Flying Safaris in East Africa: Soaring Above the Wild

Flying safaris in East Africa offer an exceptional and time-efficient way to explore the region’s vast and diverse landscapes, teeming with wildlife, ancient cultures, and dramatic scenery. Unlike traditional road-based safaris, flying safaris use small aircraft to transport guests between remote national parks and private conservancies, often landing on bush airstrips deep in the wilderness. This form of travel not only saves time but also provides stunning aerial views of the African landscape—rolling savannahs, volcanic highlands, salt lakes, and winding rivers.

East Africa, primarily comprising Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda, is ideally suited to flying safaris due to its expansive geography and the presence of numerous well-maintained airstrips. These safaris typically begin in major cities such as Nairobi (Kenya), Arusha (Tanzania), Entebbe (Uganda), or Kigali (Rwanda), where domestic charter services and light aircraft operators are based.

Key Airfields and Destinations

One of the highlights of a flying safari is landing on bush airstrips that offer immediate access to wildlife-rich areas. These airstrips, often carved into open savannahs or nestled near riverbanks, provide a seamless transition from sky to safari vehicle. Here are some of the most significant safari airfields in East Africa

Kenya

Tourist Airstrips in Kenya, Aircraft Companies & Locations

  1. Masai Mara Airstrips

    • Ol Kiombo Airstrip
      Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
      Aircraft Company: Air Kenya, Safarilink, Fly540

    • Keekorok Airstrip
      Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
      Aircraft Company: Air Kenya, Safarilink

    • Kichwa Tembo Airstrip
      Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
      Aircraft Company: Safarilink, Airkenya

  2. Maasai Mara – Mara Serena Airstrip
    Location: Maasai Mara
    Aircraft Company: Air Kenya, Safarilink

  3. Samburu Airstrips

    • Samburu Airstrip
      Location: Samburu National Reserve
      Aircraft Company: Safarilink, Airkeny

  • Amboseli Airstrips

    • Amboseli Airstrip
      Location: Amboseli National Park
      Aircraft Company: Air Kenya, Safarilink

  • Lake Nakuru Airstrip
    Location: Lake Nakuru National Park
    Aircraft Company: Safarilink, Airkenya

  • Diani Airstrip
    Location: Diani Beach, South Coast
    Aircraft Company: Fly540, Safarilink

  • Nairobi Wilson Airport
    Location: Nairobi (main hub for domestic flights)
    Aircraft Companies: Safarilink, Air Kenya, Fly540, Jambojet

Uganda

Domestic Aircraft Companies & Locations

  1. Aerolink Uganda – Entebbe International Airport

  2. Bar Aviation – Kajjansi Airfield & Entebbe Airport

  3. Fly Uganda (Moriah Aviation) – Kajjansi Airfield

  4. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) – Kajjansi Airfield

  5. Air Serv Limited – Entebbe Airport (humanitarian & charter)

Tourist Airstrips in Uganda

  1. Kidepo Airstrip – Serves Kidepo Valley National Park (northeast Uganda)

  2. Pakuba Airstrip – Serves Murchison Falls National Park (northwest)

  3. Bugungu Airstrip – Near Paraa, Murchison Falls NP

  4. Mweya Airstrip – Queen Elizabeth National Park (southwest)

  5. Kasese Airstrip – Access to Rwenzori Mountains & Queen Elizabeth NP

  6. Ishasha Airstrip – Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP

  7. Kihihi Airstrip – Gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest

  8. Kisoro Airstrip – Near Mgahinga Gorilla NP & southern Bwindi

  9. Apoka Airstrip – Within Kidepo Valley NP

  10. Semliki Airstrip – For Semuliki Wildlife Reserve

  11. Lake Mburo Airstrip (Nshara) – Serves Lake Mburo National Par

Tanzania

Tourist Airstrips in Tanzania and Aircraft Companies

  1. Seronera Airstrip

    • Location: Serengeti National Park

    • Aircraft Companies: Coastal Aviation, Air Tanzania, Safari Air Link

    • Notes: Main gateway for Serengeti safaris, serves light aircraft and charters.

  2. Manyara Airstrip

    • Location: Near Lake Manyara National Park

    • Aircraft Companies: Coastal Aviation, Air Excel, Auric Air

    • Notes: Popular for access to Lake Manyara and Tarangire parks.

  3. Kogatende Airstrip

    • Location: Northern Serengeti, near Mara River

    • Aircraft Companies: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air

    • Notes: Ideal for wildebeest migration viewing spots.

  4. Grumeti Airstrip

    • Location: Western Serengeti

    • Aircraft Companies: Coastal Aviation, Safari Air Link

    • Notes: Serves remote lodges in western Serengeti.

  5. Tarime Airstrip

    • Location: Tarime, near Serengeti’s eastern side

    • Aircraft Companies: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air

    • Notes: Entry point for eastern Serengeti and Mara region

  • Ndutu Airstrip

    • Location: Southern Serengeti

    • Aircraft Companies: Coastal Aviation, Air Tanzania

    • Notes: Key access point during the calving season in Serengeti.

  • Mwanza Airstrip

    • Location: Mwanza city, near Lake Victoria

    • Aircraft Companies: Air Tanzania, Precision Air

    • Notes: Regional hub connecting northern tourist areas.

  • Arusha Airstrip

    • Location: Arusha city

    • Aircraft Companies: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Safari Air Link

    • Notes: Main hub for northern circuit safari flights

Rwanda

  • Kigali International Airport is the main hub, and though Rwanda has fewer bush airstrips than its neighbors, helicopter and fixed-wing flights are available to Volcanoes National Park and Akagera National Park through private charters and high-end safari operators.