Unforgettable Travel Company

Luxury Africa Flying Safaris

A flying safari is a great way to get into the more remote safari locations, saving a lot of time in doing so. Although generally speaking, a flying itinerary is a more expensive way of traveling around the country, it allows you to see and do so much more in a shorter amount of time. Flying safaris are an experience in themselves. The flights are usually in small Cessna Caravan planes, which can seat anywhere between 4-15 people. Flying over dramatic landscapes gives you a viewpoint you would never get otherwise; Imagine seeing the Great African Rift Valley in Kenya from the sky, the lush Bwindi Mountains in Uganda, or spotting the migration herds over the iconic Serengeti.

Some lodges share the public airstrips while others have their private airstrips. Once you land safely on the bush airstrip, you will be met on arrival by your guide and begin your safari straight away. Not only do flying safaris work well logistically, saving time on driving transfers, but it also offers a beautiful perspective, giving you a birds-eye view of Africa’s savanna and landscape.

 

We will take care of everything within Africa! From the moment you land, you will be met by our team and guided through your safari itinerary. For all domestic flights, we will assist you with check-in and advise you on all luggage restrictions and requirements. Your Africa will be seamless, so get in touch to start planning!

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Gemma D Souza

Africa Specialist

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What ever you want from your dream trip, our team of
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What Makes a Flying Safari Unforgettable?

Gemma

Africa Specialist

Looking down on the plains of Africa from the sky is a truly unforgettable experience. Some of the most impressive flights have been over the Great African Rift Valley in Kenya, the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania, and flying over the expansive wetlands of the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Another unforgettable experience is taking a helicopter ride, which usually lasts anywhere between 15 to 30 minutes. Some of the helicopter excursions we offer include a helicopter ride over Cape Town in South Africa. From the sky, you’ll see where ocean meets city, as well as a birds-eye view of some of the iconic landmarks, like Table Mountain, Lions Head, the V&A waterfront, Chapmans Peak Drive, Robben Island and more. Make sure to have your camera or phone to hand with you on the flight!

Unforgettable Experiences for Flying Safaris

  • Helicopter Ride over Cape Town

    A truly unforgettable way to see Cape Town is from the sky! Enjoy a private or shared helicopter ride, with panoramic views over Table Mountain, Lions Head, the Waterfront and Robben Island.

    Cape Town
  • Helicopter Transfers in the Okavango Delta

    Botswana’s Okavango Delta is an incredibly unique landscape, and a helicopter ride gives you a better understanding into the way the national park and bordering reserves change with the rising water levels.

    The Okavango Delta
  • Flying over the Ngorongoro Crater

    Tanzania’s Ngorongoro Crater is over 100 square kilometers in size and the steep-sided slopes create a dramatic and atmospheric bowl shape. Be sure to spend a day on a game drive here, descending down into the crater.

    The Ngorongoro Crater
  • Landing inside the Serengeti

    The best way to start your luxury Serengeti safari is to take a light aircraft there and land inside the park. Upon landing on a bush airstrip, you’ll be met by your safari guide and start your safari immediately!

    Serengeti National Park
  • Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Masai Mara

    A hot air balloon ride is a different kind of air travel but a truly memorable one. Enjoy a 1-hour long scenic flight above the Masai Mara savannahs, with a champagne breakfast upon landing.

    Masai Mara
  • Microlight Experience over Victoria Falls

    A microlight is a lightweight plane powered by a small engine. The microlight itself is all open to the elements and it is designed to hold two people (including the pilot). This is a very special way to see Zambia and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls.

    Victoria Falls

When to go on a Luxury Africa Flying Safari

We offer luxury Africa flying safaris across countries in East and Southern Africa. If you’re looking to do an East Africa flying safari – combining countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda or Rwanda – the best time to visit, generally speaking, is between the June and October window. This is the dry season and temperatures are warm and comfortable. The later that you go in this period, the drier it will be. The months between December and March are also a good time to visit, but it’s worth noting that these parks will be much greener during this time, with higher and denser vegetation.

For those looking to do a luxury Africa flying safari in Southern Africa – combining countries like South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe or Zambia – it becomes a little more complex as there quite dramatic seasonalities in these regions. South Africa’s summer period is between November and March, but it’s best safari period is June to October. Botswana and Zambia are best visited between June and October, with temperatures rising dramatically towards the end of October and November. Please see our guide for the best time to visit Victoria Falls and the changing water levels here.

 

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The Bamberger Family

Gemma is responsive and so knowledgeable about the area. It was our 1st time going to Africa and she guided us through the entire process, taking care of all the details, including all transfers to/from airports. She was able to maximize the time we spent in the region, minimizing travel days. She also found all the top places within our budget, without cutting corners. It was also so helpful to have her available as we traveled for questions along the way, given that navigating this region was so new to us.

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Your Africa Flying Safari Questions Answered

Whether you have always had an Africa safari on your bucket list, or whether it is something you are now starting to consider, there are lots of unanswered questions you may have regarded your flying safari.

Are the cost of the flights included in the safari itinerary?

This depends on which country and national parks you are traveling to but generally speaking, the domestic flights are included. We work with local airline companies within the countries, organize meet and greets upon each airstrip, and assistance with luggage throughout. For Africa safaris, we recommend booking at least 9-12 months in advance.

How many people are in the light aircrafts?

The Cessna Caravans can take anywhere between 10 and 15 passengers, depending on the model. For single travelers, there can be supplements involved for these flights, especially if the minimum passenger allowance is not met (which is usually 4). For the Cessna Caravan planes, you cannot reserve seats, but there are plenty of window seats available, so have your phone or camera ready!

Can I do an Africa safari if I don't want to take a light aircraft?

Yes of course! A flying safari is a great way to combine national parks, but it is possible to do an African safari without taking light aircraft planes. The best option for this is the Masai Mara in Kenya – which is a 5-6 hour drive. Other options include Tarangire and Lake Manyara National Parks in northern  Tanzania, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda, and the Eastern Cape Reserves in South Africa. For these driving itineraries, we will organize a private driver/ guide for you, who will take care of you throughout.