Africa is a continent that is full of natural beauty and variety. From the seemingly endless grasslands of the Serengeti to the lofty slopes of the Virunga Volcanoes, there is no shortage of things to do or see on the continent. For most travellers, a 4×4 vehicle bouncing along dusty roads in search of the Big Five game animals seems like a pretty good way to go about it. However if you’re looking for something extra special and unique, there may be another option worth considering fly in safaris Africa.
African Flying safaris offer a bird’s eye view of some of Africa’s most spectacular destinations, allowing travelers to cover huge distances within minutes while also providing access to remote areas that are nearly impossible to reach by road. Picture yourself gliding through enormous clouds above blue plains, watching as massive groups of wildebeest and zebras run across the horizon—or maybe even peeking through misty rainforests as you fly over Congo Basin, trying your best to spot rare forest elephants from above. These are just two examples out of hundreds that show how amazing this experience can be!
Popular Fly In Safaris in Africa
About Fly In Safaris in Africa
Kenya’s Maasai Mara: The Number One Flying Safari Destination
When it comes to classic African safaris, few places can beat Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. This iconic savanna is filled with a range of wildlife, from the Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo) to the annual wildebeest migration – one of nature’s most awe-inspiring sights.
However, while the Maasai Mara is a must-visit destination for any safari lover, it can occasionally get crowded and over-touristed. That’s why you should try taking to the skies instead – by doing so you’ll be able to escape the masses and witness the beauty of Mara from an entirely new perspective.
One of the most popular ways to explore this area by air is on a hot air balloon safari. Picture yourself silently floating above the vast plains at sunrise as all forms of life begin their day beneath you. From your bird’s eye view in the basket you’ll be able to spot everything from herds of elephants and giraffes all the way down to prides of lions hunting their prey.
Afterwards, continue your scenic flight over Mara in a small plane or helicopter. By doing this you will be able to reach areas that would otherwise be inaccessible by road – essentially allowing you to cover more ground in less time. Some routes might take you over twisting Mara River where crocodiles bask on its banks; others could soar over Oloololo Escarpment where breathtaking views of the savanna stretching out will open up before your eyes.
To top off your flying safari experience in Maasai Mara make sure to stay at one of its many luxurious lodges or tented camps. Many are accompanied by their very own private airstrips which means that guests have access to fly directly into their accommodation – giving them more time out on safari. For example: Angama Mara is an elegant and eco-friendly lodge that sits high above the Mara Triangle, providing guests with unbeatable views of the savanna; Bateleur Camp on the other hand is classic, romantic and set in the heart of the reserve – it has 18 luxury tented suites.
Namibia is home to the Skeleton Coast.
There, it’s easy to feel like you’re in a whole other world. The place is so desolate and rugged that many people think it’s beautiful, if not downright haunting.
This coastline stretches from to the town of Swakopmund and features shipwrecks, seal colonies, and barren landscapes that look like they’re more at home on the moon than on Earth.
With much of the area being inaccessible via any road, taking a flying safari here is your best bet. This type of safari usually consists of lots of short flights in a small plane before landing at various airstrips dotted along the coast. From there, you’ll walk or drive through the surrounding wilderness.
One thing you can’t miss while here are its wildlife habitats. Specifically, keep an eye out for desert-adapted elephants as they wander through dry riverbeds and Cape fur seals as they rest on beaches by the thousands. If you’re lucky enough, you may even spot brown hyenas or — gasp! — black rhinos.
However, all these sights pale in comparison to just how strange this land looks; The towering sand dunes of Namib Desert will make you feel oh-so-small when seen from above. And seeing rusting shipwrecks scattered across beaches with bleached whale bones is… well it’s something else entirely.
If wanting to get really up close and personal with all this beauty and eeriness sounds good to you, consider booking a stay at one of the region’s remote lodges. Shipwreck Lodge comes highly recommended by locals for its closeness to nature (the cabins are designed to resemble wrecks) as does Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp (it’s made from eco-friendly materials). Both places are hard-to-reach but certainly worth it.
Tanzania’s Serengeti: A Classic Flying Safari Destination
A List wouldn’t be a list without mentioning the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. This vast savanna is home to one of the greatest concentrations of wildlife on the planet, including the annual wildebeest migration. Over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles make their way across the plains in search of fresh grass.
To get your fill of wildlife viewership, you’ll probably have to go on several short flights to different parts of the park. That’s fine though because it gives you more opportunities to explore its many landscapes and see countless animals. You might start down south where wildebeests birth their young in early months of the year before traveling north along Mara River, where they must brave crocodile-infested waters to reach better grass.
While flying throughout these areas, you’ll likely gaze upon plenty of elephants, giraffes, lions and cheetahs from above. If you’re really lucky, you might even witness a kill up high as well. – Maybe watching a pride of lions take down an unsuspecting wildebeest or maybe if you’re super duper lucky enough ,a cheetah chase down a gazelle at breakneck speed.
