5 Days 4 Nights Flying Safari to Maasai Mara and Amboseli Park
This safari brings out a little bit of everything: bird viewing, wildlife and mammals. Pickup from Arusha, private driver/guide, park entry fees and 4 nights accommodation are included as described in the original activity. Note: drinks, tips and optional Oduvai Gorge visit are excluded.
In Collaboration with African Beast Tours and Safaris. Updated on May 4, 2026.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with African Beast Tours and Safaris, inspired by the tour 5 Days 4 Nights Flying Safari to Maasai Mara and Amboseli Park. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided game drives across Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro
- Private transfer and driver/guide with hotel pickup and drop-off in Arusha
- All park entrance fees and conservation fees included
- Bird watching and large-mammal viewing opportunities
- Four nights' accommodation included
Explore all itineraries in Arusha.
Itinerary
Day 1
Pickup in Arusha and first game viewing at Lake Manyara followed by transfer toward Serengeti for overnight.
Hotel pickup in Arusha
Private driver/guide collects the group from your hotel or accommodation in Arusha and briefs the group on the itinerary and health/safety guidance for the safari.
Tips from local experts:
- Have a small daypack ready with medications, sunscreen and personal ID; driver will help load luggage.
- Carry any necessary mobility aids; inform operator ahead if extra assistance is needed.
- Confirm pickup location at your Arusha hotel reception the evening before; allow a 10–15 minute buffer.
Lake Manyara National Park - afternoon game drive
Arrive at Lake Manyara National Park for a guided game drive focusing on birdlife, tree-climbing lions and grazing mammals. Picnic or park lunch included.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear light layers and a wide-brimmed hat; shade can be limited in vehicles and picnic areas.
- Keep cameras and binoculars handy on arrival; early sightings often occur near the park entrance.
- Use the park restrooms before setting off; facilities are basic and may be a short walk from parking.
Transfer to Serengeti area and lodge check-in
Depart late afternoon for the Serengeti region. Relax at your chosen accommodation with dinner and an overnight stay (accommodation for 4 nights included).
Tips from local experts:
- Expect road transfers of several hours; bring motion-sickness remedies if you are sensitive to long drives.
- Keep a copy of any necessary medication in your carry-on and inform staff about mobility needs on arrival.
- Evening temperatures can drop—pack a warm layer for the lodge after sunset.
Day 2
Full day of guided game drives in the Serengeti with afternoon rest at the lodge.
Early-morning Serengeti game drive
Set out at dawn for the best light and peak animal activity; the guide will adapt the route to recent sightings.
Tips from local experts:
- Expect an early start; bring a light snack and refillable water bottle.
- Use closed footwear and a hat for sun protection during stops.
- Keep cameras with long lenses accessible; changing lenses on dusty tracks can introduce dust to equipment.
Lunch and midday rest at the lodge
Return to the lodge for lunch and a rest period to avoid the hottest part of the day.
Tips from local experts:
- Inform staff of any dietary restrictions at check-in to ensure meal options are prepared.
- Use the rest period to charge cameras and batteries; plug points can be limited in remote lodges.
- Request assistance with luggage if mobility is limited; staff can help at arrival.
Afternoon Serengeti game drive
Short afternoon drive concentrating on animals moving toward water holes and viewing big-cat activity at dusk.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring binoculars for distant sightings; the guide will position the vehicle for best views.
- Carry a light jacket for cooler late-afternoon temperatures in the open vehicle.
- Follow the guide's instructions when approaching animals; maintain a safe distance at all times.
Day 3
A full day of game drives in the Serengeti to maximize wildlife viewing opportunities.
Full-day Serengeti game drives with picnic lunch
Spend the day with the guide following herds and predators across different Serengeti habitats; packed picnic lunch provided.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring sunscreen and insect repellent; apply repellent away from the face and cameras.
- Carry a small binocular harness to prevent losing or dropping optics during vehicle movement.
- Keep a reusable water bottle and drink frequently to stay hydrated in the dry season.
Evening return to lodge and overnight
Return to the lodge for dinner and overnight. Time to rest and freshen up before the next day's transfer.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask lodge staff to prepare any morning items (packed breakfast/tea) if you have an early transfer the next day.
- Charge essential devices overnight; confirm available plug types with lodge reception.
- Request wake-up calls for early departures; staff are accustomed to early safari schedules.
Day 4
Morning game drive in the Serengeti then transfer to the Ngorongoro area with an evening visit to the crater rim/viewpoint.
Morning Serengeti game drive
A shorter dawn drive to catch early activity before departing for Ngorongoro.
Tips from local experts:
- Pack a small day bag for the transfer so valuables stay with you during the drive.
- Have a hot drink before departure; early mornings can be chilly in the vehicle.
- Listen to the guide's briefings about vehicle entry/exit to reduce dust disturbance.
Transfer to Ngorongoro area and lodge check-in
Drive from the Serengeti toward the Ngorongoro Conservation Area with arrival at the lodge for lunch and rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Ngorongoro sits at higher elevation—carry a warm layer and go slowly on arrival to adjust to altitude.
- Use restroom stops during the transfer; facilities on route are basic and spaced out.
