Flying from Zanzibar to the Serengeti
You cannot drive from Zanzibar to the Serengeti, so the trip is a flight. The scheduled airline Coastal lists a Zanzibar to Seronera service every day, leaving at 08:40 and arriving at 12:15. It is not a nonstop flight. The route runs via Arusha and Manyara, so plan for two stops on the way.
Seronera is the airstrip in the central Serengeti. The same timetable also lists Zanzibar flights to Ndutu and Kogatende, again via Arusha and Manyara. It was updated in April 2026 and runs to 31 May 2027.
This guide is independent. It is not run by the park, an airline or a tour company. Fares and times below are 2026 examples, so confirm the exact flight and the final total, including taxes and fees, when you book.
Flight or fly-in package: what you pay for
A flight ticket and a package are different products. Prices in US dollars, 2026.
| Option | Route and length | Price | What it covers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled flight, Zanzibar to Seronera | Daily, 08:40–12:15, via Arusha and Manyara | $517 adult, $414 child, plus $93 taxes and fees | The flight only. Park entry, lodge, vehicle and onward transfer are separate. |
| Private fly-in package, 2 travelers | 4 days, 3 nights | $2,495 per person | Scheduled flights to the Serengeti and back, private game drives, park fees, accommodation, stated meals, airstrip transfers |
| Private fly-in package, 6 travelers | 4 days, 3 nights | From $1,995 per person | The same package, with vehicle costs shared by more people |
| For comparison: flight from Arusha | Daily, 07:45–08:55, via Manyara | $259 adult, $207 child, plus $54 taxes and fees | The flight only |
The package prices are for the 2026/27 season and are examples from one operator, not a range for the market. A written quote with dates is what counts, because season, flights and lodging can change the final price. A flight ticket does not include the park fee, a bed or a vehicle, so do not compare it directly with a package price. For the wider budget see the Serengeti safari cost page.
Our picks: Serengeti from Zanzibar
Two fly-in safaris that start on the island and include the flights.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
2-day Serengeti safari with flights from Zanzibar
Return flights, a stay with full board, game drives and Serengeti park fees are included. Guide tips and personal spending are extra.
Check availability →
2-day Serengeti fly-in safari from Zanzibar
Return flights Zanzibar to Seronera, park fees, a private guided safari and one night with full board. Visa, insurance and a nightly tourism levy are extra.
Check availability →Serengeti safaris and fly-in trips
Guided Serengeti safaris and multi-day trips, with live prices and availability. Check which ones include flights and park fees.
How a fly-in safari from Zanzibar is put together
The building blocks are the same on most trips.
Scheduled flights
The package uses scheduled flights from Zanzibar to the Serengeti and back. Departure time, stops and airstrip depend on the connection you are quoted.
Private game drives
Drives are private, so the price per person falls as the group grows. The listed example is $2,495 per person for two travelers and from $1,995 for six.
Park fees, meals and airstrip transfers
The package description names park fees, accommodation, stated meals and transfers to and from the airstrip as part of the price. Read the quote line by line to see what each day contains.
Lodges confirmed in the quote
The package text does not name your accommodation. The lodge or camp is confirmed in the individual offer. The where to stay page shows the areas.
One detail to clear up before you pay: some descriptions of the package give Zanzibar as the start and end, others show Arusha as the starting point. Ask the operator to confirm the airport of your first and last flight in the quote. Also check the baggage allowance and the child age bands of the flight fare with the airline or your operator. They are not the same as the park's age bands for fees.
Which airstrip fits your trip
Choose the airstrip closest to your camp.
Seronera, central Serengeti
This is the airstrip of the Zanzibar to Seronera service, via Arusha and Manyara. It serves camps and lodges in the central Serengeti.
Serengeti safari →Kogatende, north
This is the airstrip for the Mara River area, where river crossings usually fall between July and October. One northern camp gives about 20 minutes from the airstrip to camp. That time applies to that camp, not to every lodge.
Mara River crossings →Ndutu, south
The Ndutu area is the base for calving season, usually January to March. Ndutu Safari Lodge sits in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, not in the national park, so do not assume one fee covers both. Read more about Ndutu in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
Calving season →Before you book
A few things to know before you plan.
Stopovers and timing
Fly-in does not always mean nonstop. Flight time, stops and fare depend on the exact connection, and operators do not all use the same stopover sequence. Check the connection for your date.
Insurance for the mainland
Since 1 October 2026 the mandatory health insurance applies to the mainland as well, not only to Zanzibar. Figures and date are on the travel tips page.
Fees on top of a flight
If you buy only a flight, the park conservation fee and the nightly concession fee for your accommodation come on top. The park fees page explains them.
Serengeti from Zanzibar: frequently asked questions
Can I fly from Zanzibar to the Serengeti?
Yes. A scheduled airline lists a daily Zanzibar to Seronera service at 08:40, arriving at 12:15, via Arusha and Manyara. Timetables change, so confirm your date before you plan around it.
Is there a nonstop flight?
The scheduled service on this route has stopovers in Arusha and Manyara. Do not assume a nonstop flight from the word fly-in. Check the route in your quote.
How much does a fly-in safari from Zanzibar cost?
One private 4-day package is listed from $1,995 per person for 6 travelers and $2,495 per person for 2 travelers, for 2026/27. Only a dated written quote is binding.
What does the flight price include?
The Zanzibar to Seronera fare of $517 for adults and $414 for children is for the flight only, with $93 taxes and fees shown separately. A flight ticket does not include park entry, accommodation, a vehicle or onward transfer.
Which airstrip should I choose?
Choose the one closest to your camp. Seronera is central, Kogatende is in the north near the Mara River, and Ndutu is in the south. Camp, airstrip and booked transfer need to match.
Do I need travel insurance for Tanzania?
Mandatory health insurance applies on the mainland since 1 October 2026, as well as on Zanzibar. See the travel tips page for the figures and the date.