This itinerary connects Tanzania’s northern and southern safari circuits — the Serengeti’s famous plains alongside the genuinely uncrowded Ruaha and Selous ecosystems — entirely by light aircraft, maximising time in each park rather than losing days to the long road distances between them.
Detailed Itinerary
Fly to Serengeti National Park
A scheduled light aircraft flight from Arusha, with an afternoon game drive on arrival.
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
A full day across the plains for lion, leopard, elephant and, seasonally, the Great Migration.
As above
Second Serengeti Game Drive Day
A further day exploring different sectors of the park.
As above
Fly to Ruaha National Park
A light aircraft transfer south to Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, with an afternoon game drive on arrival.
Full Day Ruaha Game Drives
Exploring Ruaha’s baobab-studded landscape for a substantial elephant and lion population, in a genuinely uncrowded setting.
As above
Fly to Selous (Nyerere) Game Reserve
A light aircraft transfer to Selous, Africa’s largest protected wildlife area, with an afternoon activity on arrival.
Boat Safari and Game Drive
A morning boat safari along the Rufiji River, an activity unique to this ecosystem, plus an afternoon game drive.
As above
Full Day Game Drives, Optional Walking Safari
Further game viewing plus an optional guided walking safari.
As above
Fly to Dar es Salaam, Departure
A final morning activity before flying back to Dar es Salaam for your onward international flight.
Permits & Costs
| Serengeti park entry | ~$82 per person per day |
| Ruaha park entry | ~$30 per person per day |
| Selous/Nyerere park entry | ~$30 per person per day |
| Light aircraft transfers (3 legs) | Required, quoted separately |
Who This Itinerary Suits
Travellers wanting Tanzania’s full range — the Serengeti’s fame alongside the south’s genuine exclusivity — and comfortable with the premium fly-in format.
Tour Includes
- Professional English-speaking driver-guide at each park
- All accommodation per itinerary
- Meals as specified
- Park entry & boat safari fees
Tour Excludes
- Light aircraft fares
- International flights
- Visas
- Tips & gratuities
- Travel insurance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this itinerary worth the premium over a road-based northern circuit trip?
For travellers wanting to see both Tanzania’s famous north and its quieter south within one trip, the light aircraft connections make this genuinely the only practical way to do so comfortably.
How does Ruaha compare to the Serengeti?
Considerably quieter and less developed, with a genuinely different landscape dominated by baobabs and the Great Ruaha River, appealing to travellers wanting contrast within one trip.
Ready to Plan This Trip?
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