Experience the convenience and luxury of our Fly in Safaris in Uganda. Our Uganda safari packages include domestic flights, allowing you to maximize your time exploring the country’s top attractions. From the moment you arrive, our experienced guides will take care of all the details, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable Uganda safari experience. Visit the mountain gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, track chimpanzees in Kibale Forest, and witness the abundant wildlife in Queen Elizabeth National Park. With our Fly in Safaris, you can discover the best of Uganda in comfort and style. Book your Uganda safari today!
Uganda is a country with crazy natural beauty and incredible variety, ranging from mountains that appear to be drenched in fog to wide open grasslands of Kidepo Valley. While the popular ways to explore the wildlife and landscapes are through various safaris like game drives and gorilla trekking, there is another way to experience Uganda’s wonders from an uncommon perspective: flying safaris.
Showing you a birds view of Uganda breathtaking scenery, these flying safaris can get you covering miles on miles in a short amount of time meanwhile accessing remote areas that would typically take hours on road to get too. Whether you’re gliding over rolling hills or skimming the top of flowing rivers like the Nile, this unforgettable experience will leave you with an entirely new appreciation for Uganda’s natural beauty.
Destinations For flying safaris in Uganda
Uganda has a great number of national parks and animal reserves that are wonderful to see by air. Here are some of the top places you should consider visiting on your next flying safari:
Murchison Falls National Park
Situated in the northwest, Murchison Falls National Park is Uganda’s biggest protected area and the home to an overwhelming variety of animals, such as elephants, lions, giraffes — and also the densest population of crocodiles in all the world. The park is cut into two by the Victoria Nile — which tumbles 45 meters through a narrow gorge to form the beautiful Murchison Falls.
A flight over Murchison Falls National Park offers magnificent views of the Nile River, the falls themselves, and surrounding savanna. You may even see herds of buffalo or elephants from up high while gliding across them — or catch sight of a lioness stalking its prey amid grasslands below.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Found in southwest Uganda, Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most sought-after places for safari-goers due to it being known for its diverse wildlife and breathtaking sights. The park is home to more than six hundred different bird species along with huge populations of elephants, hippos and their iconic tree-climbing lions.
Queen Elizabeth National Park presents stunning visuals when seen from above — like as you fly over its hills at Maramagambo Forest you will be able to bask in calmness as it rolls away before us eventually turning into Lake George giving off light hues. It is even possible to spot herds of buffalo or elephants from where we take off or land our flights! Or maybe if we’re lucky enough we could catch these tree-climbing lions lounging peacefully inside one of those fig trees mentioned earlier.
Kidepo Valley National Park
Located way up north near South Sudan and Kenya, Kidepo Valley National Park is one of the most untouched wilderness areas in all of Uganda. This park offers a stunning array of wildlife such as cheetahs, ostriches, and the largest herd of buffalo in all the country!
Taking a flight over this remote landscape gives us an extremely rare opportunity to look down at it from up above — we will be able to see vast savannas dotted with rocky outcrops while looking for herds of elephants or buffalos during our flight. Also, once we land there are several hot springs and an impressive array of bird life that can only be observed in this specific area.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
Situated southwest within the country’s borders Bwindi Impenetrable National Park is home to half of the world’s remaining mountain gorillas! The park also has many other animals and plant species present there too! Though making it through their dense forests could prove difficult, seeing them by air is a unique experience sure to make your trip unforgettable!
Flying over Bwindi Impenetrable National Park shows off its mist-shrouded hills and valleys which you won’t find anywhere else. You may even get lucky enough to spot these rare primates or birds: African green broadbill or Grauer’s warbler.
Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria is Africa’s largest lake and the world’s second largest freshwater lake. It straddles Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya. The lake boasts a wide range of bird species and is home to a bustling fishing industry that supports the livelihoods of millions in the area. By flying over Lake Victoria, you will get a unique view of this immense body of water that shimmers with a thousand colors. You may even catch sight of some remarkable birds as well. Those who are lucky could spot large flocks of flamingos or pelicans as they soar through the sky or see fishing boats floating on the surface below.
Why pick an aerial safari in Uganda?
There are many reasons why a flying safari could be the right choice for your Uganda adventure. Here are just a few:
Covers more ground less time.
Uganda is relatively small, but its national parks and wildlife reserves are scattered throughout the country. Some of which happen to be located in hard-to-reach areas. A flying safari allows you to cover long distances in a short amount of time, so you can visit multiple destinations without having to spend hours on roads with potholes.
