Why Fly-In Safaris?
A factual look at how flying between parks compares to driving, and answers to the questions we hear most.
Fly-In Safari vs Road Safari
Neither approach is objectively better - it depends on your time, budget, and how many destinations you want to cover.
| Fly-In Safari | Road Safari | |
|---|---|---|
| Travel time between parks | Typically 30-90 minutes by air | Typically 4-8 hours by road |
| Time spent on safari | More time in the park per trip day | More travel days needed for the same coverage |
| Access to remote destinations | Reaches parks with limited road access more easily | Depends on road conditions and season |
| Multi-destination flexibility | Practical to combine 2-3+ parks in one trip | Combining distant parks adds significant driving |
| Scenery en route | Aerial views of the Rift Valley and landscapes | Ground-level views of towns, farmland and terrain |
| Vehicle experience | 4x4 game drives still included at each lodge | Same 4x4 vehicle used for the whole trip, including transit |
| Overall trip structure | Shorter trips (2-5 days) are more feasible | Often suits longer trips (5+ days) better |
Frequently asked questions
Are flights included in the package?
Yes - internal flights between the airstrip nearest Nairobi and your safari destination are included in every fly-in package price shown, unless noted otherwise.
Where do I depart from in Nairobi?
Most safari flights depart from Wilson Airport, Nairobi's dedicated hub for domestic and safari-charter flights, separate from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
Which airlines operate safari flights?
Kenya's main scheduled safari-flight operators include Kenya Airways, AirKenya Express and Safarilink, among others - see the Flight Schedules page for route coverage.
Which airstrip serves my lodge?
Every property is paired with a specific airstrip - check the airstrip listed on your chosen lodge's package, or see the airstrip finder on the Flight Schedules page.
How much luggage can I take?
Safari aircraft have tighter baggage limits than commercial jets, usually with a soft-bag requirement. Exact allowances vary by operator and will be confirmed at booking.
Are safari flights shared?
Most scheduled safari flights are shared with other passengers travelling to the same or nearby airstrips, similar to a scheduled domestic flight.
Can I choose a private safari vehicle?
Yes - every package can be upgraded from a shared to a private vehicle and guide; see the Safari Type selector on each destination page.
Can I add extra nights?
Yes, extra nights at your chosen lodge can be added as a package add-on, subject to availability.
Can I change the lodge?
Yes - each destination page lists multiple lodge options, each with its own airstrip pairing and pricing.
Can I combine destinations?
Yes - flying makes multi-destination itineraries practical. Use the Multi-Destination Builder to combine parks and see an indicative combined price.
Can I add additional game drives?
Yes, extra game drives beyond the package default can be added for most lodges - shown as an add-on on the package detail page.
Are airstrip transfers included?
Yes - the transfer between your arrival airstrip and your lodge is included in every package.