Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari: Summary
Tinkerbird safari in a nutshell
This varied fly-in safari explores Tanzania’s famous northern circuit, featuring Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park.
The trip includes four smart sister camps, all of which share the same consistency in top-quality management, level of care and standard of guiding. They are run by an experienced safari operator who frequently chooses camps for their special location.
Beginning at Oliver’s, which feels more reminiscent of a traditional bushcamp than the rest, guests can explore the quieter south-eastern regions of Tarangire where it is comparatively less common to pass other safari vehicles.
Next, The Highlands is set apart from other camps on the Ngorongoro Crater rim, in a prime position overlooking the forested slopes by Olmoti Volcano. Here it is the extraordinary design as well as the views that appeal, with guests staying in bubbled domes raised high above the treeline, affording spectacular sunrises and sunsets.
Dunia is near to the Serengeti’s Moru Kopjes and allows longer and quieter exploration of the region, overlooking open savannah where resident rhino and big cats may be found. To date, Dunia is also the only safari camp run by an all-female team, a factor which contributes to the wonderfully unique and welcoming atmosphere there.
Concluding with the most luxurious, Sayari is a permanent camp based in the north of the Serengeti. Despite the rich game here, it is removed from other populated areas and between July and October is particularly well-positioned for the migration’s famous river crossings.
This selection of camps offers a range of safari activities. There are ample walking opportunities throughout the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Tarangire, and night drives and balloon flights might also be arranged for further variety.
At a glance
| Starts: | Kilimanjaro International Airport | |
|---|---|---|
| 2 nights | Oliver's Camp - Tarangire National Park, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| 2 nights | The Highlands - Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| 2 nights | Dunia Camp - Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| 2 nights | Sayari Camp - Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania | Full Board & Activities |
| Ends: | Kilimanjaro International Airport |
Oliver's Camp
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
The Highlands
Ngorongoro Crater, Tanzania
Dunia Camp
Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
Sayari Camp
Serengeti Migration Area, Tanzania
Highlights
Our thoughts on five of the top experiences of this Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari.
- Exploring the Moru Kopjes in search of rhino
- Soaking up breathtaking sunsets at The Highlands
- Listening to the birds in an open-air shower
- Soaring over the savannah on a hot-air balloon
- Watching wildebeest storm across the Mara River
Activities
Some activities which can be included in the Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari: talk to us about those which interest you.
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Guided walking safari
Hot air ballooning
Night drive
Key species to see on the Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari
Based on our travellers' observations, we’ve estimated the likelihood of seeing these species during the Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari. Click on the animals and our wildlife surveys page for more info.
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
100% chance
99% chance
97% chance
95% chance
81% chance
74% chance
41% chance
27% chance
27% chance
26% chance
17% chance
0% chance
Side-trips whilst on this safari
We may be able to build in some of these optional excursions from the Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari. Talk to us: they’re usually best arranged when you book.
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk
Two to three hours
Discover the nuances of day-to-day life in the large Tanzanian village of Mto Wa Mbu with a knowledgeable local guide. This is not a village set up for tourists – Mto Wa Mbu is a real community and offers a chance to see a side of Tanzania that many visitors pass by.
More about Village Walk
Balloon Safari over the Serengeti
Three hours - approx. one hour flight
As the sun rises over the Serengeti National Park in Northern Tanzania, climb aboard for an extraordinary adventure. For an hour you’ll float in a hot air balloon over beautiful savannah and woodland and a diversity of plains wildlife.
More about Balloon Safari
Empakaai Crater Hike
Half day, two - three hour walk
Spend a half day hiking through the Empakaai Crater, in the Highlands area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), led by an experienced guide and accompanied by a ranger.
More about Empakaai Crater Hike
Olmoti Crater walk
Half day - two to three hour walk
Follow an ancient Maasai cattle trail on this private hike up the Olmoti Crater, led by an experienced guide and accompanied by an armed ranger. The crater may not compete in size with the neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, but the birding is good, the mountain views wonderful, and the array of ferns is a botanist’s dream.
More about Olmoti Crater walk
Lake Manyara Safari
Half-day or full-day
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.
More about Lake Manyara Safari
Crater Rim Walk
Half day - two hour walk
For some fantastic views, and the chance to see flora and fauna up close, take a walk along the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Led by an experienced safari guide and accompanied by an armed ranger, you will be able to take in the scale and beauty of the landscape from a different perspective.
More about Crater Rim Walk
Olduvai Gorge visit
One - two hours
See for yourself the renowned archaeological site of Olduvai (or Oldupai) Gorge, which lies en route between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Famed for the discoveries of early hominin remains as well as the Laetoli Footprints, the site offers beautiful views, an engaging museum and potentially the opportunity to visit an active dig.
More about Olduvai Gorge visit
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
Usually one hour
Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.
More about Manyara Treetop WalkPlan and book your trip with Expert Africa
All of our trips are tailor-made, so we'll always adapt them to suit you. Talk to an Expert and let us plan and arrange your perfect trip.
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When you return
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