African Flying Safaris
Soar Above AfricaтАЩs Untamed Landscapes on Exclusive Fly-In Safaris
Flying Safaris in Africa
Luxury Fly-In Safari Experiences
Venturing out on a custom African flying safari to destinations in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia defines luxurious travel as the replacement of exhausting overland journeys with seamless altitude jumps from one corner of AfricaтАЩs isolated wildlife havens to another.
The experience offers an exclusive outlook from above as travelers gaze down upon the water channels of the Okavango Delta, the vastness of the Serengeti plains, and the mist surrounding Victoria Falls from the comfort of an exclusive bush airplane.
For fly-in experiences in East Africa, high-quality circuits provide access from the Great Migration of the Masai Mara straight to the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in Amboseli, with a variety of private helicopter tours over the challenging topography of Northern Kenya as well.
Flying safaris in Southern Africa feature low-flying experiences above the impressive dunes of NamibiaтАЩs Sossusvlei and BotswanaтАЩs Chobe region, as light airplanes become indispensable transport for luxury water-based accommodations.
Finally, in Zambia and Zimbabwe, visitors gain access to charters connecting the Lower Zambezi and Mana Pools regions, enabling tourists to effortlessly combine walking and boat safaris.
The best тАЬAcross AfricaтАЭ tours that span multiple countries use the most advanced light jets or turboprops to fill the void between East and South Africa, providing a complete continent-wide experience in one tour.
Highlights of African Flying Safaris
- Regional Coverage into Safari Destinations: Outstanding fly-in circuits in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia.
- Time Saving on transfers: Eliminates time-consuming ground transportation for efficient private charter and light airplane services.
- Scenic Flight Overviews: Offers impressive overviews from the sky of destinations like the Okavango Delta, Serengeti, and Sossusvlei Dunes.
- Luxurious Transfer: Connects luxury bush camps and conservancies using luxury safari bush planes.
- East African Specialization: Luxury connections between the Great Migration (Masai Mara/Serengeti) and luxury helicopter flights in Northern Kenya.
- South African Specialization: Efficient air transfers to water-based safaris in Chobe and desert safaris in Namibia.
- Zambezi Destinations: Efficient private charters to walking and boat safaris in Lower Zambezi & Mana Pools.
- Inter-Continental Fly-In Circuits: Seamless transfer between East and Southern Africa through private charters by turboprop / light jet aircraft.
Looking For a Safari in Africa?
Explore our collection of over 70 luxury African safaris. You can also contact us to design a bespoke, tailor-made adventure just for you.
Why Choose an African Flying Safari?
Fly aboard a private charter or scheduled flight exclusively to your destination
Choosing to take an African flying safari means opting for the height of luxury transport experience, thereby avoiding the harsh тАЬAfrican massageтАЭ associated with driving on rough corrugated roads.
Through the use of private charters and bush planes, one switches from long days spent in vehicles to short flights into remote areas within the wilderness where there are no conventional roads.
In the case of such an efficient way of transportation, it becomes possible to spend quality time relaxing after the flight and engaging in activities such as sunset drives since one arrives at the destination well-rested.
Perhaps the greatest advantage of the fly-in experience is the ability to explore parts of Africa that cannot be accessed with 4x4s.
The view from a flying safari bush plane gives one the best opportunity to witness magnificent views of the immense migration of the herds, rivers, and other geographical formations that one cannot see from the road.
The ability to fly allows for the creation of highly ambitious itineraries involving the visitation of multiple parks with ease, such as traveling from the Namibian desert dunes to the wetlands of Zambia in a mere matter of minutes.
Despite being subject to rigid luggage restrictions (up to 15 kg per person carried in soft luggage), flying offers an exclusive service that ensures both luxury and professionalism.
Overall, although charter aviation services are significantly more costly than road transfers, the undeniable advantages of flying provide the best way to travel for the savvy traveler.
Can i book Charter Flights in Africa for safaris?
Fly aboard a private charter flight exclusively to your destination
How to Book Your Charter Safari Flight
Booking a private charter flight in Africa is an easy affair, made possible by professional safari operators or aviation brokers that sort out all the logistical details pertaining to the type of plane to be hired, passenger load, and exact coordinates of your bush airstrip landing site.
In addition, the booking process entails the selection of your departure airport, such as Nairobi, Arusha, or Maun airport, and then syncing your flight schedule to coincide with your camp’s check-in time.
