Tanzania Internal Flights: The Smart Way to Explore the Wild and Beyond
Discover how internal flights in Tanzania can transform your safari adventure. Learn about convenience, destinations, travel tips, and why flying is a game-changer for experiencing the best of Tanzania.
✈️ Fly Further, Explore Deeper: Why Internal Flights in Tanzania Make a Difference
Tanzania is a land of contrasts and wonder—where snow-capped mountains meet sweeping savannahs and coral-fringed islands. From the vast Serengeti plains to the turquoise waters of Zanzibar, each destination offers a world of its own. But with so much ground to cover, how do you make the most of your time?
Enter internal flights in Tanzania—your ticket to unlocking the country’s full potential quickly, comfortably, and efficiently.

🗺️ What Are Internal Flights in Tanzania?
Internal flights—also called domestic flights—are short-haul flights that connect major cities, national parks, and remote locations across Tanzania. These flights are often operated by small regional carriers using light aircraft, making them ideal for accessing hard-to-reach safari camps and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
🌍 Key Destinations Accessible by Internal Flight
Here are some of the top destinations made easily accessible thanks to Tanzania’s internal air network:
Route | Travel Time by Air | Travel Time by Road |
---|---|---|
Arusha to Serengeti | ~1 hour | 7–10 hours |
Arusha to Zanzibar | ~1 hour | 10–12 hours (ferry & drive) |
Serengeti to Ruaha | ~2 hours (via Dar or Arusha) | Not easily accessible by road |
Dar es Salaam to Selous (Nyerere NP) | ~1 hour | 6–8 hours |
Flying not only saves time—it turns a long, dusty drive into a scenic, stress-free journey.

⏱️ Benefits of Internal Flights for Your Safari Adventure
✅ 1. Maximize Time on Safari, Not in Transit
Tanzania’s national parks are vast and sometimes separated by hundreds of kilometers. Internal flights let you skip the bumpy roads and spend more time tracking lions or sipping sundowners under an acacia tree.
✅ 2. Reach Remote Destinations
Dreaming of seeing wild dogs in Ruaha or chimpanzees in Mahale Mountains? These places are virtually inaccessible by road, but internal flights make them reachable in just a few hours.
✅ 3. Customize Your Itinerary
Want to wake up in the Serengeti and fall asleep in Zanzibar? Flights make that possible. Mix and match northern circuit safaris with coastal getaways without backtracking or wasting precious days.
✅ 4. Scenic Aerial Views
Take your adventure to the sky—literally. Watch the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara, and herds of wildlife from above. It’s not just a flight; it’s part of the experience.
💸 Are Internal Flights in Tanzania Expensive?
Internal flights can cost more than traveling by road, but they offer exceptional value when considering:
-
Time saved (days, not hours)
-
Comfort (no long drives on rough roads)
-
Access to exclusive destinations
-
Safety and convenience
💡 Cost Estimate (One-Way Flights)
Route | Approx. Price (USD) |
---|---|
Arusha to Serengeti | $250–$350 |
Serengeti to Zanzibar | $350–$450 |
Arusha to Ruaha | $300–$400 |
Dar es Salaam to Selous | $150–$250 |
Pro Tip: Booking internal flights as part of a complete safari package with a travel agency like Great Image Expedition often leads to better pricing and coordinated logistics.
🛩️ Domestic Airlines in Tanzania
Here are some trusted local carriers offering reliable domestic routes:
-
Air Tanzania – National carrier, larger routes
-
Precision Air – Connects major hubs and islands
-
Auric Air – Popular for flying into parks like Serengeti and Ruaha
-
Coastal Aviation – Known for bush flights and safari connections
-
Regional Air – Small aircraft ideal for lodge-to-lodge travel
Most flights use light aircraft (Cessna or Caravan) seating 8–15 passengers, often landing on airstrips close to lodges and tented camps.
🚐 When You Might Prefer Road Travel
While flights are convenient, road travel has its perks:
🧭 1. Cultural Connection
By driving through villages, stopping at roadside markets, and meeting locals, you experience the human side of Tanzania.
🌄 2. Scenic Safaris on the Road
Roads from Arusha to Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and Ngorongoro Crater offer picturesque routes filled with baobabs, giraffes, and even roadside elephants.
💰 3. Budget-Friendly
Road transport is generally cheaper, especially for families or groups.
🧗 4. Adventure Factor
Some travelers love the thrill of overland journeys—dust, bumps, and all.
🧳 Travel Tips for Taking Internal Flights in Tanzania
-
Luggage Limits: Most bush flights have strict weight limits (15kg) per person in soft bags.
-
Book Early: Flights fill quickly during high season (June–October), so plan ahead.
-
Flight Delays: Weather or wildlife may cause minor delays. Flexibility is key.
-
Connectivity: Some remote airstrips have no mobile reception—your pilot is your guide.
-
Transfers: Lodge staff typically pick you up directly from the airstrip.
📅 Best Time to Fly Internally in Tanzania
Internal flights operate year-round, but dry season (June–October) offers the best conditions for visibility and wildlife spotting. The green season (November–March) is ideal for photographers and bird lovers, with fewer crowds and lower rates.
🧭 How to Choose Between Flights and Driving
Factor | Choose Flights If… | Choose Driving If… |
---|---|---|
Time | You want to visit multiple parks quickly | You have more days to spare |
Budget | You’re on a mid-to-high-end budget | You’re looking for affordable travel |
Experience | You want aerial views & remote locations | You want cultural interaction & local flavor |
Comfort | You prefer shorter, smoother journeys | You enjoy road trips and scenery |
🐘 Final Thoughts: Take to the Skies, Stay Grounded in Nature
Tanzania isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey. And how you choose to move through it can shape your entire experience.
If your priority is time, comfort, and access to remote wilderness, then Tanzania internal flights are your golden ticket to adventure. Combine them with well-planned road transfers, and you’ve got the perfect balance of aerial freedom and on-the-ground discovery.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Are internal flights in Tanzania safe?
Yes, internal flights are generally safe and operated by experienced bush pilots. Always book with reputable airlines or through trusted safari operators.
Q: How do I book internal flights in Tanzania?
You can book through local airlines or have them included in your safari package with a company like Great Image Expedition for a seamless experience.
Q: Can I fly directly between national parks?
Yes! Many flights are lodge-to-lodge or park-to-park, allowing quick access without returning to major cities.
Q: Are there daily departures?
Most routes have daily or twice-daily flights, depending on the season and demand.
Q: What happens if my flight is delayed?
Operators typically communicate with your lodge or tour operator to adjust plans. Flight delays are rare but manageable.
📞 Plan Your Tanzania Safari With Confidence
Let Great Image Expedition handle the logistics while you focus on the experience. Whether you’re soaring over the Serengeti or landing beside a hidden camp in Ruaha, your journey through Tanzania will be one to remember.
📩 Contact a Travel Expert Today
Email: info@gie.co.tz
Website: www.gie.co.tz
🦒 Choose from Tailor-Made Tanzania Safari Packages:
🧭 Wherever you want to go, we’ll help you get there—on time, in style, and with a view from above.