When planning your safari to Kenya or Tanzania one of the very first things you will need to decide is how to move around the region. We’re taking a closer look at both fly-in and drive-in options and will consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.
What is a Fly-in Safari?
This essentially means being flown to each destination by light aircraft. There are several small airstrips within each national park that service different camps and lodges in that area. Often a flight will stop at many airstrips on route in order to take guests to where they need to be. Kenya and Tanzania have numerous aviation companies to choose from with excellent scheduled routes linking almost all the national parks you may want to visit. If you choose this option, you will be on a game package basis at the camp, meaning activities are included within the rate and the camp will organise their activities and use their own guides and vehicles. These activities will be shared with other guests, unless they pre-book and pay for a private vehicle.
What are the Pros of a Fly-in Safari?
- Transfers between destinations take less time
- You can choose between a shared plane which carries anywhere from 4-16 passengers or a private charter
- A private charter provides a one of a kind luxury experience that won’t be forgotten
- A fly-in safari is a unique experience that allows you to admire scenic views through an aerial view.
What are the Cons of a Fly-in Safari?
- The planes are usually small
- There may be luggage and weight restrictions
- The experience may feel less immersive because you are not “on the ground”
- It can be a more costly option
What is a Drive-in Safari?
Many of the best wildlife areas on Kenya safaris and Tanzania safaris happen to be relatively close to each other, making it possible to drive from one park to another in just a few hours. Driving allows you to see and experience more of the country, while offering time to develop a deeper connection with your guide, often resulting in a more tailored safari. If you choose to travel overland, you will arrive at each destination with your own private vehicle and guide and will be on full board basis at the camps, as all game drives will be done with your driver guide. Additional activities such as game walks, fly-camping, night drives, community visits and boating will be at an extra cost and usually need to be pre-booked.
What are the Pros of a Drive-in Safari?
- A drive-in safari is the perfect way to get a true lay of the land
- You can enjoy the luxury of a private vehicle and designated driver
- You can stop whenever and wherever you want and cover more land
- Can be more cost-effective
What are the Cons of a Drive-in Safari?
- Takes more time to move between camps and parks
- The uneven roads and varying terrains may make this a bumpy journey
- Access to certain areas may be limited if they are not reachable by road
- Requires more planning to take into consideration logistics such as rest and fuel stops
Things to Consider when Deciding Between a Fly or Drive Safari:
Is there a cost difference between the two options?
This will depend on the number of people travelling. The cost of the vehicle and guide is the same for one person as it is for seven people. Therefore, the more people you have in the car, the better value for money it becomes.
At Asilia, we have both five-seater and seven-seater vehicles available and generally find that for groups of four to seven people it is more cost effective to drive rather than fly. Conversely, for smaller groups of one to three people it is usually cheaper to fly, even if the distances that need to be travelled are relatively short.
In summary:
- If you’re travelling in a large group, driving is recommended
- It is cheaper to fly for smaller groups of one to three people
How many days do you have on safari?
If time is limited, then it is often best to fly to maximise your time on safari. On the other hand, if you have a couple of weeks to spend on safari, then you may choose to go at a slower pace by driving, making stops along the way and seeing more of the country outside the parks.
In summary:
- Flying is the best way to maximise your time if you trip is only a few days or a week long
- If you are on safari for a few weeks, driving is a great way to slow down and take in as much of your chosen destinations as possible
How much luggage can you bring?
Light aircrafts have a maximum baggage allowance of 15kgs (33lbs) per person – including hand luggage. Solid sided cases are also not permitted as bags need to be soft sided to fit into the hold. With your own vehicle you do not have the same strict limitations, of course depending on how many people are travelling with you.
In summary:
- If you prefer to travel without luggage restrictions, choose a drive-in safari
- Aircrafts tend to have strict luggage restrictions which may be an issue if you are travelling with heavy or a number of bags
Are you scared of flying?
If you are travelling to Africa, there is no escaping the fact that you are going to have to catch a plane to get there, however some people are more comfortable on international aircrafts than light aircrafts. The small aircrafts used in East Africa usually only sit between six to 12 passengers. Their size means that the slightest movement or bump can be felt, and the pilot and cockpit can easily be seen.
All this, coupled with the remote — and often bumpy — bush airstrips can be enough to dissuade someone with a fear of flying, so it’s always worth letting your agent or safari consultant know if you’re afraid of flying before you book. For most people though, the experience of flying in a small plane is exhilarating and can really add to their overall experience.
In summary:
- If you have a fear of flying, communicate with your consultant and opt for a drive-in safari
Open- vs close-sided vehicles – do you have a strong preference?
If you choose a drive-in safari, all of your game viewing will be done from your private closed vehicle with your dedicated guide. If you choose a fly-in safari, it is likely your game viewing will be done from an open vehicle shared with other guests based at your accommodation (the exception is the Ngorongoro Conservation Area where all vehicles must be closed). The safari experience does differ slightly between open- and close-sided vehicles, with open-sided vehicles offering a more immersive feel.
In summary:
- Closed vehicles are commonly used for drive-in safaris, while you are likely to use an open vehicle if you choose a fly-in safari
- Game viewing is typically done from an open safari vehicle
Consider a combination
As with many aspects for a safari, it’s worth mixing it up and offering a combination of flying and driving so you can experience the best of both. For example, in northern Tanzania, a great compromise is to drive between Arusha, Tarangire, Lake Manyara and the Ngorongoro Crater with a private guide and vehicle, before flying into the Serengeti to continue your safari. This is essential if guests are travelling to the northern Serengeti because it is too far to drive from the Crater in a single day.
You can also choose to drive one way and then fly back to save time, but please bear in mind that it’s not always the most cost-effective option because there is the cost of an ‘empty leg’, as the driver and vehicle will still need to return to Arusha, even if you don’t join them.
In summary:
- Opt for a combination safari to experience the best of both.
- You can choose to fly between longer destinations and drive between shorter ones.
If you are unsure about which safari is best for you, don’t worry. Our experienced team of safari experts are always on hand to advise you about logistics and help you make the best decision for you. Contact us today to start planning.
