Let’s just say it’s also worth deciding whether you want to experience more of a country than just the specific destinations you would be flying into. Driving on a 4X4 safari land cruiser from place to place gives a better sense of a country, its people and culture rather than flying over it. But if you are one of those travelers who are short on time, you can now easily explore more than 4 safari destinations in the shortest time possible given the abundance of flying safari tour packages available today. Allowing you to explore Africa’s most remote, beautiful, and untouched landscapes.

Let’s keep in mind that these guided fly-in tours in Africa can be convenient if you are visiting destinations that are known for being difficult to reach, meaning it’s either a place with a longer drive time or flights are the only option available.

If you suffer from motion sickness or you’re a nervous on flights, then these fly in tours & holidays might not be the most proper option for you. During take-offs and landings, bush planes can be small and bumpy, and aren’t always conducive to a smooth flying experience.

With that in mind, safari by air is still an exciting experience and can really add to your safari adventure.

On an African fly-in trips “Luggage space can be severely limited on bush flights. The flights have small compartments under the seats, for example, and bags are often squashed in to fit inside. The rule of thumb is to take soft duffle bags rather than hard-framed bags with wheels.

The luggage restrictions on a flying safari as a rough guide, most companies allow around 15kg per person. Don’t be surprised if an airline asks your personal weight either. This is often done so that they can balance the smaller planes safely. If you have excess luggage, you can sometimes pay for a freight seat on safari routes.

This is cheaper than a second seat, but you’ll need to do this in advance.

As for our Kenya safari flights, the Checked Baggage – On all services, the maximum luggage weight is 15 Kgs /33Ibs in soft-sided bags.

As a guideline, standard checked luggage should have the three dimensions of 24 inches (60cm) height, by 18 inches (45cm) length and 13 inches (33cm) width.

For hand luggage, 12 inches (30cm) height, by 21 inches (53cm) length, by 9 inches (23cm) width.

Carry On Baggage – Personal items like handbags, small umbrellas, walking sticks, coats, a small backpack can be stored under the seat in front of passengers or in an overhead bin where applicable. These items must not exceed 5kgs/11lbs and are part of the baggage allowance of 15kgs/33Ibs.

Some of the best fly-in safari destinations in Africa and popular for a reason, include destinations like Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia, and Botswana.

Kenya

Kenya is an excellent fly-in destination with its popular national parks and the coastal beaches. Being the birthplace of safari holidays, Kenya lures guests from all over the world. It’s clearly evident Kenya flying safaris offer the best of the best, and since its Maasai Mara National Reserve is also host to part of the annual Great Migration, a fly-in safari in Kenya means you can see the millions of wildlife traversing the plains from above!

Tanzania

Talking about Africa, the Serengeti, another spectacular setting for the annual Great Migration and a thriving wildlife paradise. Opting for a Tanzania flying safari gives you the chance to see these volcanic grasslands, mountains, outcrops and rivers snaking in between from the sky is breathtaking enough. But add to it the millions of animals calling it home, and a fly-in safari in Tanzania will leave you wanting more. Before we sum it up, you can easily take a short flight to Zanzibar and unwind in a luxury beach holiday. Book your air tour packages to Tanzania’s finest safari destinations and experience the wild in an incredibly way.

Namibia

Some areas are also best viewed from the sky, for example, the Skeleton Coast in Namibia. A fly-in safaris in Namibia just makes sense, a shipwreck graveyard and where the ocean meets desert, it’s a must-see on your trip to Namibia. Additionally, in Namibia, fly and drive safaris are a common method of exploring this scenic country.

Botswana

Botswana’s best safari destinations are known for being difficult to reach. Well, unless you book a fly-in safari in Botswana, of course. With destinations like the world’s largest inland delta, short flights are offered to some of the more remote areas of the Okavango Delta, allowing you to fly straight to your safari lodge as you admire the watery web with plenty of wildlife is a safaris all the way to  the dry Kalahari plains, avoiding long drives on difficult terrain.

With most of the flight packages including all bush flights and at times beach safaris, it’s difficult to generalize about the price of a fly-in safari. Firstly, it depends on the country you’re visiting, whether the parks are on a scheduled flight route or whether you need a private charter. Other factors are the distances involved, your level of accommodations and how many ‘stop’ you’ll be taking by air.

Typically, fly-in safari holiday prices might range from US$450 per person per day to around US$1,450 per person a day for a luxury option. Just in comparison, prices for mid-range fly-in holidays in Kenya start at around US$300 per person per day requiring a minimum of 2 Pax to for all flying safaris in Kenya. Keep in mind this is just an estimate of what to expect because these African flying safaris packages differ from country to country.

Additionally, these African flight safaris can really enrich your holiday tour. They offer a convenient, comfortable means of travel to different safari destinations, linking you from point A to point B quickly and efficiently into the heart of the African wilderness in a heartbeat; You’ll spot wildlife such as elephant, hippos, giraffes & towering mountains like Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya as your guide mentions other sceneries on an aerial viewpoint giving you the full picture of the landscapes you will explore on the ground.

Yes we offer. We’ll pick you up from your hotel or another place of your choosing and bring you to the local airport in Nairobi, Mombasa, Diani Beach, or Malindi/Watamu. Your airfare is already covered in your safari package and we’ll make sure you are comfortably seated on board your air safari plane, so there’s nothing to think about except your adventure ahead.

The best time for Africa fly-in safaris is from July to October (Dry Season): This period offers the most reliable wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources. It coincides with the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara (July-September), when millions of wildebeest cross from Tanzania. The clear skies and minimal rainfall create ideal flying conditions and fantastic visibility for aerial photography.

November to December (Short Rains): This shoulder season offers excellent value, with fewer visitors and lush landscapes. Wildlife remains abundant, and many species give birth during this period, creating hunting opportunities for predators.

