Top Tips on Planning Luxury and Private Fly-in Gorilla Trekking and Wildlife Safari Tours and Holidays in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya
Engabi Tours and travel offers charter and scheduled flying Safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya using various reputable scheduled and private charter aviation companies in East Africa. Chartered or scheduled Flying safaris enable you to cover large distances in a short time as traveling by air gives you the maximum amount of time on the ground to enjoy the local ecosystem, wildlife sightings and safari lodges while still fresh and energetic. Gorilla trekking or Wildlife safari vacation by private plane charter or a scheduled flight offers custom and private experiences allowing for efficient travel to remote parks and a higher level of comfort and privacy.
Whether flying to Bwindi Impenetrable National Park the home to Mountain gorillas or to Masai Mara National Reserve and Serengeti National Park homes to big cats and wildebeest crossings, our chartered and scheduled Flying safaris are the best options to ensure you capitalize on your holidays. Our Fly-In Safaris are one of the best ways to experience and enjoy Primates and wildlife safaris in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya. Instead of an airport building and luggage carousel, you’ll be greeted by buffalos and elephants and what an amazing way to start your African Safari Holiday!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chartered and Scheduled Flying Safaris In Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya
Many safari destinations are far apart and distant from the major towns which makes road travel long, tiring and bumpy hence a need for a domestic flight. Domestic flights (often on small bush planes) offer quicker connections are more comfortable and offer superb aerial views of the stunning landscapes below are the different common questions about flying safaris In Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya and Tanzania:
Can I fly from Entebbe To Bwindi Impenetrable National Park for Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience?
Yes, you can take a chartered or scheduled flight from Entebbe International Airport to arrival Airstrips of Kihihi Airstrip (Closest to Northern Park entrances of Buhoma and Ruhija) or Kisoro Airstrip (Closest to the Southern entrances of Rushaga and Nkuringo) and its from here that you will transfer by road for approximately 1 Hour and 30 Minutes to your lodge. Scheduled flights to Bwindi Impenetrable National park typically depart from Entebbe International Airport as early as 7:00 AM with check-in times at around 6:30 AM with thr latest flight arriving at 2:45Pm. Flight schedules can vary by operator and season, so it’s best to check with us for availability on specific times.
Note that the airstrip you choose to fly into between Kihihi and Kisoro depends on the park section you plan to visit. For example, as earlier said, Kihihi is closer to the Buhoma and Ruhija areas while Kisoro is closer to the Rushaga and Nkuringo areas.
Other popular domestic flight routes that connect to major Uganda National parks from Entebbe include the following:
- Entebbe (EBB) to Kasese (KSE): Used for reaching Queen Elizabeth National Park for wildlife safaris and Kibale Forest National Park for chimpanzee tracking.
- Entebbe (EBB) to Pakuba (PAF): The gateway to Murchison Falls National Park for Wildlife safaris.
- Entebbe (EBB) to Mbarara (MBQ): This route provides air access to the southwestern part of the country and Lake Mburo National Park.
NOTE that Charter flights are available for all the above routes and that most regional flights have a strict luggage allowance of typically around (15) kg.
What are the Popular Domestic Flight Routes for Tourism in Tanzania?
The most popular domestic flight routes for tourism and safari goers in Tanzania include Dar es Salaam to Zanzibar for coastal travel and Dar es Salaam to Arusha for safari access to the northern parks. Other popular routes are Arusha to Serengeti and flights connecting major hubs like Kilimanjaro (JRO) and Dar es Salaam (DAR) to safari airstrips.
The Domestic Flight Routes that Connect to Safari Hubs for safari-goers include direct flights from Arusha or Kilimanjaro Airports to various airstrips in the Serengeti including Seronera, Kogatende and Grumeti or to Kuro Airstrip in Tarangire and Manyara Airport in Manyara.
