Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari. Everything we do is completely tailor-made so while this is an idea which works well, we’ll always design an itinerary just for you.
Starts: Kilimanjaro International Airport
On arrival at the airport, you will be greeted by a guide with a name board after you've collected your bags.
Kilimanjaro to Tarangire by light aircraft & 4WD
At the domestic terminal, board a light aircraft for Tarangire, and keep an eye out for wildlife as you come into land after around 40 minutes. A guide from Oliver's Camp will meet you for the hour's game drive back to camp, shadowing the eastern edge of the Silale Swamp.
Oliver's Camp
In the quiet south-east of Tarangire National Park, beside Silale and Lormakau marshes, Oliver's Camp is a lovely tented camp set on a low, sandy ridge. It is particularly good for wildlife in the height of the dry season, when the marshes attract huge herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. It used to have a separate satellite camp, Little Oliver's, close by, but now the two camps are incorporated as one, with a suspension-bridge-style raised walkway linking the two, over an area of dense bush.
In the quiet south-east of Tarangire National Park, beside Silale and Lormakau marshes, Oliver's Camp is a lovely tented camp set on a low, sandy ridge. It is particularly good for wildlife in the height of the dry season, when the marshes attract huge herds of buffalo, zebra and wildebeest. It used to have a separate satellite camp, Little Oliver's, close by, but now the two camps are incorporated as one, with a suspension-bridge-style raised walkway linking the two, over an area of dense bush.
"I cannot express how fantastic this place and all the staff are."
Mr & Mrs EfromCroydonArrived 18 Sep 2023, 3 nights
Oliver's is a lovely tented camp with a great location in the far south of the park. It retains a real bush camp feel, and has a rustic charm. The food, service and guiding here are very good and the camp offers a great wilderness experience. See our full report on Oliver's Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Tarangire to Ngorongoro by light aircraft & 4WD
Departing Oliver's, board a spectacular flight of about 20 minutes to Lake Manyara, before continuing by road. After the bustling, dusty town of Karatu you'll be driven up the Ngorongoro Crater, around the rim and on through rugged but beautiful scenery to The Highlands, arriving within some 2½ hours.
The Highlands
The Highlands is located north of the Ngorongoro Crater, far from other camps in a forested area near the Olmoti Volcano. The design is unique – you won't find another camp like this anywhere else in East Africa.
The Highlands is located north of the Ngorongoro Crater, far from other camps in a forested area near the Olmoti Volcano. The design is unique – you won't find another camp like this anywhere else in East Africa.
"it is a lovely camp with great accommodations"
Mrs K.fromNiceArrived 7 Sep 2023, 2 nights
The big draws of The Highlands are its location – far from other camps in the area and with beautiful views – and the opportunity to do some great walks and cultural activities, all from a stunning property with good food, service and guiding. Although this not one of the closest options for the Ngorongoro Crater, the drive there is beautifully scenic. If you can cope with a chilly start to the day, and are not looking for a typical safari camp, we think The Highlands is an inspired choice. See our full report on The Highlands
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Guided walking safari
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
To drive into the Ngorongoro Crater is to immerse yourself in a renowned wildlife park. Prides of lion and clans of hyena patrol amongst herds of zebra, wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelle, whilst flocks of crowned cranes keep out the way of jackals. Come for elephants with big tusks, too. And then there are the rhino… Read all about Ngorongoro Crater safari
Ngorongoro to Serengeti by light aircraft & 4WD
After breakfast, leave The Highlands by 4WD, descending the Ngorongoro Crater and on to Lake Manyara Airstrip for your short flight to the Serengeti. A guide will meet you at Seronera Airstrip for the game drive to Namiri, arriving in time for lunch. Watch out for big cats en route!
Namiri Plains Camp
Elegant, eco-friendly and with exquisite food, Namiri is one of the best places to stay in the Serengeti. Namiri has undergone a radical transformation – for anyone who knew the camp in its first life, it would seem unrecognisable. A mix of stone walls, wood and creamy-coloured canvas, the main camp and spacious rooms are sophisticated but not at all stuffy, with a new swimming pool, sauna and 'den' housing a library and gift shop. The rooms have all the mod cons you could want – mini bar, hairdryer and even Wi-Fi – yet you'll still hear lions roaring at night and buffalo chomping grass, reminding you you're still deep in the bush. And dining here is a real pleasure, with plenty of variety, imagination and flavour in every meal.
Elegant, eco-friendly and with exquisite food, Namiri is one of the best places to stay in the Serengeti. Namiri has undergone a radical transformation – for anyone who knew the camp in its first life, it would seem unrecognisable. A mix of stone walls, wood and creamy-coloured canvas, the main camp and spacious rooms are sophisticated but not at all stuffy, with a new swimming pool, sauna and 'den' housing a library and gift shop. The rooms have all the mod cons you could want – mini bar, hairdryer and even Wi-Fi – yet you'll still hear lions roaring at night and buffalo chomping grass, reminding you you're still deep in the bush. And dining here is a real pleasure, with plenty of variety, imagination and flavour in every meal.