Cost of a Charter Safari Flight in Africa
The cost of private charter transfers differs depending on plane size and distances traveled; whereas one may pay between $300-$400 per person for short scheduled flights within the circuit, one would expect costs to range between $1,500 and $5,000 per one-way trip if chartering the plane.
Benefits of Air Charters in Africa for your safari transfers
Flying in your own private charter plane is the best thing you could do since it saves you from enduring the “African massage,” meaning that in the place of long hours of bone-jarring off-road journeys, one experiences a 60-minute aerial adventure.
More than that, air transport enables one to explore remote areas in Africa not reachable by road networks.
Comfort, Safety, and Panoramic Views
With charter flights, both safety and comfort are increased since there are skilled pilots along with pressurized cabin conditions that take you high up above the heat and dust of the savannah while giving you a bird’s eye view of the Great Migration and the rivers.
This will be perfect for you if you wish to spend as much of your time as possible in the wilds, since you get to spend every minute taking photographs and being close to nature.
The Best Expeditions Available
In essence, you will find that by incorporating these flights into your experience, you will have a far more exclusive expedition experience.
Which is the Best Time for African Flying Safaris?
Best Fly-in Safari Types in Africa
The best time to go on an African fly-in safari is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October. This is the ideal time to fly because the skies are clear and the weather is steady. It is also the best time for wildlife viewing because animals gather around the few available water sources, making them very easy to find.
If you want to experience the Great Migration, try to plan your trip between July and September. However, if you are looking for a more budget-friendly adventure, November and May are great months to visit because prices are lower and there are fewer crowds.
Flying in Safaris in East Africa
In East Africa, the best time to visit is from June to October. However, January and February are also great because it is “calving season.” During this time, thousands of baby animals are born, which attracts many lions and cheetahs. This makes it a fantastic time for taking photos.
Just keep in mind that the heavy rains arrive from March to May. While the grass becomes a beautiful green, the flights can be a little bumpy because of afternoon thunderstorms.
Flying in Safaris in Southern Africa
In Southern African countries like Botswana and South Africa, the dry season also runs from May to October. If you are visiting the Okavango Delta, the best months are August and September. During this time, the water levels are at their highest. Because of the floods, flying is often the only way to reach the most remote luxury resorts.
While the dry season offers the clearest skies, some people prefer the “green season” from November to April. This time of year brings beautiful, dramatic clouds and colorful flowers that are perfect for photos.
The main reason to choose a fly-in safari is to save time. Instead of wasting days driving over rough roads, you can reach your destination in just a few minutes.
This is very helpful if you are visiting remote places like the Namib Desert, where there are almost no roads at all! By spending less time traveling, you get much more time to actually see the wildlife.
What are the Types of African Flying Safaris?
Best Fly-in Safari Types in Africa
Africa boasts some of the world’s premier safari destinations, many of which are best accessed by air. Due to the vast distances and occasionally challenging road conditions, we recommend reaching these locations via charter flights, helicopters, or scheduled regional services.
Customized Aerial Safaris Amidst the Wilds
African aerial safaris stand out as the epitome of luxurious travel, employing customized small aircraft to transfer guests from one game reserve to another by ensuring maximum animal sightings and minimal travel time.
These customized safari tours specialize in providing unique and exclusive tours within private wildlife sanctuaries in Kenya or the untouched Okavango Delta in Botswana, designed to create unique bush camps that meet the needs of honeymooners, families, and luxury seekers.
Romantic Getaways for Couples on Their Honeymoon
Couples looking for romance and seclusion will benefit from custom-made honeymoon flying safaris that offer unique settings, complete with romantic plunge pools, star beds for sleeping, and sundowners amidst nature in the wild.
Secure and Fascinating Safaris for Families
A carefully planned family safari is meant to ensure high levels of safety and flexibility with an emphasis on malaria-free regions and specific “junior rangers” activities that help make sure that small children stay interested in the wildlife surrounding them.
Top-end family safari accommodations like the Kwandwe Ecca Lodge in South Africa or Marataba Safari Lodge provide kids with guided nature trails, lessons in bush skills, and short game drives tailored to their level of energy.
Luxury Explorer Experiences
Luxury safaris for explorers feature private charters, private use of luxury lodges, and highly organized photography trips, providing full control over the schedule of the day.
Top-of-the-line facilities, such as the Segera Retreat in Laikipia or Mombo Camp in the Okavango Delta area, provide a luxury experience with personal helicopter flights, exclusive spa treatments, and fine dining in the wild outdoors.
