Are you planning to take Tanzania tours? the choice between a fly-in and drive-in safari depends on your preferences, budget, and the specific regions you plan to explore. Whether you prioritize efficiency and aerial views or seek a more grounded and flexible adventure, carefully weighing these factors will ensure your safari aligns seamlessly with your travel aspirations in Tanzania.

If time is limited, then it is often best to fly to maximize time on safari. On the other hand, if you have a couple of weeks to spend on safari, then you may choose to go at a slower pace by driving, making stops along the way and seeing more of the country outside the parks.

Flying tours means being flown to each destination by light aircraft. There are several small airstrips within each national park or conservancy that service different camps and lodges in that area. Often a flight will stop at many airstrips en- route in order to take guests to where they need to be. Guests will be warmly welcomed by their ranger, and do a short mini-safari transfer to the lodge.

Driving tours allow guests to see and experience more of the country, while offering time to develop a deeper connection with their guide, often resulting in a more tailored safari. If your clients choose to travel overland, they will arrive at each destination with their own private vehicle and guide.

When it comes to connecting to different parts of the country, now that Tanzania has two circuits the northern and the southern, you need to take flights to visit the southern parks making it a flexible way to reach the park areas. The northern sector makes it easy for travelers since it is accessible through driving.

There is a cost difference between the two options. This will depend on the number of people traveling. The cost of the vehicle and guide is the same for one person as it is for seven people. Therefore, the more people you have in the car, the better value for money it becomes.

On the other side, for smaller groups of one to three people it is usually more cost effective to fly, even if the distances that need to be traveled are relatively short.

If time is limited, then it is often best to fly to maximize time on safari. On the other hand, if you have a couple of weeks to spend on safari, then you may choose to go at a slower pace by driving, making stops along the way and seeing more of the country outside the parks. This becomes so interesting since you have the time to reach all the corners of the country.

Light aircrafts have a maximum baggage allowance of 15kgs per person including hand luggage. Solid hard suitcases are also not permitted as bags need to be soft sided to fit into the aircraft hold.  With your own vehicle you do not have the same strict luggage limitations, of course depending on how many people are traveling with you. The driving safari gives you that great opportunity to carry your baggage with no limitation.

Experience a combination of flying and driving if your budget allows. Drive between Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater with a private guide and vehicle then fly into the Serengeti to continue with your safari or you fly to the southern part after the northern sector driving.  One can also drive one way and then fly back to save time, but please bear in mind that it’s not always the most cost-effective option because there is the cost of an ‘empty leg’, as the driver and vehicle will still need to return to Arusha, even if the guests don’t join them. This will only work best for you if you only want to save time.

When you take a flying safari, you be able to do game drives in the open cars. This will give you the opportunity to associate with the wild game freely with in the open cars. There is opportunity to see the animals in all angles making photography the easiest activity on your safari.

On the driving safari, the game drives are done in closed cars. The same cars used to take you to the park are the same cars used to do game drives. The animals here are viewed from the pop-up space where by you have to stand for you to have the clear view.

Flying safari offers a more comfortable and relaxed travel experience, avoiding long hours on bumpy roads. It gives a luxurious and time-efficient experience, suitable for those who prefer a more relaxed and exclusive adventure while driving safari offers a sense of adventure, discovery, and a closer connection to the environment, appealing to those who enjoy a more hands-on experience. It Involves some discomfort from extended periods of driving on uneven terrain. However, it can be a more immersive experience for those who enjoy road trips.