- Notify your guide of any mobility concerns so pace and breaks can be adjusted.
Crater rim viewpoint visit and short walk
Late-afternoon visit to a crater rim viewpoint for panoramic views and a short, easy walk (optional).
Tips from local experts:
- The rim can be windy and cooler—bring a windbreaker or warm layer for comfort.
- Wear stable shoes for the short walk; paths may be uneven and have short steps.
- Stay on marked viewpoints and follow the guide's instructions for safety near cliffs.
Day 5
Descent into Ngorongoro Crater for a morning game drive, then return transfer to Arusha and drop-off to end the tour.
Ngorongoro Crater descent and game drive
Early descent into the crater floor for concentrated wildlife viewing in this unique caldera; guide-led game drive into mid-morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Start early to make the most of wildlife activity and softer light for photography.
- The crater floor is lower and can be dusty; bring a scarf or buff to cover your face if needed.
- Carry any required medications with you; a crater game drive can be longer and remote.
Lunch near the Ngorongoro rim
Midday lunch at a lodge or picnic area near the crater rim before the drive back to Arusha.
Tips from local experts:
- Let staff know of any food allergies in advance so suitable meal arrangements can be made.
- Use this stop to refill water bottles and rest; the return drive is several hours.
- If you have limited mobility, request assistance with transfers from vehicle to dining area.
Transfer back to Arusha and drop-off
Drive back to Arusha with an expected afternoon/evening arrival. Drop-off at your Arusha hotel or agreed location concludes the private tour.
Tips from local experts:
- Plan onward travel from Arusha for after 18:00 to allow sufficient transfer time from the crater.
- Keep essential items and travel documents with you rather than in checked luggage for the transfer.
- If travelling on to a flight the next day, confirm airport transfer times with your Arusha accommodation.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 5 |
| Highlights | 5 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Seniors |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 2 |
| Total Activities | 10 |
| Total Places | 14 |
| Activities Types | Transfer, Attraction, Meal, Hotel, Outdoor |
5 Days 4 Nights Flying Safari to Maasai Mara and Amboseli Park
Why this experience
A flying safari trades long driving hours for small aircraft and bold geography—you'll wake in Arusha and be in the Maasai Mara (Kenya) or Amboseli (Kenya) by mid-morning, skipping the 8+ hour road grind and maximizing game-drive time instead. This is safari for those who want depth without the dust of the drive, or for travellers short on time but long on budget. From the air, you see the landscape as animals do: vast, connected, rhythmic. On the ground, Maasai Mara and Amboseli are among East Africa's most dramatic parks—the Mara for sheer predator density and migration spectacle, Amboseli for elephant herds and the backdrop of Kilimanjaro. Four nights split between both parks means you experience multiple ecosystems: open grasslands where predators hunt, riverine forests, and volcanic highland slopes. Your guide explains migration patterns, predator territories, and elephant family dynamics. Accommodation is premium—more comfort than traditional safari camps—because flying safaris attract a different traveller. This is the safari that prioritises experience over roughing it.
Before you go
- Best time: Dry season (late autumn to early spring for Amboseli, mid-summer to early autumn for Mara) when animal concentration peaks and visibility is excellent
- Budget: High; flying safaris cost 2–3x overland safaris due to charter flights, premium lodges, and smaller group sizes
- Difficulty: Moderate; early mornings for drives, aircraft landings on bush strips (brief turbulence possible), otherwise comfortable
- What to bring: Binoculars, light neutral clothing, sun protection, camera, motion-sickness medication if prone (short flights, usually smooth)
- Getting there: Depart Arusha via light aircraft to Mara or Amboseli airstrips
- Accessibility: Somewhat limited; small aircraft and rough airstrips; lodges more accessible than camps
Frequently asked questions
How long are the flights? Arusha to Maasai Mara is roughly 1.5 hours; Arusha to Amboseli is roughly 1 hour. Both are scenic. Flights between parks may add 30–45 minutes. Small aircraft are noisier and bumpier than commercial planes but perfectly safe.
Why is flying safari so much more expensive? Charter aircraft, fuel, and premium lodges with higher staff-to-guest ratios all add cost. You're also paying for time efficiency—you lose no daylight to driving.
What's the lodge difference between flying safari and camping safaris? Flying safaris typically lodge you in comfortable, electricity-equipped lodges with hot showers and restaurant-style meals. Camping safaris use tents with bucket showers. Both are authentic; lodges prioritise comfort.
Do I see different animals than an overland safari? Same parks, similar animal populations, but fewer competitors for sightings because flying safaris bring fewer people per aircraft. You might experience more intimate wildlife encounters.
Is five days enough for two parks? Yes—it gives you 2–2.5 days in each, enough for multiple game drives and pattern recognition. More time is richer, but five days is well-paced.
What's included? All charter flights, 4x4 game drives, park fees, premium lodge accommodation, meals, and a professional guide. Alcohol and tips may be extra.
Complete your trip in Arusha
After your flying safari, ground yourself with the full-day Arusha city tour before or after. Want an overland option? Try the 6-day Big 5 adventure safari or the 4-day safari to Serengeti and Ngorongoro. Browse all Arusha itineraries at TheNextGuide.