The other domestic flight routes include the Southern circuit flights from Dar es Salaam to Selous or Ruaha for those exploring the less-visited southern part of the country and from Zanzibar to all the major safari destinations bypassing the need to travel through Dar es Salaam or Arusha.
Note that most regional flights have a strict luggage allowance of typically around (15) kg.
Can I fly from Kigali To Volcanoes National Park for Gorilla Trekking Safari Experience?
Yes, you can fly from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park only by charter of a helicopter with Akagera Aviation from Kigali International Airport to the Musanze Airstrip and from here you will be transferred by road to your lodge in the park. Helicopter flights take approximately 25 minutes.
Please Note that there are no Scheduled or commercial flights from Kigali to Volcanoes
Kindly confirm your trip booking with us and provide passenger weight in advance to ensure a suitable helicopter is arranged for your vacation.
What are the Popular Domestic Flight Routes for Tourism in Kenya?
The most popular domestic flight routes for safaris in Kenya include Wilson Airport to various airstrips in Maasai Mara route which connects the capital-Nairobi to one of the most famous wildlife reserves and Wilson Airport to Samburu Airstrip route among others. These routes are popular because they significantly reduce travel time between major hubs and remote safari locations or beach resorts.
List of Flight routes that connect Nairobi to safari and Beach Destinations in Kenya
- Wilson Airport to Various Airstrips in Maasai Mara
- Wilson Airport to Samburu Airstrip in the Samburu National Reserve known for its unique wildlife.
- Wilson Airport to Nanyuki Airstrip which is a gateway to the Mount Kenya region and surrounding private conservancies like Laikipia.
- Wilson Airport to Amboseli Airstrip in Amboseli National park which is a popular flight route for those wishing to see the iconic elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.
- Wilson Airport to Ukunda (Diani Beach) and Mombasa International Airport route which connects Nairobi to the popular coastal tourist area of Diani Beach.
- You can fly direct from Masai Mara to the Coast (Mombasa, Ukunda and Malindi) allowing for a seamless wildlife and beach holiday combination.
Note that most regional flights have a strict luggage allowance of typically around (15) kg.
Is It Possible to Combine a Serengeti Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda by Flight?
Yes, it is possible to combine a Serengeti safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda by flight. There is a direct scheduled flight that departs daily from Serengeti to Entebbe International Airport and Kigali International and vis vasa for a combined Serengeti Safari and Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda. For these flights to depart, there has to be a minimum of 4 Passengers on board or alternatively you can buy the rest of the remaining seats or book the flight on charter basis if you are less than 4 people. These direct flights operate mostly in High Season (June-October, December-February)
The other option is to arrive in Africa via Entebbe or Kigali Airports, fly to one of the Airstrips in Bwindi (Kisoro or Kihihi) on a scheduled flight depending on the location of your permit and accommodation in Bwindi or visit the Rwanda Gorillas by road or charter helicopter and thereafter take a flight to Kilimanjaro International Airport from where you will be transferred to Arusha Airport for a flight to various Airstrips in Serengeti( Seronera, Kogatende, Ndutu, Grumeti e.tc) depending on which region of Serengeti you are flying into in relation to the location of your accommodation and your desired safari experience. For example, if you prefer to see the great migration Mara River crossing, you fly from Arusha to Kogatende Airstrip.
Note that most regional flights have a strict luggage allowance of typically around (15) kg.
Is It Possible to Combine a Masai Mara Safari with Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda by Air?
Yes, it is possible to combine a Masai Mara safari with gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda by flight. For a combined Masai Mara safari and Gorilla trekking tour in Uganda, there is a direct scheduled flight that departs daily from Entebbe to various airstrips in Masai Mara and vis vasa. For this flight to depart, there has to be a minimum of 4 Passengers on board or alternatively you can buy the rest of the remaining seats or book it on charter basis if you are less than 4 people. This direct flight operates mostly in High Season (June-October, December-February)
Note that there are no scheduled direct flights from Kigali to Masai Mara and Vis vasa meaning that if you prefer a direct flight, then you have to charter.
