5 Day Fly-in Safari to North Serengeti from Zanzibar

Take an early flight from Zanzibar to Kogatende Airstrip in North Serengeti (approx. 2.5 hrs; times vary by airline). Upon landing, enjoy your first thrilling game drive in the northern region. This area is home to the famous Mara River crossings during the migration and has some of the highest densities of predators in the park. Lunch is served as a picnic or at the camp depending on your arrival. Settle into your riverside tented camp for overnight.

Rise early and explore the banks of the Mara River. Crocodiles and hippos are resident year-round, while herds of wildebeest thunder across the river from July to October. Your guide tracks predator activity as lions and leopards follow the migration. Have breakfast early or mid-morning in the bush. Return for lunch and rest before a sunset drive rounds out the day.

After breakfast, head southwards via a game drive into Central Serengeti, a journey of around 5–6 hrs with wildlife stops. Keep an eye out for cheetahs on open plains and elephants in the woodlands. Stop for lunch en route. The landscape transitions into classic golden grass savannah. Arrive by late afternoon for dinner and overnight.

Explore Central Serengeti’s famed Seronera Valley, where multiple predator species — lions, leopards, hyenas — are spotted year-round. A flexible day allows you to return to the lodge for lunch or stay out with a picnic. Expect giraffes, elephants, herds of buffalo, and varied birdlife. In the evening, drive to Karatu for overnight.

Begin with an early breakfast, followed by a descent into Ngorongoro Crater. Keep your camera ready — the early morning mist creates magical light for photography. After your crater tour, head to Arusha (~3.5–4 hrs drive), stopping for lunch on the way or at a local café. Catch your late afternoon flight to Zanzibar.