Migration Specials & Walking Safaris
Migration special flights carefully coordinate with the annual Great Migration in order for travelers to fly from the Serengeti all the way to the Masai Mara to experience the crossing of the river on foot, without having to suffer the effects of traveling on the ground.
However, for visitors who wish for something less demanding, walking safaris feature light aircraft and mobile camps, providing visitors with guided treks through uncharted territories.
Which are the best Flying Safari Destinations in Africa?
Best Fly-in Safaris in Africa to exotic destinations
Africa boasts some of the world’s premier safari destinations, many of which are best accessed by air. Due to the vast distances and occasionally challenging road conditions, we recommend reaching these locations via charter flights, helicopters, or scheduled regional services.
In regions like the Okavango Delta in Botswana, flying safaris are essential; the seasonally flooded plains often make road transfers impossible. Similarly, a flying safari is highly recommended for the Namib Desert to fully appreciate the scale of the dunes from above.
In Kenya, while scheduled flights are easily accessible, the ultimate luxury experience involves private helicopter excursions over Northern Kenya or Amboseli National Park. Conversely, TanzaniaтАЩs immense size means that national parks are situated far apart, particularly when traveling between the Northern and Southern safari circuits.
For a seamless “bush and beach” experience, you can book a private charter from Zanzibar to the Serengeti. For those seeking a unique adventure, we also offer scenic flights over Mount Kilimanjaro or the active volcano, Ol Donyo Lengai.
Highlight of the best destination for flying safaris
- Iconic Scenery of Kenya: Fly direct into the Masai Mara for the Great Migration or use private helicopters to traverse the distant, inaccessible wildernesses of Northern Kenya and Laikipia.
- Circuits in Tanzania: Fly using light aircraft to cover the great distances between the vast plains of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and remote Ruaha National Park teeming with predators.
- Inaccessible Wilderness in Botswana: Flying is essential to getting to the distant water camps of the Okavango Delta and Chobe, where travel by road may be impossible due to seasonal conditions.
- Namibian Desert Landscape: The only way to truly appreciate the enormity of the Sossusvlei sand dunes, Skeleton Coast, and wild scenery of Damaraland is by taking a flying safari.
- Remote Riverine Valley of Zambia: Fly quickly between the famous birthplace of the walking safari at South Luangwa and the impressive rivers of the Lower Zambezi region.
- ZimbabweтАЩs Wilderness Flights: Easily pair visits to Victoria Falls with top-rated game viewing opportunities at Hwange or Mana Pools.
- Primate Forests of Rwanda: Choose a luxury helicopter transfer from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park to make sure that your gorilla hiking is hassle-free and efficient.
- Diverse Parks of Uganda: Air hop from Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, where youтАЩll see primates, to Queen Elizabeth National Park’s savannas within the “Pearl of Africa.”
Which are the best Luxury Camps & Lodges to stay on Flying Safaris
Safari Accommodations to Stay While on Flying Safaris
Flying safaris are ideal when staying in very remote safari camps and lodges.┬а Since African Bush flights can access remote areas, most camps offer very exclusive experiences that are all-inclusive, with private or shared game drives, activities, and luxury stays.
Planning a flying safari across the African wilderness, you make it easy and simple to access very exclusive camps, which will offer you the tranquility, luxury, and slow safari experiences. These remote camps and lodges are ideal for families, couples, and honeymooners.┬а
5.0
- Amboseli ,
- Kenya
Angama Amboseli is a boutique luxury safari lodge located in the private Kimana Sanctuary, a jewel of conservation land in southern Kenya. It is one
5.0
- Botswana ,
- Okavango Delta
Wilderness Vumbura Plains is a premier luxury safari camp set in a private concession in the northern Okavango Delta, offering some of the most diverse
5.0
- Botswana ,
- Kalahari
San Camp is an intimate and ultra stylish tented camp set on the edge of BotswanaтАЩs vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, offering a refined yet deeply
4.8
- Botswana ,
- Kalahari
Camp Kalahari is a relaxed yet stylish safari camp located on the edge of BotswanaтАЩs Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, offering a comfortable base for exploring one
5.0
- Botswana ,
- Kalahari
Jack’s Camp is one of BotswanaтАЩs most iconic safari destinations, set in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans on the edge of the Kalahari Desert. Originally established
4.5
- Botswana ,
- Okavango Delta
Selinda Explorers Camp is a small and exclusive tented camp set on the private 130,000 hectare Selinda Reserve in northern Botswana. It sits on the
Flying Safari Packages in Africa
Tailor Made Flying Tours Packages in Africa
If youтАЩre looking at a short stay safari, flying safaris can be a great way to pack more into your time, providing a spectacular way to see AfricaтАЩs wildlife. Our collection of long stay flying safaris will fast-track you to some of AfricaтАЩs remotest areas, giving you views of the beautiful land during your safari experience.
