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
Masai Mara Airstrips
Ol Kiombo Airstrip
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Aircraft Company: Air Kenya, Safarilink, Fly540Keekorok Airstrip
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Aircraft Company: Air Kenya, SafarilinkKichwa Tembo Airstrip
Location: Masai Mara National Reserve
Aircraft Company: Safarilink, Airkenya
Maasai Mara – Mara Serena Airstrip
Location: Maasai Mara
Aircraft Company: Air Kenya, SafarilinkSamburu 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, AirkenyaDiani Airstrip
Location: Diani Beach, South Coast
Aircraft Company: Fly540, SafarilinkNairobi Wilson Airport
Location: Nairobi (main hub for domestic flights)
Aircraft Companies: Safarilink, Air Kenya, Fly540, Jambojet
Uganda
Domestic Aircraft Companies & Locations
Aerolink Uganda – Entebbe International Airport
Bar Aviation – Kajjansi Airfield & Entebbe Airport
Fly Uganda (Moriah Aviation) – Kajjansi Airfield
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) – Kajjansi Airfield
Air Serv Limited – Entebbe Airport (humanitarian & charter)
Tourist Airstrips in Uganda
Kidepo Airstrip – Serves Kidepo Valley National Park (northeast Uganda)
Pakuba Airstrip – Serves Murchison Falls National Park (northwest)
Bugungu Airstrip – Near Paraa, Murchison Falls NP
Mweya Airstrip – Queen Elizabeth National Park (southwest)
Kasese Airstrip – Access to Rwenzori Mountains & Queen Elizabeth NP
Ishasha Airstrip – Southern sector of Queen Elizabeth NP
Kihihi Airstrip – Gateway to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest
Kisoro Airstrip – Near Mgahinga Gorilla NP & southern Bwindi
Apoka Airstrip – Within Kidepo Valley NP
Semliki Airstrip – For Semuliki Wildlife Reserve
Lake Mburo Airstrip (Nshara) – Serves Lake Mburo National Par
Tanzania
Tourist Airstrips in Tanzania and Aircraft Companies
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.
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.
Kogatende Airstrip
Location: Northern Serengeti, near Mara River
Aircraft Companies: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air
Notes: Ideal for wildebeest migration viewing spots.
Grumeti Airstrip
Location: Western Serengeti
Aircraft Companies: Coastal Aviation, Safari Air Link
Notes: Serves remote lodges in western Serengeti.
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.