Flight vs drive safari

Road Safaris vs Flight Safaris | How to Make a Choice

Visiting new places brings out new adventures. There are various places people love to see and explore. One such place is Africa, surrounded by lush wildlife and an environment suitable for those who enjoy nature. There are various things to do here, and the Kenya and Tanzania safari is number one. One of the first things you will need to decide while organizing your safari in Kenya or Tanzania is how you will get around the area. We’ll examine the benefits and drawbacks of both fly-in and drive-in choices as we examine them more closely.

A Fly-in Safari: What Is It?

Fly Safari refers to a journey through light planes to each location. Each national park has a few small airstrips that serve the various campgrounds and lodges. A plane frequently makes several stops to deliver passengers to their destinations. Many aviation firms in Kenya and Tanzania Safari offer great scheduled itineraries connecting nearly all the national parks you want to visit.

Selecting this option will put you at the camp on a game package, which entails that all activities are included in the price and that the camp will plan the activities using its guides and vehicles. Unless a person reserves and pays for a private car in advance.

What Advantages Do Fly-in Safaris Offer?

  • Destination transfers require less time.
  • Your options include a private charter or a shared aircraft, accommodating four to sixteen passengers.
  • It is a unique and unforgettable luxury experience with a private charter.
  • A fly-in safari is a singular experience that lets you take in breathtaking scenery from above.

What Drawbacks Can a Fly-in Safari Have?

  • The planes are typically small, and there could be weight and baggage limits.
  • You might not feel as immersed in the experience because you are not “on the ground.”
  • It might be a more expensive choice.

A Drive-in Safari: What Is It?

Driving from one park to another in hours is feasible because many of the most incredible wildlife places in African safari are close. Driving allows you to see and explore more of the nation and gives you more time to get to know your guide, which typically results in a more customized safari.

If you decide to go by land, you will get your private car and guide when you reach each location. You will also receive full board accommodations at the camps since your driver guide will accompany you on all game drives. Extra activities like fly-camping, night drives, community visits, game walks, and boating are generally free and require reservations.

What Benefits Can a Drive-in Safari Offer?

  • A drive-in safari is ideal for truly understanding the terrain’s layout.
  • You can savor the elegance of having a personal car with a designated driver.
  • You can cover more ground and stop whenever and wherever you choose.
  • It might be more economical.

What Drawbacks Can a Drive-in Safari Have?

  • Moving between campgrounds and parks takes longer.
  • Due to the uneven roads and varied landscape, this could be a tough trip.
  • Particular places are inaccessible by road, and access may get restricted.
  • Extra preparation is necessary to account for logistics like rest and gasoline stops.

Things to Consider when Deciding Between a Fly or Drive Safari:

Here are a few pointers to look over before deciding on the mode of safari you want to opt for:

Do the prices of the two options differ from one another?

This price will vary depending on how many people are traveling. The cost of the car and guide for one person is the same as for seven. As a result, the value of money increases with the number of passengers in the vehicle.

Driving is typically more economical than flying for groups of four to seven individuals. Conversely, even for relatively short distances, flying is generally more affordable for smaller groups of one to three individuals.

Large groups are advised to drive. However, flying is less expensive for smaller parties of one to three people.

What is the duration of your safari?

Flying is usually the best option if you have limited time to make the most of your safari. With several weeks of safari vacation time, one can travel more slowly and stop to see more of the country outside the parks.

Flying is advisable for shorter trips, a few days or a week.

It is an excellent opportunity to drive and slow down to absorb as many selected places as possible, especially if you are on a few-week safari.

How many bags are you allowed to bring?

The maximum amount of baggage on light aircraft is 15 kilograms per person, including hand luggage.

Since bags must be soft-sided to fit inside the hold, solid-sided cases are likewise not allowed. Depending on how many passengers you are traveling with, you do not have the same severe restrictions when driving your car.

Select a drive-in Kenya tours and safaris if you would rather not have any restrictions on your luggage. Strict baggage regulations are standard on airplanes, which could be problematic if you travel with a lot of heavy stuff.

Do you have a fear of flying?

There is no getting around the necessity of taking a plane if traveling to Africa, yet some individuals find that international flights are more comfortable than light ones. Small aircraft employed in East Africa often have only six to twelve seats available. Because of their size, the pilot and cockpit are seen, and even the slightest movement or bump can be felt by you.

All of this and the distant and frequently uneven bush airstrips may be sufficient to put off a traveler frightened of flying. Therefore, disclosing your fear of flying to your agent or safari consultant before making your reservation is wise.

Do you strongly favor automobiles with open sides over those with closed sides?

On a drive-in safari, you will spend your day game-viewing in a closed vehicle with a personal guide. On a fly-in safari, you will undoubtedly have your wildlife viewing conducted in an open vehicle shared with other guests from your accommodation. That said, all cars have to be closed at Ngorongoro Conservation Area. There is little difference in the safari experience between open- and closed-sided vehicles; open-sided cars provide a more immersive experience.

Think about a combo

Like most African safari experiences, mixing things up to get some driving and flying to experience the best of both worlds is excellent. For instance, traveling with a private guide and car between Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara, and the Ngorongoro Crater in northern Tanzania is a great way to strike a balance before continuing your safari by flying into the Serengeti. It is essential for visitors to the north Serengeti since it’s too far to drive from the Crater in a day.

Conclusion

Select a combo related to Kenya and Tanzania tours to enjoy the most significant aspects of each. You can drive between shorter locations and fly between longer ones—no need to worry if you’re unclear about which safari is right for you. African Memorable Safaris offers remarkable adventure experiences, ably complemented by knowledgeable local guides skillfully explaining Africa’s diverse species, customs, and scenic landscapes. Their attention to detail in personalized service is evident in the custom itineraries they create for every traveler, whether for a honeymoon, family reunion, or independent exploration. Each safari is magical and environmentally safe because the company cares about sustainability. Choose African Memorable Safaris for an adventure that offers fun with responsible travel. Book your safari now and start an experience of joy forever!

Scroll to Top