Book YourAfrican Flying Safari Holiday with us
Lets Cutomise your Luxury Safaris in Africa
At Cheetah Safaris, we believe an amazing and rewarding safari starts with effective planning, discussing your preferences with our experts, and receiving appropriate advice regarding planning your safari to be top-notch.
Financial Protection
You are guranteed of a safe, and peace of mind booking process, and as well safari payments. We ensure that your payments are secure and safe.
Sustainable Practices
Keeping in mind our efforts in wildlife, environment and natural resources protections, we are sustainable travel conscious and aware.
Ground Safari Expert
We Know Africa more than any one. We love taking our guests to the less explored destinations. Experiencing the magical touch of African Wild.
Positive Impact
Our Safaris are not only sustainable, but create very positive impacts to so many. We engage in school programmes, that inspires our future leaders.
15 Years of Experience
Cheetah Safaris has a combined of 69 years of safari expertise and practice in Africa. We will take care of your safari from arrival till departure.
Proffessional Guides
We have the best safari guides in East Africa. All our guides are Silver and Gold Guides. Hence you will learn so much with them while on safari.
African Flying Safari FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an African flying safari?
An African flying safari, also known as an African fly-in safari, is an exclusive way to travel that uses light aircraft to transport guests between different national parks, conservation areas, and luxury lodges across Africa.
Are flying safaris worth the cost?
Flying safaris are usually worth the extra cost if you don’t have much time. They replace long, bumpy, and tiring drives with quick, comfortable flights.
How safe are small aircraft safaris?
Yes, they are very safe. Small aircraft safaris in Africa are generally very safe. They rely on experienced pilots, strict maintenance standards, and rigorous regulations followed by high-quality operators.
What is the luggage limit on flying safaris?
Luggage on flying safaris is strictly limited, typically to 15kg (33 lbs) per person, including carry-on items. All gear must be packed in soft-sided bags. These restrictions are necessary to ensure the safety and weight capacity of small aircraft.
Can children go on flying safaris?
Yes, children can go on African flying safaris, as they are considered safe, educational, and memorable, provided they are planned with family-friendly lodges and safari operators.
Are flying safaris suitable for first-time travelers?
For the first-timer, especially one whose time is limited and also prefers comfort, fly-in safaris are the best option. While they are rather pricey compared to the commonly made road trip, flying safaris offer the African wilderness experience as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
How much does an African flying safari cost?
An African fly-in safari typically costs between $1,800 and $5,800 per person, per day, for luxury, all-inclusive packages. However, options can range, depending on the level of luxury, the season, and the destination.┬а
How much does an African Charter Flying safari cost?
An African Charter fly-in safari can cost between $2,800 and $8,800 per person, per day, for luxury, all-inclusive packages. However, options can range, depending on the level of luxury, the season, activities, the number of passengers, and the destination.┬а
Can African flying safaris be customized?
Yes, you can fully customize an African fly-in safari to fit exactly what you want. You can choose the specific places you want to visit, where you stay, and what you do each day. This helps you save time and travel easily between faraway locations.
Pack For a Purpose
Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives.┬аThe best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity.┬а
In this case, we request our guests booking with us, to bring an extra back of supplies. This can be in terms of books, sports materials, and any other items that would change the lives of these kids.┬а
- Education
- Sustainable Travel
- Wildlife Conservation
Let us help you customize your trip
Like all of our holidays on this site, this is just an idea. All of our trips are tailor-made, so we’ll always adapt them to suit you.
Talk to an Expert
Browse our Cheetah Safaris Website. WeтАЩll match you with a Specialist in our team who is best suited to help you plan your next safari adventure. To start, submit your Safari Inquiries.
Prepare for your trip
Our Safari experts will be of help in planning your safari from start to end. They will advise you on all that you need to pack and travel documents, too. They will be ready to answer any queries you have.
When you return
We would love to hear from you about your trip with us. Your feedback will help us always work better and try to be the best. You can leave your review on our Reviews Page or TripAdvisor Page.┬а
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