Flights from Zanzibar to Tanzania's Safari Parks: Airlines, Airstrips and Baggage
Quick answer
Small scheduled planes fly from Zanzibar (ZNZ) to Arusha in about 1–1.5 hours, to airstrips in Nyerere in about 45–75 minutes and to the Serengeti in about 2 hours or more, often with a stop. Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, ZanAir and Regional Air run these routes. Baggage is limited to about 15 kg per person in a soft bag.
Last updated: 16 October 2026 · By Innocent Fraterine, Livingwell Tours and Safaris
On a short safari, every hour in transit is an hour not spent watching wildlife, which is why almost every safari from Zanzibar starts with a flight. This guide explains where you can fly, how long it takes, which airlines operate the routes and what you can bring.
Where Can You Fly from Zanzibar?
| Destination | Airport or airstrip | Approximate flight time | Then |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern parks (Tarangire, Manyara, Ngorongoro) | Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) | About 1–1.5 hours | 2–3 hours by road to Tarangire; 3–4 hours to Ngorongoro |
| Central Serengeti | Seronera airstrip | About 2 hours or more, often via Arusha or Manyara | Camps are a short drive away |
| Northern Serengeti | Kogatende airstrip | Longer, usually with stops | For the migration from July to October |
| Nyerere (Selous) | Airstrips inside the park | About 45–75 minutes, depending on routing | Your camp meets you at the airstrip |
| Saadani | Saadani airstrip | About 20–30 minutes | Beach-and-bush park on the coast |
Flight times are approximate: many routes stop at one or two airstrips on the way, and schedules change with the season. We confirm the exact times when you book.
Which Airlines Fly from Zanzibar to the Parks?
Several Tanzanian airlines run scheduled shuttle flights in small propeller aircraft, typically with six to twelve seats, between Zanzibar, Arusha and the park airstrips. Some routes go via Arusha before a short hop to the park.
| Option | Examples | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled bush airlines | Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, ZanAir, Regional Air | Most safaris: fixed daily schedules to the main airstrips |
| Domestic airlines | Flights between Zanzibar and Kilimanjaro or Arusha | The northern circuit, starting by road from Arusha |
| Private charter | A whole plane booked for your group | Direct routes, tight schedules or large groups; much more expensive |
A local operator usually bundles these flights into one quote, so you do not have to manage separate bookings with several airlines.
Baggage Rules on Safari Flights
- Most scheduled safari flights allow 15 kg per person in total, including hand luggage and camera gear; some airlines allow 20 kg, so check your ticket
- Bags must be soft-sided: no hard suitcases or wheeled cases
- Extra allowance, up to about 30 kg on some airlines, must be booked in advance
- Leave your main suitcase at your Zanzibar hotel and confirm the storage arrangements before you check out
See our safari packing list for what to bring within the limit.
Should You Fly or Take the Ferry?
| Route | Time | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| Fly to a Nyerere airstrip | About 45–75 minutes | Best for short safaris |
| Fly to Arusha, then road | About 1–1.5 hours, plus 2–4 hours by road | Good for the northern circuit |
| Ferry to Dar es Salaam, then road to Mikumi | About 90 minutes, plus 4–5 hours | A budget option only |
| Ferry and road to Arusha or the Serengeti | 8–10 hours from Dar to Arusha; 18–24 hours to the Serengeti | Not practical on a short trip |
Tips for Booking Safari Flights
- Book flights together with your safari so the flight times match your first and last game drives
- Leave a buffer between a safari flight and your international flight home
- Expect small airstrips without terminals: your guide or camp meets you on the airstrip
- Flights can be delayed by weather in the rainy season, so keep the last day flexible
For prices, see how much a safari from Zanzibar costs.
More on safaris from Zanzibar
Guides
- How much does a safari from Zanzibar cost?: prices by length and comfort level, what is included and how to save
- How many days do you need for a safari from Zanzibar?: 2- to 10-day plans, including the best 7-day itineraries
- How to plan and book a safari from Zanzibar: choosing an operator, vehicles, US visa rules and a packing list
- Best safari tours departing from Zanzibar: the complete overview
Safari packages from Zanzibar
- 2-Day Safari from Zanzibar (Tarangire & Lake Manyara, or Nyerere): Safari from $750 + flights
- 3-Day Safari from Zanzibar (Nyerere, or Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Manyara): From $1,200, flights included
- 4-Day Safari from Zanzibar (Tarangire, Manyara & Ngorongoro, or Ngorongoro & Serengeti): Safari from $1,300 + flights
- 5-Day Safari from Zanzibar (Northern circuit incl. Serengeti, or Serengeti migration): Safari from $1,450 + flights
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the flight from Zanzibar to the Serengeti?
About 2 hours or more to Seronera in the central Serengeti, often with a stop in Arusha or Manyara. Flights to Kogatende in the north take longer.
How long is the flight from Zanzibar to Arusha?
About 1–1.5 hours. From Arusha, Tarangire is 2–3 hours by road and Ngorongoro 3–4 hours.
Which airlines fly from Zanzibar to the safari parks?
Scheduled bush airlines including Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, ZanAir and Regional Air. Private charters are also available.
What is the baggage limit on safari flights?
Usually 15 kg per person in total, including hand luggage, in a soft-sided bag. Some airlines allow 20 kg; extra allowance must be booked in advance.
Can I fly directly from the Serengeti back to Zanzibar?
Yes. Scheduled flights connect Serengeti airstrips with Zanzibar, which saves a long drive back to Arusha at the end of your safari.
Is it cheaper to take the ferry?
The ferry to Dar es Salaam is cheaper, but the road journey to most parks takes a full day or more. It only makes sense for Mikumi on a short trip.
Let Us Arrange Your Safari Flights
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