The allure of something like a fly-in safari in South Africa is not simply the chance to travel in elegance, save time, and fly from a massive metropolis to the core of the African savannah in an instant. You’ll also get a bird’s-eye perspective of the nation and get a sample of what’s yet to come!
A fly-in safari to any prolific safari site provides game-viewing from a completely different angle with the aircraft frequently diving low to observe wildlife in the iconic Kruger National Park, Phinda Game Reserve or MalaMala Game Reserve.
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The best South Africa fly in safari tours
Price of a South Africa fly in safari?
Fly-in excursions cost about $4,500 per person. For camping, visitors can expect to pay US$1,000 a person for a 7-day communal tour, and up to US$3,000 per individual for a mid-range personal tour.
The pricing of a safari in South Africa is determined by a variety of variables. Joining a group camping excursion is the most cost-effective alternative. These can be a great deal of fun, but there is wonderful lodging available, and staying at safari lodges is also part of the experience.
There are resorts in various pricing ranges that provide various degrees of luxury and convenience. The most common type of accommodation is mid-range lodging at reasonable pricing.
Tour breakdown for a typical South Africa fly in safari
Safari tour highlights
- The Big 5 in Kruger National Park, the jewel in the African wildlife crown and a wildlife lover’s dream with thousands of lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and more
- See Phinda Game Reserves flagship cheetah with sightings common for this unique creature
- Discover MalaMala Game Reserve, the industry’s blueprint for photo safari with exciting wildlife experiences and views of Blyde River Canyon, God’s Window and waterfalls
- Soaring across settlements allows you to go great distances in a short amount of time
- A fantastic blend of attractions for both first-time and repeat travelers to South Africa
- Luxury safari camps are located on vast private concessions
Tour inclusions
The following details typical tour inclusions and exclusions on the best South Africa fly in safari packages:
| Tour inclusions | Tour exclusions |
|---|---|
| Flights on a plane | Visa fees |
| Experienced english-speaking guide | International/domestic flights |
| Luxury lodgings with all meals | Hot air balloon activities |
| Each lodge offers two escorted game activities each day | Tips to the driver guides, waiters and porters |
| Game lodge food inclusions | |
| Bottled water | |
| Government taxes |
South Africa fly-in safari essentials and information
Must do on a South Africa fly in safari
Kruger National Park is a must on any South African flying safari. Lucky visitors will fly into a small bush aircraft over Kruger NP and other wilder areas, spotting animals such as rhinos, lions, and buffaloes in action.
All this time, you’ll be watching cloud formations over vast savannah plains and following the twisting, turning path of gigantic riverpaths. Fly-in safaris can greatly enrich your vacation and provide a quick, comfortable mode of transportation to many sites, either inside South Africa or across other countries.
Most safari sites have a well-maintained network of paths that may bring you right in the middle of the jungle. Some resorts even operate their own private airport. If the Kruger selection of over 12,000 elephants, 27,000 African Buffalo, 2,000 leopards and 2,800 lions and more don’t satisfy your wildlife appetite, there’s more!
Phinda Game Reserve is often described as one of the ‘Seven Worlds of Wonder’ with incredible wildlife and close proximity to the unspoiled beaches coral reefs of the Indian Ocean or take in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi GR, one of the oldest parks in Africa with rhino very common in the park.
Animals viewed on a South Africa fly-in safari?
The terrain of South Africa is just as appealing as the species, and it’s much more stunning from above, but don’t forget your binoculars, as there’s an astounding diversity of wildlife concealed in these arid plains.
A plethora of wildlife congregates around the waterholes, and game drives give several views of lions, wildebeest, giraffe, and zebra from among numerous plains animals. Meanwhile, the game reserves are home to large numbers of elephants, leopards and rhinos.
Also keep a look outside for springbok and oryx, as well as rarer wildlife like the aardwolf. Buffalo, eland, gazelles, impala, and waterbuck were also discovered. Visitors will undoubtedly enjoy viewing these majestic animals in their natural surroundings.
Factors to consider when booking a fly-in safari?
The first things to think about are your finances and the length of time you have allocated for your vacation. Fly-in safaris are ideal for time-pressed vacationers.
It’s also worth considering whether you would like to see more of a region than simply the specific places into which you’ll be traveling. Traveling from region to region provides a more in-depth understanding of a nation, its people, and history than soaring over it.
This is especially true in South Africa, with its magnificent landscape, superb roads, and active local culture as you fly by. If you are prone to travel sickness or are a fearful flier, a fly-in safari may not be the best option for you.
Aircraft used on a South Africa fly-in safari?
The Cessna 210, a highly engineered small airplane with a single engine, is the most preferred for charter flights. It has a great reputation and is a six-seater that can accommodate up to four individuals. Perfect for beautiful flights.
The Baron is a slightly bigger and faster aircraft that is similarly flown by a single pilot but it has two engines. It can accommodate up to five persons.
A Cessna 404 can carry up to eight people. It is the Cessna 210’s elder sibling, with twin engines and two pilots. Ideal for bigger parties that want to fly in the same plane. More room and comfort.
The Cessna Caravan is a superb aircraft that accommodates up to 12 people and one pilot. The ‘4×4’ of small planes, capable of operating from rough airstrips, has a high-winged single turbine aircraft that is great for picturesque aerial photography.
Luggage restrictions on a fly-in safari?
On bush flights, luggage capacity might be quite restricted. The Cessna 206, for example, has just a tiny space under the seats, and bags are frequently squeezed in to fit within. As a general rule, soft duffle bags are preferable over hard-framed suitcases with wheels.
Some providers set quite strict weight limitations and will count your hand bags and even coats in the total. Most employers allow roughly 15kg per person as a general rule. Don’t be startled if an airline inquires about your own weight.
This is frequently done in order to securely balance the smaller aircraft. If you have too much luggage, you may be able to pay for a cargo ticket on safari routes.
FAQs
What is the average cost for a South Africa fly-in safari?
The average cost for a South African fly-in safari is $2,500 – $4,000 per person for fly-in excursions whilst accommodation and activity add-ons can add to this price.
What are the advantages of a South Africa fly-in safari?
The advantage of a South Africa fly-in safari includes saving a lot of time by avoiding long, bumpy road journeys. You’ll also see another side of this incredible landscape and wildlife which you wouldn’t otherwise see from the ground and enjoy the thrills of descending over the vast savannah.
Are South Africa fly-in safaris safe?
South Africa fly-in safaris are indeed very safe with private charter aircraft well maintained and piloted by professionals with years of flying experience and safety training. Each aircraft typically carries up to 12 individuals whilst larger planes seat 35 – 50 passengers.