Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari: Day-by-day
More detailed information of what each day entails, and the various places you’ll stay on the Tinkerbird 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.
"The location was incredible as was our tent"
Mrs K.fromNiceArrived 4 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.
"The accommodation at The Highlands was beautiful."
Mr & Mrs EfromCroydonArrived 21 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 the Serengeti by 4WD & light aircraft
Leaving The Highlands by 4WD, descend towards the open plains and Lake Manyara Airstrip for your 45-minute flight to the central Serengeti. A guide from Dunia will meet you at Seronera Airstrip for the drive to camp, taking about an hour – or longer if you stop to watch wildlife.
Dunia Camp
Dunia Camp is situated near the Moru Kopjes, in the south of Tanzania's central Serengeti National Park. This elegant yet unpretentious camp is in a good area for seeing both the wildebeest migration between December and March, and the resident game of the central Serengeti all year round. Affectionately known as the "ladies camp", it is Tanzania's first and only safari camp to be fully led and run by female staff. It has a very inspiring atmosphere.
Dunia Camp is situated near the Moru Kopjes, in the south of Tanzania's central Serengeti National Park. This elegant yet unpretentious camp is in a good area for seeing both the wildebeest migration between December and March, and the resident game of the central Serengeti all year round. Affectionately known as the "ladies camp", it is Tanzania's first and only safari camp to be fully led and run by female staff. It has a very inspiring atmosphere.
"Our guide, Neema, was exceptional - I can't say enough good things about Dunia"
Mrs K.fromNiceArrived 9 Sep 2023, 2 nights
Dunia Camp is a stylish yet unfussy camp in the Serengeti. It offers a high-quality base from which to explore the south-central Serengeti area, which has excellent game viewing year round, but is especially good from about December to March when the wildebeest migration passes through. See our full report on Dunia Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Hot air ballooning
Crossing the Serengeti by light aircraft & 4WD
Today you'll return to Seronera Airstrip for your flight of around an hour to the northern Serengeti. A guide from Sayari will be waiting at Kogatende Airstrip for the drive of some 15 minutes to camp, although you might first divert to seek out wildlife along the Mara River.
Sayari Camp
Sayari Camp is a luxurious, permanent camp situated in the far north of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The Mara River meanders from east to west through this remote region's undulating bush, which is home to permanent, large populations of plains wildlife. This part of the Serengeti ecosystem is also a spectacular area to witness the great wildebeest migration.
Sayari Camp is a luxurious, permanent camp situated in the far north of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. The Mara River meanders from east to west through this remote region's undulating bush, which is home to permanent, large populations of plains wildlife. This part of the Serengeti ecosystem is also a spectacular area to witness the great wildebeest migration.
"Very nice camp with great staff, a nice informal feel."
Mr & Mrs AfromLondonArrived 11 Jul 2023, 3 nights
Our consistent experience is that Sayari is a well-run camp, with high levels of very personal service and great food. While the sheer luxury of the camp will not appeal to lovers of the wilderness, its biggest attraction is its location: perfect for witnessing the migration, at the right time of year. That said, we have noticed that this northern stretch of the Serengeti is no longer as quiet as it used to be, although out of season it is still very quiet up here. See our full report on Sayari Camp
Activities
4WD Safari
Birdwatching
Cultural excursion
Fly-camping
Hot air ballooning
Serengeti to Kilimanjaro by 4WD & light aircraft
You may have time for a game drive en route to the airstrip this morning before boarding your light aircraft. During the flight, which usually stops for passengers to board or alight, take in the views over the Serengeti and possibly the Ngorongoro Highlands before landing after around three hours.
Ends: Kilimanjaro International Airport
You'll arrive at Kilimanjaro in time to catch your onward flight.
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Inspire meExperiences 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.