Flying Safari
A flying safari is an exceptional way to experience the vast and diverse landscapes of Tanzania, combining convenience with the thrill of aerial views. Here’s a detailed overview of what you can expect from a flying safari to Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park, two of Tanzania’s premier wildlife destinations.
Tarangire National Park
Overview:
- Location: Located in northern Tanzania, about 120 km (75 miles) southwest of Arusha.
- Size: Approximately 2,850 square kilometres (1,100 square miles).
- Highlights: Famous for its large herds of elephants, ancient baobab trees, and diverse birdlife, with over 550 bird species. The Tarangire River, which runs through the park, attracts wildlife, especially during the dry season
What to Expect:
- Wildlife: Apart from elephants, you can see lions, leopards, buffaloes, zebras, wildebeests, giraffes, and more. Tarangire is also home to rarer animals like the greater kudu, fringed-eared oryx, and Ashy starling.
- Scenery: The park’s landscape is characterized by rolling hills, acacia woodland, baobab trees, and swamps. The river is a lifeline during the dry season, making it a focal point for animal viewing.
Activities:
- Game Drives: The primary activity, offering a chance to explore different areas of the park and see wildlife up close.
- Walking Safaris: Accompanied by an armed guide, walking safaris allow you to explore on foot and appreciate the smaller aspects of the ecosystem, such as plants and insects.
- Bird Watching: With a high concentration of bird species, Tarangire is a bird watcher’s paradise.
- Cultural Visits: Visits to local Maasai villages provide insight into the traditional lifestyles and cultures of the region’s indigenous people.
Serengeti National Park
Overview:
- Location: In northern Tanzania, spanning approximately 14,750 square kilometres (5,700 square miles).
- Highlights: Known for the annual Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles move in a circular route between the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara in Kenya.
What to Expect:
- Wildlife: In addition to the iconic migration, the Serengeti hosts the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino), cheetahs, hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, and numerous antelope species.
- Scenery: The park’s landscape includes vast open plains, kopjes (granite outcrops), rivers, and wooded areas, providing a variety of habitats for different wildlife species.
Activities:
- Game Drives: Both morning and evening game drives are common, with the chance to see predators and prey interactions.
- Hot Air Balloon Safaris: A unique way to see the Serengeti from above, especially during the Great Migration. These usually end with a champagne breakfast in the bush.
- Guided Walking Safaris: Offered in certain parts of the Serengeti, these walks provide a more intimate experience of the environment.
- Cultural Visits: Learn about the local Maasai culture through organized visits to nearby villages.
Flying Safari Experience
Advantages:
- Time Efficiency: Flying between parks saves travel time, allowing more time for wildlife viewing and other activities.
- Scenic Views: The aerial perspective offers a unique view of the landscape, including spotting wildlife from above.
- Comfort: Flying is a more comfortable and less tiring mode of travel, especially over long distances.
Typical Itinerary:
- Arrival in Arusha: Start at Arusha, the gateway to many northern safari destinations. Stay overnight in Arusha to rest and prepare for the safari.
- Fly to Tarangire: A short flight from Arusha to Tarangire. Spend 1-2 days exploring Tarangire National Park with game drives, walking safaris, and other activities.
- Fly to Serengeti: From Tarangire, take a flight to the Serengeti. Depending on the migration, flights may land in different regions (e.g., Seronera, Western Corridor, or Northern Serengeti). Spend 3-4 days exploring the Serengeti, focusing on the Great Migration, Big Five, and other wildlife activities.
- Fly back to Arusha or continue to other destinations: After the Serengeti, you can either fly back to Arusha or continue to other destinations like the Ngorongoro Crater, Zanzibar, or other Tanzanian national parks.
Accommodation:
Both Tarangire and Serengeti offer a range of accommodation options, from luxury lodges and tented camps to more budget-friendly options. Many of these lodges are in prime wildlife areas, offering excellent views and easy access to game drive routes.
Tips for a Successful Flying Safari:
- Packing: Pack light, as there are luggage weight restrictions on small aircraft. Use soft-sided bags.
- Clothing: Wear neutral-coloured clothing, comfortable shoes, and bring layers for cooler mornings and evenings. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.
- Health: Bring any necessary medications and a basic first-aid kit. Consult a travel doctor about vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis.
- Photography: Bring a good camera with zoom lenses and extra batteries or power banks. Binoculars are also useful for wildlife spotting.
A flying safari to Tarangire and Serengeti offers a thrilling and efficient way to explore Tanzania’s natural wonders, ensuring you have a memorable and immersive wildlife experience