Fly-In Safari Tours: Our Top 5 Picks

If you’ve ever been to Africa - whether on standard or fly-in safari tours - you are likely to agree that it’s a continent with dramatic landscapes and home to an incredible plethora of wildlife. With beautiful countries like Botswana dedicating as much as 17% of their landscape to game reserves and national parks, and other top safari destinations like South Africa, Tanzania and Kenya collectively hosting as many as sixty game reserves and parks; it is hard to argue that Africa is the ultimate wilderness escape!Fly-in safari tours have become increasingly popular as they offer convenience and the opportunity to make the most of every destination you visit. Read more about the benefits of booking a fly-in safari tour below and view our Top 5 picks for fly-in safari tours.

The benefits of booking fly-in safari tours

Flying into safari destinations like the Okavango Delta, you gain a different game viewing perspective and better understanding of the landscape.A vacation is intended to be carefree, and fly-in safaris are just that! Flights depart from major airports and fly directly to airstrips situated closest to your accommodation. Many private conservancies, particularly in Botswana and Zimbabwe, are best reached by air due to a poor road infrastructure. Flying to safari destinations is a great way to start your journey, with incredible views across the plains and waterholes. These flights are operated in smaller aircraft such as Cessna's and GA8 airvans and generally low-flying, offering some incredible game viewing.If you are looking for a short break or flexibility to visit several destinations in a shorter time frame then fly-in safaris are a top choice.

Here are our Top 5 picks for fly-in safari tours

3 Day Chobe Fly-in Safari Tour

Chobe National Park is the third largest conservation area in Botswana with elephant herds seen in the open plains and down at the river taking a bath.Chobe National Park offers one of the most impressive safari experiences in Africa, with most of the action taking place on the riverfront. It is here where you will get to see Africa’s largest elephant herds along with the other members of the Big 5. The popular Chobe Game Lodge is the only property to nestle within the national park and overlooks the Chobe River. This luxurious lodge boasts 44 river facing rooms that are well-appointed with en-suite bathrooms, air conditioning and private terraces. These fly-in safari tours offer a classic safari experience with activities tailored to suit each individual’s needs. The activities offered at the lodge include game drives, motorized boating safaris, sunset cruises along the Chobe River and stargazing. Game drives are conducted in open-vehicles and all activities are led by trained and incredibly knowledgeable guides.This tour is perfect for those travelers seeking a five star safari experience and Eco-friendly accommodation.

3 Day Victoria Falls Fly-in Safari Tour

During the flood season, views of Victoria Falls are often obstructed and taking to the air showcases exactly why the falls is referred to as the "Smoke that Thunders".This tour explores one of the world’s 7 natural wonders and biggest curtain of falling water. Victoria Falls is a 1 hour 40 minute flight away from the city of Johannesburg and is a great add on to a tour of South Africa or a safari in Zimbabwe or Botswana. The award winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is your home away from home for the next three days. You can look forward to unhindered luxury, exceptional hospitality, and convenient access to the falls which is located just four kilometres from Victoria Falls. The area around the falls boasts a number of activities and this tour offers you the freedom to do as many of them as you wish. Scenic helicopter flights, white water rafting (seasonal), safari tours in Chobe National Park, a wide range of high wire activities, and visits to a nearby cultural village are just some of the activities waiting to be experienced.

3 Day Singita Fly-in Safari Tour

Nestled on the banks of the Sand River, the viewing deck at Singita Ebony Lodge offers incredible opportunities to spot birds and other animals that come down to the river to drink.This 3 day fly-in safari tour explores the Kruger National Park’s oldest private game reserve and the incredible plethora of wildlife that inhabit this pristine wilderness, particularly the big cats which the Sabi Sands is renowned for.Singita Ebony nestles on the banks of the Sand River and is one of the most superior lodges in the Sabi Sands, boasting warm hospitality and 12 luxurious suites that are beautifully appointed with indoor and outdoor showers, double-sided fireplaces and a spacious living area that opens onto an elevated timber viewing deck with a heated plunge pool.Expect an unforgettable safari adventure with Big 5 open vehicle game drives, walking safaris, archery, mountain biking safaris, and incredible bird watching opportunities.

4 Day Masai Mara Fly-in Safari Tour

A hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara National Park is a must, showcasing the vast landscape and abundance of wildlife.Explore one of Africa’s most loved wilderness regions and enjoy some of the most unforgettable experiences, including morning and afternoon game drives, nature walks, and game viewing from a hot air balloon. The Masai Mara is well known for its big cat sightings and the Great Mammal Migration which witnesses two million mammals traveling across Kenya and Tanzania. The arrival in these countries depends on the arrival of the rains, providing lush green plains to feed on and a safe place to give birth to their young.Kichwa Tembo Camp offers sweeping views of the Masai Mara and the Sabaringo River, making it an ideal place to watch the herds of wildebeest attempt crossing the crocodile infested river during the migration.This tour offers an incredible luxury tented safari experience and a number of rewarding safari activities, including open vehicle game drives led by professional guides, night drives, guided bush walks, early morning hot air balloon rides over the reserve, horseback safaris, spa treatments, traditional Maasai warrior dancing displays, and visits to a nearby Maasai Village.

5 Day Sabi Sabi Fly-in Safari Tour

Off-road game drives allow guides and trackers to find animals that have wandered deeper into the bush, bringing you up-close encounters with several animal species and an opportunity to capture incredible snapshots.This 5 day fly-in safari takes place in the private Sabi Sabi game reserve where you are sure to experience ultra luxurious accommodation, personalized service, and exceptional up-close wildlife encounters. With 35 years of excellence and four 5-star lodges, Sabi Sabi Game Reserve offers an elite safari experience. Each lodge is a unique luxury home in the bush and cater to families, friends traveling together, and couples seeking a secluded romantic getaway.  Each of the four lodges offer dawn and dusk game drives led by skilled rangers and trackers. You will also have the opportunity to explore the Sabi Sands on foot and visit a local school which Sabi Sabi graciously supports.There is no other destination on earth that rewards short visits in the way that Africa does! From the minute your plane touches down on the landing strip, you are in the thick of the action. By planning a trip to the right destination at the right time, you are sure to have an exciting and emotionally satisfying safari adventure.