary and quotation based on your requirements.

After confirming availability you will receive a personalized safari proposal including flight schedules, lodge selections such as Serengeti Kati Kati Tented Camp or similar and Ngorongoro Farm House or similar and a full cost breakdown. When you are satisfied with the itinerary a deposit is required to secure your booking, especially during peak travel seasons.

Once your reservation is confirmed Serengeti Travels handles all arrangements including domestic flights, park permits, accommodations and professional guiding services. The remaining balance is typically settled before or upon arrival depending on your agreed terms.

For a smooth experience, early booking is recommended, especially during high-demand months such as the Great Migration season. With Serengeti Travels your safari planning is handled professionally from the first inquiry to the final day of your adventure, ensuring a seamless and memorable journey in Tanzania.