The other option is to arrive in Africa via Entebbe or Kigali Airports, fly to the Uganda gorillas in Bwindi on a scheduled flight or visit the Rwanda Gorillas by road or charter helicopter and thereafter take a flight to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport from where you will be transferred to Wilson Airport for a flight to an Airstrip in Masai Mara.
Note that most regional flights have a strict luggage allowance of typically around (15) kg.
How to Book Chartered or Scheduled Flying Safari in Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania and Kenya
To book private charter or scheduled Flying safaris to Bwindi for gorilla trekking or to Masai Mara and Serengeti for big cats and wildebeest migration, Contact us with the particular safari activities you want to experience in Africa and in which East African countries, number of people you intend to travel with whether a couple, family or a small group of friends, the dates you intend to travel for your safari vacation and the accommodation option you would prefer between mid-luxury, luxury or super luxury.
Note that you can do a combined trip of Uganda/Rwanda and Tanzania or Kenya.
Our team at Engabi Tours and Travel will arrange your private charter or scheduled flying safari to national parks like Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth National Park Murchison Falls National Park, Volcanoes National Park Masai Mara Game Reserve, Samburu game reserve, Serengeti National Park and beaches like Zanzibar and Mombasa among others. We also help to customize or tailor-make your safari itinerary and ensure that that all safari logistics including transfers, activities and lodges are booked in advance.
Below are the key Things to consider while Planning a flying safari
- Note that Luggage limits are strict and typically 15 kg (33 lbs) in soft-sided bags due to aircraft size.
- Book your Vacation early especially in high season (June–October, December–February).
- Let your safari operator handle the flights bookings for a seamless itinerary less stress in case of flights changes.
- Early morning flights are ideal for maximizing safari time and avoiding afternoon storms.
Why is Chartered or Scheduled flying safaris the best way to explore untamed Africa?
A chartered or scheduled flying safari in Africa is beyond just flying as it offers you a great opportunity to explore vast Africa within a short period of time. While on your African flying safari, you can maximize your time at each location, be able to gain a real sense of the topography of the country and visit the most pristine and untouched regions an experience that is the best and second to none. It is really perfect – as one doesn’t get involved in huge queues – rather just sailing through the procedures whilst watching everyone else queuing up endlessly! But it’s also about landing directly at the places you want to be – again, not wasting time.
About Gorilla Trekking in Uganda and Rwanda.
Gorilla trekking in Uganda and Rwanda is an unforgettable wildlife adventure, offering a rare opportunity to observe with endangered primates up close within a safe distance in their natural habitat. Currently, Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda and Bwindi Impenetrable National Park and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park in Uganda are the best place for gorilla trekking.
Gorilla Trekking experience is one of the most rewarding wildlife experiences in the world offering visitors a grand opportunity of standing a few-meters away from these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The gorillas visited on this experience are habituated and they have been trained to be friendlier to human presence, however you are advised to still follow the safety guidelines while in their presence as they are still wild creatures.
What is the Best Time to Go for Gorilla Trekking in Uganda or Rwanda
The best time to visit Uganda and Rwanda for Gorilla trekking is during the dry seasons, from June to September and December to February. From mid-December to early February in Rwanda, the short dry season offers ideal conditions for this unforgettable adventure as the trails are firm and there is minimal malaria risk.
Note: The dry season which is the best time for gorilla trekking coincides with peak travel season in Uganda and Rwanda so it is better to secure your gorilla permit as early as possible so that you don’t miss out. Due to the limited number of gorilla permits issued every day, they can sell out as early as a year in advance.
About Great Wildebeest Migration in Serengeti and Masai Mara
The Great Migration also known wildebeest migration is the largest herd movement of animals on the planet and it involves an ever-moving circular migration of over a million animals across the Serengeti – Mara ecosystem. The Great Migration is one of the most sought-after wildlife experiences as over 2 million wildebeests joined by zebras and gazelles follow an age-old route in search of grazing and water.
