The Cessna flights provide a highly convenient way to travel between Arusha and Serengeti National Park. While the journey by car takes approximately eight hours, a Cessna flight completes the trip in just one hour. However, there are several important points to keep in mind.

Check the Baggage Weight Limit

The baggage weight, including carry-on luggage, is limited to 15–20 kg per person. Since the luggage compartments on Cessna aircraft are small, this rule ensures that all passengers’ baggage can be loaded without issues.

Cessna Airlines with a 15 kg per Person Limit:

• Coastal Aviation
• Regional Air

Cessna Airlines with a 20 kg per Person Limit:

• Flightlink
• Auric Air
• Air Excel

If your baggage exceeds the above limits, you can pay an additional fee to carry extra weight. The excess baggage fee starts at $3 per kg. Payment for excess baggage is made at the airport where you board the Cessna. More airlines are now accepting credit cards; however, system errors can occur, so carrying cash may save time.

If You Expect to Exceed 15 kg or 20 kg

You can prepay for excess baggage to avoid dealing with payment at the airport. Fees vary depending on the airline and route.

Use Soft Bags for Boarding

Soft-sided, flexible bags or small fabric suitcases are strongly recommended. Fabric carry-on bags that meet international flight cabin luggage size regulations are also acceptable. In general, fabric suitcases should not exceed 25 cm x 30 cm x 62 cm. Allowable sizes may vary slightly by airline.

In Reality…

Baggage weight may only be checked when boarding from Arusha Airport. The weight limit is primarily in place to ensure smooth operations.

Traveling with a Suitcase and Switching to a Soft Bag in Arusha

Many travelers find it difficult to travel from Japan with a heavy duffel bag and prefer to use a suitcase. In that case, pack a duffel or other soft bag inside your suitcase. Upon arrival in Arusha, transfer your belongings into the soft bag and leave the hard suitcase at the hotel. Before returning home, retrieve the hard suitcase from the hotel and repack your belongings. The shower rooms at Airport Planet Lodge, a hotel near the airport, are convenient for repacking.

Use Lodge Laundry Services

Reducing luggage weight by using lodge laundry services is another option. Most lodges offer laundry for a fee, while some luxury lodges provide it for free.

Tented lodges with names including “Camp” generally offer hand washing and sun drying. If you hand in your laundry at breakfast, you may receive it by dinner. On rainy days, collection may be delayed until the following evening. It is best to use this service if staying for at least two consecutive nights.

Hotels such as Serena Hotels and Four Seasons use washing machines and dryers. If you submit your laundry upon check-in, you can typically receive it the next morning.

Take Motion Sickness Medicine

Cessna flights can experience significant turbulence. In particular, the route from Ngorongoro to Lake Manyara is prone to air currents and turbulence. It is recommended to take motion sickness medicine 30 minutes before boarding. Motion sickness medicine is difficult to find in Tanzania, so please bring it from your home country.

Use the Restroom Before Boarding

There are no toilets onboard. Please use the restroom immediately before boarding. For children, avoid giving them too much drinks right before the flight.

Prepare for the Cold with an Extra Layer

Depending on the season, the cabin can get very cold. This may be hard to imagine from the ground, but the air at higher altitudes is much colder. Assume that there is no heating system on board and bring a jacket or extra layer to keep warm. Feet can also get cold, so closed shoes are recommended over sandals.

Confirm Stopovers at Check-in

The stopovers for Cessna flights are not determined until the day of travel. Some flights are direct, while others have multiple stops. Be especially careful when flying from Arusha to the national parks—make sure you disembark at the correct destination. When receiving your boarding pass at the check-in counter, confirm your stopovers. Before deboarding the aircraft, double-check with the pilot to ensure you are at the right location.

Disclaimer for Local Tour Companies Regarding Cessna Flights

1. Cessna (Domestic Flight) Departure and Arrival Times

Cessna flight schedules are subject to change. Departure and arrival times may be adjusted at the last minute, and flights may depart earlier than scheduled. In particular, Cessna flights departing from national parks may take off as soon as all passengers have boarded, which can result in an earlier-than-expected arrival. In such cases, the local tour company may not receive prior notification of the time change, and there is a possibility that transfer vehicles may not be arranged in time for significantly early arrivals.

Conversely, additional stopovers may be added, causing delays of approximately 30 minutes to an hour. Furthermore, significant delays can occur due to poor weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds, as well as operational issues such as aircraft maintenance delays.

2. Notification of Schedule Changes

In the event of schedule changes, some airlines may not notify the local tour company. Therefore, schedule change announcements are primarily made directly to passengers by airport or airstrip staff. Please pay close attention to local announcements and check for the latest updates regarding your flight.

3. Advance Notice of Stopovers

The stopover locations and number of stopovers for Cessna flights are usually determined the day before or the morning of the flight. As a result, the local tour company cannot provide advance information regarding stopovers. Please check your stopover details at the check-in counter when completing your boarding procedures.

4. Compensation for Delays and Cancellations

If a Cessna flight delay or cancellation results in a missed international flight, the airline is not responsible for any related consequences. The local tour company will provide necessary assistance as much as possible; however, any additional costs incurred due to missed international connections will be entirely the responsibility of the customer.

Additionally, if the airline does not arrange an alternative flight or if an alternative flight is provided but does not align with the customer’s return schedule or other plans, and the customer chooses to book a flight with a different airline, all associated costs will also be borne by the customer.