Tanzania Safari Airstrips
What are Safari Airstrips?
When planning a safari in Tanzania, you may need to do more than simply pick the appropriate resort or the best time to witness the Great Migration. Many people choose “fly-in” safaris to make the most of their time in the bush because the national parks are so far apart. To make a smooth schedule that connects the famous plains of the Serengeti with the isolated wilderness of the south, you need to know how the safari airstrips function.
The Northern Circuit:
Doors to the Great Migration
The Northern Circuit is the most popular safari route in Tanzania. It has a well-developed network of airstrips to handle the large number of passengers. The main airport for light planes going to the parks is Arusha Airport (ARK), which is smaller and more centrally located than Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Most trips start at one of these airports.
Airstrip Location Best For Seronera (SEU) center Serengeti Year-round animal viewing and proximity to the center resort.
Kogatende (ULX) is in the northern part of the Serengeti.Crossings of the Mara River during the Great Migration (July to October).
Southern Serengeti: Ndutu (LDZ)The time of year when animals give birth and predators are active (January to March).
Lake Manyara (LKY) Manyara / Ngorongoro Getting to Lake Manyara NP and the Ngorongoro Crater.
Kuro Tarangire: A deep look into the heart of Tarangire National Park.
Private airstrips like Sasakwa and Grumeti serve high-end luxury lodges in the Western Corridor for individuals who want to be alone. They give guests direct access to private concessions.
The Southern Circuit:
Getting to the Wilds
The Southern Circuit is more mountainous and less traveled than other routes. Most flights to this area leave from Dar es Salaam (DAR) or Zanzibar (ZNZ). Flying is frequently the only option to get to these sites without spending days on the road because the distances are significantly larger than in the north.
“Flying into the southern parks like Ruaha or Nyerere is not just a way to get there; it’s an aerial safari.” The change from the hot coastal city of Dar es Salaam to the huge, baobab-studded expanses in the interior is amazing.
The airstrip you choose in Nyerere National Park (previously Selous) relies completely on your resort. Mtemere is the primary entrance at the eastern gate. Siwandu, Beho Beho, and Kiba are entrances that only service certain parts of the park. Msembe is the main hub in Ruaha National Park, however Jongomero is the main hub for the southern parts of the park that are farther away.
Katavi and Mahale are on the Western Frontier
The western parks are the most distant in Tanzania, and you can only get to them by plane. On certain days of the week (typically Mondays and Thursdays), flights to Ikuu Airstrip in Katavi or the Mahale Airstrip are often shared charters. These “long-haul” jungle planes typically stop in Ruaha or Arusha to pick up and drop off people, which makes them a real experience on their own.
Helpful Tips for Fly-In Safaris
There are certain logistical issues that come up when you fly in a small aircraft in Tanzania that are different from regular international flying.
1. Baggage Limits: Most bush flights only allow 15 to 20 kilograms (33 to 44 lbs) of baggage per passenger, including carry-on bags. The most important thing is that the bags must be soft-sided, like a duffel bag, so they may fit into the tiny baggage pods of Cessna Caravans.
2. The “Milk Run” Style: Don’t be shocked if your aircraft pauses at one or two different airports before getting to its final destination. These planes work like a bus service, picking up and dropping off visitors at different locations.
3. Seasonality: Some airstrips, like Ndutu, are only open during certain times of the year. Some dirt runways may not be useable during the heavy rains in April and May, and timetables may change.
4. Health and Visas: If you’re coming from a country with a high risk of yellow fever, make sure you have your vaccination certificate. Also, note that malaria measures are needed for practically all safari areas in Tanzania.
You may cut down on travel time and spend more time watching the amazing animals that make Tanzania a world-class safari destination by picking the correct airstrips. If you want to observe the migration in the north or find peace and quiet in the south, the bush airstrips are your best bet.
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