For those who prefer the finer things in life, a fly in safari around Tanzania's Northern Circuit highlights should certainly be a considered option. Not only can you access some of the more remote safari destinations with ease, the major benefit is that your time is spent not travelling over bumpy roads during a long transfer. Instead, you will have more time to relax on your private deck with a cold glass of beer or a crisp white wine in your hand watching wildlife meander past while you wait for your exquisite lunch to be served.
Whether you choose to fly into just one safari destination, such as the Serengeti, or combine this with a stay at the Ngorongoro Crater or even in the Tarangire National Park, the experience will start as soon as you take off from Arusha Airport. Scenery stretches out to the horizon as you slowly climb into the air. When you start your descent for landing at the airstrip, you will have stunning views over the African bush and tiny black dots below you turn into visible wildlife shapes the closer you get to the ground.
Your game drives will be accompanied by an expert guide from the camp itself, so they have the advantage of always being in the area - so they know the terrain and the animal territories like the back of their own hands. Morning and afternoon drives are normally shared with other guests, unless your lodge offers a private vehicle per booking, which some of course do. However, there will only be 4 or 6 people on the game drive vehicle, so you will still not feel crowded - and everyone will have a 'window' seat for that all important photo opportunity! The game viewing vehicles from these lodges are also normally open (but still with a canopy) meaning the windows can roll down completely, giving you much better visability.
Each game drive is punctuated with something different. Maybe you will spot the elusive leopard hiding up in a tree, or even a hyena skulking across the plains looking furtively over his shoulder. Herds of elephants may come down to a waterhole or a river to drink, or you may come across a pride of lions lazing away the hours in the shade of a tree while the young cubs play in the bushes.
Fly in safaris are not for everyone, of course. If you are scared of flying, then this will be an immediate no-no, as the aircraft are small - the average aircraft will seat maybe 20 people, but they could be smaller! Equally, if you have to travel with huge amounts of luggage, then the restrictions on luggage allowances on these smaller aircraft may well be totally prohibitive, unless you are happy to pay for excess luggage on every flight. If this is the case, then you may be interested in looking at an exclusive safari option with a driver-guide throughout your trip.
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Seasons in the Serengeti
12 nights
4 and 5 Star Accommodation
Gran Melia Arusha
Arusha
Melia Zanzibar
Zanzibar
Four Seasons
The Serengeti
Destination: Tanzania.
12 night itinerary including Arusha, Zanzibar and Serengeti.