Gain access to remote and exclusive locations
Some of Uganda’s most amazing wildlife and landscapes are in areas that are difficult or even impossible to reach by road. However, on a flying safari, these places become accessible. For example, Kidepo Valley National Park is located in the far north of the country, while Toro-Semliki Wildlife Reserve is situated in the west.
Enjoy an outrageously unique view
Seeing Uganda from above really is unlike anything else you can experience on earth. As you fly over the landscape, sometimes below clouds yet always above everyone else; You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of everything beautiful about Uganda – from the misty peaks of Rwenzori Mountains to Lake Victoria which looks like shiny mirror floor laid out across miles away — all while hearing nothing but silence as if no one lives here. You might even spot some wildlife like herds of elephants or flocks of flamingos.
Travel with style & comfort
Flying safaris in Uganda usually take place in small aircrafts that have comfortable seating and large windows for optimal viewing. You’ll be able to sit back and relax without having worry about any jolts or bumps during this journey because ain’t nobody got time for that — especially not when they’re trying enjoy nature’s beauty! Plus, if your pockets feel heavy then don’t hesitate buying gourmet meals and drinks served on board – it will make your adventure extra luxurious!
Combine with other safari activities
A flying safari can easily be combined with other types of safaris. For example, game drives, boat cruises or gorilla treks. By using a small aircraft to move between different destinations, you’ll make the most of your Uganda adventure. Sometimes having to wait hours on the ground can get annoying, so why not fly instead and spend more time doing what you went there for?!
Aircraft Options for Flying Safaris in Uganda
There’s a number of aircraft options to choose from when it comes to going on a flying safari in Uganda. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. That being said, here are some of the most popular ones:
Cessna 206/208
Commonly used by many, the Cessna 206 and 208 are single-engine, high-wing aircrafts that have proven themselves time and time again. While the 206 has a seating capacity of around five or six passengers, the Cessna 208 has more room and can seat up to eight people comfortably (also known as Caravan). The former is smaller and more nimble while the latter can handle larger loads with ease.
Piper PA-31 Navajo
The low-wing twin-engine Piper PA-31 Navajo is an excellent choice if you’re looking to go on a longer flight or prefer having more space inside the cabin. This popular aircraft option for flying safaris in Uganda can seat around eight passengers comfortably and has been praised for its speed, smooth ride, and luxurious amenities.
Helicopter
Although not as common as fixed-wing aircrafts, helicopters can still be seen quite often during flying safaris in Uganda. They are usually deployed for short flights or to reach areas that may be difficult for planes to access such as remote locations or tight spots like hilltops. Helicopters offer a perspective unlike any other since they let you get much closer to the ground than what other aircraft allow.
When deciding which type of aircraft you should pick for your safari adventure, take into consideration things like flight duration, group size, comfort level desired etc. It never hurts to know if certain models come equipped with air conditioning or leather seats either!
Practical Considerations for Flying Safaris in Uganda
While a flying safari in Uganda is an incredible and unforgettable experience, there are some practical considerations to keep in mind when planning your trip. Here are a few things to consider:
Weather and visibility
Uganda’s weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rain showers and occasional thunderstorms. This can affect visibility and flight conditions, particularly in mountainous or forested areas. It’s important to be flexible with your itinerary and to understand that flights may be delayed or canceled due to weather conditions.
Luggage restrictions
Small aircraft used for flying safaris have limited luggage space, so it’s important to pack light and smart. Most operators have strict weight limits for luggage, usually around 15-20 kg per person. Soft-sided bags are preferred over hard-shell suitcases, as they are easier to stow in the aircraft.
Motion sickness
Some people may experience motion sickness during a flying safari, particularly if the flight is bumpy or if the aircraft is making frequent turns or changes in altitude. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking medication before your flight or bringing along ginger candy or other natural remedies.
Cost
Flying safaris in Uganda can be more expensive than traditional safari options, due to the cost of fuel, aircraft maintenance, and pilot fees. However, many operators offer package deals that include flights, accommodations, and activities, which can be a good value for those who want to make the most of their time in Uganda.
Safety
While flying safaris in Uganda are generally safe, it’s important to choose a reputable operator with experienced pilots and well-maintained aircraft. Look for operators who are members of recognized aviation organizations, such as the African Airlines Association or the International Air Transport Association. It’s also a good idea to purchase travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage, in case of an emergency.
