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
DAY 1
Your driver-guide arranges the scheduled light aircraft flight from Arusha, roughly ninety minutes, direct into the Serengeti’s own airstrip. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
Fly to Serengeti National Park
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeSerengeti Serena Safari Lodge
LuxuryFour Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2
A full day across the plains for lion, leopard, elephant and, seasonally, the Great Migration.
Full Day Serengeti Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3
A further day exploring different sectors of the park.
Second Serengeti Game Drive Day
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4
A light aircraft transfer south to Ruaha, Tanzania’s largest national park, a genuinely different landscape of baobab-studded hills and the Great Ruaha River. Afternoon game drive on arrival.
Fly to Ruaha National Park
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeRuaha River Lodge
LuxuryJongomero Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5
Exploring Ruaha’s baobab-studded landscape for a substantial elephant and lion population, in a genuinely uncrowded setting compared to the Serengeti’s relative traffic.
Full Day Ruaha Game Drives
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6
A further light aircraft transfer to Selous, Africa’s largest protected wildlife area. Afternoon activity on arrival.
Fly to Selous (Nyerere) Game Reserve
Accommodation Options
Mid-rangeRufiji River Camp
LuxurySand Rivers Selous
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
A morning boat safari along the Rufiji River, an activity unique to this ecosystem and unavailable in the northern parks, plus an afternoon game drive.
Boat Safari and Game Drive
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 8
Further game viewing plus an optional guided walking safari with an armed ranger, in Selous’s private concessions.
Full Day Game Drives, Optional Walking Safari
Accommodation
As above
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9
A final morning activity before flying back to Dar es Salaam for your onward international flight.
Fly to Dar es Salaam, Departure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
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