And let’s not forget that your safari won’t just consist of riding airplanes through beautiful landscapes. You’ll also have time for some R&R at a luxurious lodge or tented camp after each flight — so that’s pretty cool! Many properties around here have their own private airstrips as well which allow for direct landings right into your lodgings’ front yards! Some top places to stay include Singita Sasakwa Lodge (an elegant and eco-friendly hotel) & Serengeti Under Canvas (a mobile tented camp that follows migrations).
Okavango Delta Botswana
Okavango Delta is one of those places that nature lovers will always want to be. It’s so different from the typical East African safari experience, you’ll never forget it. Located in Botswana, this large and lush inland delta is an oasis in the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango River fills it with floodwaters, and because of that, there are so many species of wildlife in its area.
This place is huge, so to see all of its landscapes and activities during your visit you’ll need a series of short scenic flights. This way you can also enjoy more beautiful views! You might start off by exploring the western side on foot or by mokoro (a traditional dugout canoe) then fly over to the east where it’s drier and more open. That’s when spot wildlife from above or take a game drive.
Don’t get too close though! Even though it would be incredible to see African wild dogs, leopards, and sitatunga antelope up close and personal — it’s very risky! Especially with lions being around here. But don’t worry! You’ll definitely still have some great sightings from afar too. From elephants to buffalos… Birds as well! There are plenty of them flying around like bee-eaters and majestic fish eagles.
When choosing your accommodation make sure you choose one that will allow you to soak in all these beautiful sights. Stay at Mombo Camp if you’d prefer something remote or Duba Plains Camp if rustic is what you’re looking for.
Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park: The Perfect Stop on a Flying Safari
If you’re looking for an unforgettable flying safari experience, Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park is the place to go. Situated in the foggy mountains on the border of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, this picturesque park is home to the last surviving mountain gorillas in the world as well as many other rare species.
Although it’s popular for gorilla trekking, Fly Safely here gives you a whole new perspective of this stunning landscape. Imagine gliding over cloud-covered peaks of Virunga Volcanoes, peering down at the dense rainforests that sit on their slopes eager to find a sign of a gorilla or any other wildlife.
A usual fly safari in Volcanoes National Park would require several short and scenic flights between different parts of the park, landing at remote airstrips then walking through forests just to see these magnificent creatures up close. On your way, you’d possibly also spot other primates such as golden monkeys and colobus monkeys with a variety of birds including Rwenzori turaco known for its bright colors and rare shoebill stork.
To completely immerse yourself in all that beauty and mystery Volcanoes National Park has to offer consider staying at one of their luxurious yet eco-friendly lodges. Say Bisate Lodge for example which sits all alone inside an eroded volcanic crater showing off its stunning views or Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge located right on the edge with easy access to trekking trails so you can get closer than ever before.
Kruger National Park South Africa
Kruger National Park in South Africa is the perfect place to have a flying safari that combines tradition and convenience. Covering an area of nearly 20,000 square kilometers, the park gives you access to a lot of wildlife. When you’re on this flying safari, make sure to get out and spend some time with the diverse wildlife at different lodges and campsites.
The experience usually starts in the southern part of Kruger where dense populations of rhinos and elephants roam. Then it heads north into savannas with lions, cheetahs, and wild dogs. All along your multiple flights between various locations will be beautiful landscapes and interesting animals.
This type of safari also has luxury accommodation types, lodges for example have their own airstrips. Meaning that you can fly directly to them instead of having to take other transportation modes. They also offer additional activities like game drives, bush walks through the wild pastures, spa treatments for relaxation after a long day out in nature’s wilderness or eating gourmet meals when don’t feel like leaving your room.
Explore what Kruger has to offer by staying at one of its luxurious lodges. Singita Lebombo Lodge provides incredible views from its cliffside location overlooking the N’wanetsi River while serving guests with colonial-style elegance. The Londolozi Private Game Reserve takes pride in delivering vibrant leopard sightings during your stay as well as committing to community development and conservation efforts.
Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, a destination for the wild at heart.
If you’re looking for an out of this world adrenaline fueled experience in the heart of Zimbabwe. Then look no further then Mana Pools National Park. This remote and rugged park is a real gem among Africa’s wilderness areas boasting some truly incredible wildlife as well as breathtaking scenery.
A flying safari is without question the best way to see it all. You’ll be hopping from camp to camp on short scenic flights that will give you a different view with each take off. Starting in the east, you’ll navigate your way through the winding channels and islands of the Zambezi by canoe or foot before being flown west towards the drier and more open savannas where you can spot wildlife from above or on game drives.
Mana Pools has always been famous for its up close encounters with some of African’s most iconic animals such as elephants, lions and wild dogs but it’s also known for having top notch walking safaris where guests can learn about what makes up this unique ecosystem while exploring with experienced guides.
To truly get lost in tour surroundings make sure to book a stay at one of the parks small and intimate camps like Goliath Safaris Camp with just six tents or Ruckomechi Camp which is located in a private concession deep within Mana Pools.