Tanzania Safari Getting Around Guide

Getting around Tanzania's safari destinations involves a combination of road transfers and light aircraft flights. Understanding transportation options helps you plan efficient itineraries and choose the best travel methods for your schedule and budget.

Read our planning guideand cost guide.

Safari vehicles: Custom 4x4 vehicles with pop-up roofs for game viewing. Comfortable seating, charging ports, and experienced driver-guides. Ideal for game viewing en route.

Travel times: Vary by road conditions. Arusha to Tarangire (2 hours), Arusha to Lake Manyara (2 hours), Arusha to Ngorongoro (3 hours). Longer transfers to Serengeti (5-6 hours).

Advantages: See the countryside, stop for breaks, game viewing en route, lower cost than flights. Scenic and immersive.

Considerations: Can be tiring on long transfers, roads can be rough, reduces time at destination. Not ideal for tight schedules.

Scheduled flights: Regular flights between Arusha, Serengeti, and other parks. Small aircraft (Cessna Caravan, Twin Otter) seating 8-12 passengers. Scenic aerial views.

Charter flights: Private flights on demand. Flexible scheduling, direct routes, personalized service. More expensive but efficient for private groups.

Flight times: Arusha to Serengeti (1-1.5 hours), Serengeti to Selous (2 hours). Dramatically faster than road transfers.

Luggage limits: Strict 15kg (33 lbs) limit in soft bags. Hard suitcases not accepted due to aircraft constraints.

Choose road when: Budget is a priority, you want to see the countryside, transfers are short (under 4 hours), or you enjoy road travel experiences.

Choose air when: Time is limited, transfers are long, you want to maximize time at destinations, or budget allows for premium transportation.

Combination approach: Many itineraries combine both. Fly to remote destinations (Selous, Ruaha), drive between closer parks (Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro).

Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO): Main gateway for northern safaris. 1 hour from Arusha. Most international safari arrivals use this airport.

Arusha Airport (ARK): Domestic airport for light aircraft flights. Used for flights to Serengeti and other parks. 15 minutes from Arusha town.

Dar es Salaam (DAR): International gateway for southern safaris. Connecting flights to Selous, Ruaha, and coastal destinations.

Zanzibar (ZNZ): International airport for beach extensions. Can connect to mainland flights for safari combinations.

Luggage restrictions: If flying, pack in soft duffel bags within weight limits. Leave hard suitcases at hotel storage.

Scenic flights: Light aircraft flights offer incredible aerial views of landscapes and wildlife. Request window seats for best views.

Motion sickness: If prone to motion sickness, consider medication for light aircraft flights. Turbulence is common in small aircraft.

Flexible scheduling: Build buffer time into itineraries. Weather can affect flights, and road conditions can change seasonally.

Ready for your adventure? Book your safari with Trail Safari Explorers.

Read our timing guide,cost guide, or planning guide.

Read our packing list,vehicles guide,phones & WiFi guide, or budget vs luxury guide.

Browse our journal for more resources, or check travel resources.