The Fly In Safari

We’re breaking down the Fly In Safari: What does it mean and How do you choose the right Fly In Safari for you.

What is a Fly In Safari?

Fly-In safaris are essentially like any other safari.  The only difference is that there are air transfers to and from your lodge rather than overland transfers. Depending on where you’re staying and how many people you’re travelling with; a Fly-In safari may or may not be the way to go.

Common Fly In Safari destinations

Fly-In safaris are more common in countries like Kenya and Botswana. This is mostly due to the fact that lodges are more remote and they have their own airstrips because of the time it takes to travel via 4×4 from major cities. In Kenya, a Fly in safari is fairly standard in lodges in the Masai Mara, Samburu, Meru National Park and Tsavo, when travelling from Nairobi. In Botswana, a Fly in safari is common in lodges in the Okavango, Moremi as well as Savuti and Linyanti areas.

Why a Fly In Safari?

Deciding whether or not you want to fly in really depends on the lodge you’re staying at and the distance to it. Surprisingly it can work out to be more economical to fly rather than drive depending on how many people you travel with. Other times while it may be a little more expensive, you save hours and have more time to spend at your lodge. Flying also allows you to cover greater distances on your safari.  Another advantage is the breathtaking views of the African wilderness. When flying, you also have the chance to meet other travellers staying at your lodge.  The size of the light aircraft usually seats 2-6 people.

The advantages….

Fly-in safaris definitely maximise your time spent enjoying your lodge and the African wilderness and the views from above are awe-inspiring. The lodges with their own airstrips are usually more exclusive and set in private concessions meaning your viewing experience isn’t overshadowed by dozens of other vehicles. The same can be said about lodges you can only get to by road, it just depends what area you’re staying in. Travelling by road is a great way to explore the terrain and save money, however when you’re driving for hours on the dirt roads it can get a little tiresome.

 To conclude…

Preference, money and time are the main factors to consider when deciding whether to go on a fly-in safari or not. The experienced team at African Travel Specialists are happy to answer any of your questions and help you craft an African Safari that is sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.