"'Tents' spacious and comfortable...ethical guiding...already planning a return!"
Jenny fromFavershamArrived 8 Feb 2024, 4 nights
The friendliness of the team and the location of course haven't changed. Still miles away from its nearest neighbour (about an hour's drive), you're far away from the madness of the Seronera region and can enjoy fabulous big cat sightings all to yourself. The guides are excellent and know all the histories of the lion and cheetah families. The rare melanistic serval that prowls the plains here is named Manja, after the Namiri guide who first spotted him. See our full report on Namiri Plains Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Hot air ballooning
Serengeti to Ruaha by light aircraft & 4WD
Following a relaxed 1½-hour drive to Seronera Airstrip, board your light aircraft for the 2-hour flight over rural Tanzania to Msembe Airstrip. You'll then have a 1½-hour game drive to camp with your guide from Jabali, on the alert for elephants and prides of lion around the Mwagusi River.
Jabali Ridge
Jabali Ridge is an exciting new luxury addition to Ruaha National Park. It opened in September 2017, in a prime game viewing area with commanding views over the park and the Mwagusi River.
Jabali Ridge is an exciting new luxury addition to Ruaha National Park. It opened in September 2017, in a prime game viewing area with commanding views over the park and the Mwagusi River.
"The experience far, far exceeded my expectations."
Mr & Mrs BHfromW SussexArrived 24 Sep 2017, 3 nights
Jabali Ridge aims to offer one of the most luxurious stays in Ruaha National Park and is really unique and striking in its design. The guiding, food and service are befitting of a truly high-end, well-run and stylish lodge. Initially there were few cases of 'style over substance' that did somewhat detract from the overall quality of the stay. On our previous visit we did not stay, and as such can not guarantee that these problems have been completely ironed out, however we did not experience any issues with privacy and noise as previously reported. The management were aware of previous criticisms and seem to be actively addressing them to improve guest experience. Jabali is a stunning addition to Ruaha, and certainly a highly luxurious option, but we would highly suggest discussing this lodge in more detail with us to see if it will be the right fit for your stay. See our full report on Jabali Ridge
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Ruaha to Nyerere by air & 4WD
This morning, enjoy a leisurely 45-minute drive to the airstrip before your 1½-hour flight to Nyerere National Park; you should have plenty of time to observe the changing landscape before landing. During the drive of ½–1 hour to Roho ya Selous, you may spot hippos and crocodiles on the lake shore.
Roho ya Selous
Aptly named ‘the heart of the Selous’ Roho ya Selous is both central and managed by a friendly team with a lot of heart. Roho ya Selous was designed and built with care, complementing the landscape, yet disturbing it in the most minimal way. Leafy, floral woodlands reach right up to the living spaces and animals feel comfortable browsing by tents or walking through on their way to water. Birdlife is abundant and hippos call from nearby waterways glimpsed through trees on either side of the headland the camp sits upon.
Aptly named ‘the heart of the Selous’ Roho ya Selous is both central and managed by a friendly team with a lot of heart. Roho ya Selous was designed and built with care, complementing the landscape, yet disturbing it in the most minimal way. Leafy, floral woodlands reach right up to the living spaces and animals feel comfortable browsing by tents or walking through on their way to water. Birdlife is abundant and hippos call from nearby waterways glimpsed through trees on either side of the headland the camp sits upon.
Roho means heart or soul in Swahili and this camp is certainly located in the middle of the park's best wildlife viewing area. It was named for the Selous Game Reserve, the former name for Nyerere National Park, and despite the subsequent change Roho ya Selous has retained its original name. Game drive amongst palm trees, marshes, woodlands and along rivers, boat or try a spot of fishing on Lake Nzerakera, or learn to read the signs of the bush on a walking safari.
"The rooms here are a gem!"
K and BfromOregonArrived 12 Nov 2023, 4 nights
Back at camp the team also live up to the name through their heart-felt friendly demeanour and warm welcome. They work hard to make every guests’ stay a truly memorable one. Eight stylish tents include extra attention to detail and open sided, specially designed main area canvas structures allow for 360 degree views. Varied dining locations make for magical experiences and the soft lighting of solar lamps hung in trees around the dinner table add to the romance. See our full report on Roho ya Selous
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Boat trip
Fishing
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Nyerere to Dar by 4WD & air
Make the most of wildlife watching during your final half-hour game drive from Roho ya Selous to Siwandu Airstrip, skirting the edge of Lake Nzerakera. Then settle down on board your light aircraft as it heads over Nyerere National Park to Dar es Salaam, landing after about 45 minutes.
Ends: Dar es Salaam International Airport
On arrival at the Domestic Terminal, you’ll be escorted to a shuttle for the International Terminal, taking just five minutes.
Experiences you can add to this trip.
Optional extra day-trips and excursions possible whilst staying at lodges on this trip. These are usually best arranged in advance so talk to us.