Fly-In Safari Tours and Trips to Kenya

Fly-in safaris are the most efficient and comfortable way to explore Kenya's vast and diverse landscapes, from the remote northern frontier of Samburu to the iconic plains of the Masai Mara. These tours use a network of scheduled light aircraft to connect destinations, replacing long road journeys with short, scenic flights.

This travel style is ideal for those with limited time or who wish to visit distant parks without spending full days in a vehicle.

This page explains the logistics and benefits of a fly-in safari. We cover how the flights work, the type of aircraft used, luggage restrictions, and how game drives are conducted upon arrival at your destination. The information is designed to provide a clear understanding of this premium safari option.

The Main Advantages of a Fly-In Safari

Choosing to fly between safari destinations offers several significant advantages over a traditional road safari. The most obvious benefit is the time saved. A road transfer between two parks can often take a full day, whereas a flight can cover the same distance in about an hour. This efficiency allows you to spend more time on game drives or relaxing at your lodge and less time in transit.

Flying also provides a superior level of comfort, avoiding the fatigue that can come from long journeys on bumpy roads. The flights themselves are a memorable part of the experience, offering spectacular aerial views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Kenya, and the sprawling savannahs below. Furthermore, fly-in safaris provide access to some of Kenya's most remote and exclusive camps and lodges, which are impractical or impossible to reach by road. Our guide on Getting Around in Kenya provides more context on the differences between air and road travel.

How Fly-In Safari Logistics Work in Kenya

A fly-in safari operates on a "seat-in-plane" basis using scheduled flights from a network of reputable local airlines. These flights connect a circuit of bush airstrips located inside or very near the major national parks and reserves. Your journey typically begins at Wilson Airport in Nairobi, which is the main hub for all domestic safari flights.

The process is straightforward. We will transfer you from your hotel in Nairobi to Wilson Airport for your morning flight. Upon arrival at the bush airstrip in your destination, such as the Masai Mara or Amboseli, you will be met by a driver-guide from your pre-booked lodge or camp. This guide and their 4x4 vehicle will be at your disposal for the duration of your stay at that property, conducting all your game drives. When it is time to move to your next destination, the camp guide will transfer you back to the airstrip for your next scheduled flight. This model means you will have a different guide and vehicle at each location, giving you the benefit of local expertise specific to that area. A popular tour that uses this model is the 10 Days Luxury Fly-in Kenya Safari.

Aircraft Type, Safety, and Luggage Restrictions

The aircraft used for these safari flights are typically single-engine propeller planes, such as the Cessna Caravan or similar models. These are sturdy and reliable aircraft, specifically designed for operating from short, unpaved bush airstrips. They usually seat between 6 and 12 passengers. The pilots are highly experienced, and the airlines have excellent safety records, adhering to strict regulatory standards.

A critical detail for any fly-in safari is the luggage restriction. Due to the small size of the aircraft, there is a strict limit on both the weight and the type of luggage you can bring. The standard allowance is 15 kg (33 lbs) per person, and this weight includes your hand luggage. More importantly, all bags must be soft-sided, such as a duffel bag or a backpack without a rigid frame. Hard-shell suitcases are not permitted as they cannot be stowed in the aircraft's small luggage compartment. We provide detailed packing advice in our main Travel Planning Guide. Excess luggage can usually be stored securely at your hotel in Nairobi for a small fee.

Game Drives and Guides on a Fly-in Safari in Kenya

On a fly-in safari, your game drives are conducted by the resident guides from the lodge or camp where you are staying. This is a significant advantage, as these guides are specialists in their specific area. They live and work in the ecosystem year-round, giving them an intimate knowledge of the local wildlife territories, movement patterns, and recent sightings. This deep, localized expertise can lead to more productive and insightful game viewing experiences.

The vehicles used for game drives are typically open-sided 4x4 Land Cruisers, which are shared with other guests from the same lodge. Most lodges operate on a shared basis, with a maximum of six guests per vehicle to ensure everyone has a "window" seat. For travelers who prefer complete exclusivity, we can arrange for a private vehicle and guide at each location for an additional cost. The safari tours are planned by the lodge and usually consist of an early morning and a late afternoon game drive, which are the best times for spotting wildlife.

Best Destinations for a Kenyan Fly-in Safari

The fly-in model is best suited for itineraries that cover long distances or include remote destinations that are difficult to access by road. The established flight network connects all of Kenya's major safari hubs, making it possible to create a diverse and comprehensive itinerary in a short amount of time.

Destinations that are particularly well-suited for a fly-in safari include:

• Masai Mara National Reserve: With multiple airstrips, the Mara is the most popular fly-in destination. Flying allows you to bypass the long drive and land directly in the heart of the action, which is especially beneficial during the Wildebeest Migration.
• Samburu National Reserve: Located in the remote north, the drive to Samburu from Nairobi is long and tiring. Flying in makes this unique region and its special wildlife much more accessible.
• Amboseli National Park: While drivable from Nairobi, flying into Amboseli saves you several hours and offers spectacular aerial views of the Kilimanjaro area.
• Laikipia Plateau: This region is home to many exclusive, remote camps and conservancies that are best reached by air.
• Diani Beach: For a "bush and beach" holiday, you can fly directly from a safari destination like the Masai Mara to the coast, saving a full day of travel. A tour like the 10 Days Kenya Parks & Diani Beach Safari often uses this convenient flight connection.

Sample Fly-In Itineraries and Customization

Our fly-in safaris are private and can be fully customized to your preferences. The itineraries below are examples of popular and well-structured routes that make the most of the flight network. They are designed to be efficient, comfortable, and to provide a diverse and high-quality safari experience.

Example Itineraries:

• 8 Days Luxury Safari with Mt Kenya and Mara Experience: This itinerary combines a stay at the iconic Mount Kenya Safari Club with a classic safari in the Masai Mara. It uses flights to connect these two distinct regions, blending relaxation and adventure seamlessly.
• 10 Days Luxury Fly-in Kenya Safari to Samburu, Mara & Diani Beach: This is a comprehensive journey that showcases the best of Kenya's diversity. You will experience the unique wildlife of the north, the big cats of the Mara, and the pristine beaches of the coast, all connected by short, convenient flights.

These itineraries can be adjusted in any way to suit your needs. We can alter the duration, change the order of destinations, or select specific camps and lodges based on your style and budget. To begin creating your personalized fly-in safari, please use our custom trip planner.