These animals move in search of nutritious grass and water guided by survival instinct and each wildebeest will cover 800 to 1,000km on its individual journey along age-old migration routes. The Great Migration takes place in the enormous Mara-Serengeti Ecosystem one of the old and unspoilt ecosystems on earth. The ecosystem is made up of Serengeti National Park and Masai Mara National Reserve. The migration circuit takes the animals from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area-Ndutu plains up through the Serengeti and across into the Masai Mara in Kenya and back again.
What is the best time to go a for the Wildebeest Great Migration Experience In Tanzania and Kenya
Since the Great Migration is an eternal annual cycle from place to play and year in and year out there is no single time of the year to see the Great Migration. However, the best time depends on what you want to witness such as river crossings among other experiences of the migration including the Calving Season, Season of the Trek North and The Rut as explained below:
Great Wildebeest Migration Routes and Patterns
The Great Wildebeest Migration Calving Season in January, February & March
In the Month of January, the migration starts to concentrate into the Ndutu region of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area as the short grass plains here are rich in nutritious grasses providing the migration herds with the best conditions to raise their newborns. By mid-February, the calving season is in high gear with approximately 8,000 wildebeest babies being born every day for a period of approximately 3 weeks. Therefore, the area around Lake Ndutu and the surroundings is the place to be at this time of year.
The Great Wildebeest Migration in April & May
The Month of April brings the first signs of migration with migration herds beginning their arduous journey across the western plains and finally north. The migration herds move through the Ndoha and Dutwa plains adjacent to the Mbalagweti River and they may begin to pile up near the Mbalagweti and Grumeti Rivers awaiting the crossing which is a dangerous obstacle for the migrating animals. During these months there is too much wildlife viewing opportunities in both central Serengeti and Western Serengeti.
The Great Wildebeest Migration Rutting Season and Grumeti River Crossing in June & July
Usually the rutting season starts in June and you expect to see fierce fighting between competitive males as they vie for the attention of females and it’s around this time that the dry season starts with large concentrations of wildebeest in the Western Serengeti and on the southern banks of the Grumeti River. Each migrating animal must face the challenge of crossing the crocodile-infested river and this dramatic river crossing is one of the most exciting events of the Great Migration.
In early July, the hundreds of thousands of wildebeest and zebra continue to head north along the western edge of the park toward an even riskier barrier, the Mara River in northern Serengeti and this river crossing is a memorable and exciting wildlife encounter on Earth. The Mara River Crossings usually start in late July but the precise timing depends on the rains. Therefore, if you want to see the Great Migration Grumeti River Crossing, June to early July is the best time to Combine Gorilla Trekking with a Tanzania Safari.
The Great Wildebeest Migration Mara River Crossing in Late July, August, September & October
At the start of August, the migration herds have encountered the challenge of crossing the Mara River and are spread across the Northern part the Masai Mara Reserve with many remaining in the northern part of the Serengeti National Park. One should note that there is no single crossing across the river. At some spots there are just a few individuals while others have a mass of animals moving without break for hours. Therefore, if you want to see the Great Migration Mara River Crossing experience and drama, late July to early October is the best time to visit the Masai Mara or Serengeti.
The Great Wildebeest Migration start of the Calving Season in November & December Migration
At the end of October or early November, the wildebeest move down from Kenya into the eastern region of the Serengeti past Namiri Plains. By December, the wildebeest herds are spread across the eastern and southern regions and the cycle continues as the calving season starts once again. November and December are a good time to see the animals in Central and Eastern Serengeti.
Note that the Masai Mara game reserve, Central Serengeti (the Seronera Area) and Eastern Serengeti plus other nearby parks can be visited all year around due to the presence of large numbers of resident animals including predators.
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