January to February (Short Dry Season): Another excellent period with relatively dry conditions, clear skies for flying, and great wildlife viewing. Migratory birds are present in large numbers.

March to May (Long Rains): While some lodges close during this period, those that remain open offer significant discounts. The landscapes transform to vibrant green, creating spectacular aerial views. Wildlife disperses somewhat but remains viewable, and there are far fewer tourists.

The best duration for a fly-in safari in Kenya and Tanzania ranges from 7 to 14 days, allowing you to experience multiple ecosystems without rushing. A typical itinerary might include:

7-Day Safari: Two distinct ecosystems (e.g., 3 nights Maasai Mara, 3 nights Amboseli) with a night in Nairobi on arrival.

10-Day Safari: Three ecosystems (e.g., 3 nights each in Samburu, Laikipia, and Maasai Mara) with a night in Nairobi on arrival.

14-Day Safari: Three or four wildlife destinations plus a beach extension on the Kenyan coast.

For those with limited time, even a 5-day fly-in safari focusing on one premium destination can provide an exceptional experience.

In Kenya, fly-in safaris represent the top tier of African wildlife safari experiences, with prices typically starting around $800-1,000 per person per night at the more exclusive lodges. This price includes not just accommodations but also flights between destinations, all meals, most drinks, game drives, and other activities.

A 7-day fly-in safari visiting two premium destinations typically ranges from $5,000-$10,000 per person, depending on the season and specific lodges selected. This cost increases during peak migration season (July-September) and decreases during green season (March-May).

While certainly a significant expense, these all-inclusive packages offer remarkable value considering the remote locations, exceptional service levels, and conservation contributions typically built into the cost. Many lodges directly fund critical wildlife protection efforts and community development projects.

Most high-end fly-in safaris operate on an all-inclusive basis, typically covering:

All internal flights between safari destinations

Luxury accommodation

All meals and most beverages (including house wines and spirits)

Twice-daily guided game drives in shared or private vehicles

Additional activities specific to each lodge (walking safaris, night drives, etc.)

Laundry service

Park and conservation fees

Airport transfers

Items usually not included in a fly-In safari package;

International flights to/from Kenya

Premium alcoholic beverages

Optional activities (hot air ballooning, helicopter excursions)

Travel insurance

Gratuities for guides and staff

Visa fees

African fly-in safaris is an excellent option for families, particularly those with older children (typically 7+ years). Many luxury safari lodges welcome children and have developed specialized family programs that include kid-friendly activities like tracking animal footprints, making traditional crafts, or learning bush survival skills from local guides.

Here’s why fly-in Kenya and Tanzania safaris are suitable for families:

Reduced travel time between destinations minimizes the “are we there yet” factor

Elimination of long road transfers, which can be challenging for children

Many lodges offer family units or interconnecting rooms

Flexible meal times and kid-friendly menu options

The option to book private vehicles for game drives, allowing customization to children’s attention spans

For travellers considering flying safaris with kids, we offer family-friendly safari lodges dedicated family tents and activities tailored to different age groups. Some lodges employ specialist guides specifically trained to engage younger guests in age-appropriate wildlife education.

Choosing between a fly-in safari and road safari depends on your priorities, budget, and available time.

When it comes to Africa Fly-in safaris, the advantages are as follows:

Time efficiency – For travelers with limited vacation days, flying eliminates long travel times between destinations, allowing you to experience more diverse ecosystems in a shorter period.

Comfort – You’ll avoid full days on bumpy, dusty roads, arriving at each destination refreshed and ready to explore.

Exclusive access – Some of Kenya’s most extraordinary wildlife areas, like the Matthews Range or Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, are effectively inaccessible by road within a reasonable timeframe.

Aerial perspective – The bird’s-eye view of landscapes and wildlife provides a completely different appreciation of Kenya’s natural wonders.

Reduced environmental impact – In some cases, flying actually creates less environmental disturbance than constructing roads through sensitive habitats.

Africa’s diverse ecosystems offer a range of exceptional safari destinations, each with unique landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Fly-in safaris in Africa are favoured, particularly for distant and secluded locations such as Namibia, Botswana, and East Africa. Here are many premier destinations for an African flying safari adventure that will enhance your overall experience.

Discover Namibia Fly-in Safaris, Botswana Fly-in Safari, Kenya Fly-in Safari, Tanzania Fly-in Safari, Kruger Fly-in Safari, Gorilla Flying Safaris and more.

A fly-in safari in Namibia is a logical choice. As one of the most sparsely inhabited nations globally, characterised by unspoiled terrains, a fly-in safari allows you to bypass lengthy, arduous journeys. It also conserves considerable time in transit between locations.

The premier safari sites in Botswana are recognised for their inaccessibility. Unless one reserves a fly-in safari in Botswana, of course! Visiting the Okavango Delta, the world’s biggest inland delta, and arriving directly at your resort to appreciate the intricate aquatic ecosystem teeming with species is a quintessential safari experience.

A Kruger Fly-in Safari is a package tour that includes domestic flights into an airport near or within Kruger National Park, bypassing the long road journey from major cities like Johannesburg, and often includes transfers, accommodation in luxury lodges, meals, and activities like open-vehicle game drives and bush walks with experienced guides.

Gorilla flying safaris are high-end, fly-in trips to see mountain gorillas, primarily in Uganda and Rwanda, that use light aircraft to drastically reduce travel time from major cities to the remote national parks where the gorillas live, like Bwindi Impenetrable National Park. These experiences offer a time-efficient way to access gorilla habitats, with a typical itinerary including the flight, airport transfers, park fees, permits, ranger fees, accommodation, meals, and often a Batwa cultural visit.