Flying Safaris
Flying safaris are the ultimate way to experience Africa in style, speed, and comfort. Instead of long road transfers, you fly between national parks and lodges aboard small bush planes or scenic charter flights. This allows you to cover vast distances quickly, enjoy breathtaking aerial views, and reach remote, untouched wilderness areas with ease.
Whether exploring the Serengeti, Masai Mara, Okavango Delta, or Uganda’s gorilla forests, flying safaris provide a luxurious, time-saving, and deeply immersive way to discover Africa’s wild beauty.
What Are Flying Safaris?
A flying safari is a safari experience where light aircraft are used to transport travelers between parks, reserves, and lodges. These flights typically land on airstrips inside or near the parks, minimizing travel time and maximizing wildlife viewing opportunities.
Flying safaris can be:
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scheduled bush flights
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private charter flights
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helicopter transfers
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fixed-wing aircraft journeys
They create seamless connections between multiple destinations.
Why Choose a Flying Safari?
Save Time
Flying cuts long road transfers from 8 hours to 30–60 minutes, giving you more time for game drives and relaxation.
Reach Remote Wilderness
Many of Africa’s best safari regions are far apart. Flying allows you to reach:
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remote camps
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private reserves
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exclusive concessions
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pristine wilderness untouched by mass tourism
Comfort and Convenience
Avoid long road journeys, dusty tracks, and bumpy terrain. Flying ensures the smoothest travel between destinations.
Stunning Aerial Views
Flying over Africa offers breathtaking panoramas:
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herds crossing golden plains
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winding rivers
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volcanic mountains
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vast savannahs
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shimmering lakes
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rainforest canopies
These views elevate your safari experience.
Perfect for Multi-Destination Safaris
Flying safaris make complex itineraries effortless, especially multi-country or multi-park adventures.
Ideal for High-End Travel
Luxury travelers, honeymooners, photographers, and families love the comfort and exclusivity flying safaris provide.
Types of Flying Safaris
Scheduled Bush Flights
Reliable and cost-effective, connecting major parks:
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Serengeti to Ngorongoro
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Masai Mara to Amboseli
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Victoria Falls to Botswana
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Entebbe to Bwindi
Private Charter Safaris
Perfect for families or small groups seeking privacy and flexibility.
Helicopter Safaris
Provide:
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panoramic flights
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volcano tours
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crater views
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river and delta explorations
A breathtaking option for photographers and adventure lovers.
Fly-In Lodge Safaris
You land directly at or near your lodge’s private airstrip for maximum convenience.
Best Destinations for Flying Safaris
Tanzania
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Serengeti
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Ngorongoro
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Selous/Nyerere
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Ruaha
Flying connects northern and southern circuits easily.
Kenya
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Masai Mara
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Amboseli
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Samburu
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Laikipia
Kenya has one of the best bush flight networks in Africa.
Uganda
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Bwindi Impenetrable
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Queen Elizabeth
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Kidepo Valley
Flying safaris save hours when accessing remote parks.
Rwanda
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Volcanoes National Park
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Akagera
Helicopter connections are fast, scenic, and luxurious.
Botswana
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Okavango Delta
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Chobe
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Linyanti
Most camps are accessible only by air.
South Africa
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Kruger private reserves
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Madikwe
Great for quick and stylish transfers.
Namibia
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Skeleton Coast
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Sossusvlei
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Damaraland
Flying safaris reveal the country’s dramatic desert beauty.
Benefits of Flying Safaris for Travelers
More Safari, Less Travel
Maximize your time in the bush, not on the road.
Greater Comfort
Arrive relaxed and ready for adventure.
Unparalleled Scenery
View wildlife and landscapes from the sky—an experience in itself.
Exclusive Access
Reach areas inaccessible by road.
Perfect for Multi-Country Circuits
For example:
Flying makes transitions smooth and enjoyable.
Who Should Choose a Flying Safari?
Flying safaris are ideal for:
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honeymooners
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luxury travelers
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families with children
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photographers
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travelers short on time
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elderly travelers seeking comfort
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multi-country explorers
What’s Included in a Flying Safari?
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domestic flights
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lodge/airstrip transfers
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full-board accommodation
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game drives and activities
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park fees
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professional guides
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sometimes drinks and extras depending on package
Things to Know
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Luggage limits (usually 15–20 kg in soft bags)
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Small aircraft = scenic but intimate flights
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Weather conditions may affect schedules
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Some airstrips are in the heart of the wild—expect wildlife nearby
Conclusion
Flying safaris transform a traditional safari into a seamless, luxurious, and time-efficient adventure. With breathtaking aerial views and access to remote wilderness, they offer one of the most exclusive and rewarding ways to explore Africa. Whether hopping between the Serengeti and Ngorongoro, drifting over the Okavango Delta, or flying into mountain gorilla country, flying safaris deliver convenience, wonder, and unmatched freedom.
