Can I charter flights between national parks?

Can I Charter Flights Between National Parks?

For travelers exploring Kenya’s vast wilderness, one of the most common questions is: Can I charter flights between national parks? The answer is yes—absolutely. In fact, chartering flights is one of the most efficient, luxurious, and rewarding ways to experience Kenya’s safari circuit. While scheduled bush flights are widely available, private charter flights elevate your journey to a whole new level of comfort, convenience, and exclusivity. They allow you to move seamlessly between parks, avoid long road transfers, maximize time in the wild, and enjoy aerial views of Kenya’s breathtaking landscapes.

Whether you’re planning a high-end safari, traveling with family, exploring remote regions, or simply seeking a smoother travel experience, charter flights can completely transform how you navigate the country’s national parks. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about chartering flights within Kenya—how it works, when it’s worth it, the types of aircraft available, popular routes, costs, benefits, safety considerations, and how to make the most of your flying safari.

Understanding Charter Flights in Kenya’s Safari Circuit

Charter flights are private, on-demand flights booked exclusively for you or your group. Unlike scheduled flights that operate on fixed departure times and routes, charter flights allow you to create a personalized route, select departure times, and fly directly between parks—saving you many hours of travel.

Kenya has a well-developed network of airstrips located inside or near national parks and conservancies. This makes chartering flights both practical and highly efficient. You can land in the heart of the Maasai Mara at 9 a.m. and take off for Samburu at 11 a.m., arriving in time for lunch and an afternoon game drive.

Charters are ideal for travelers who value time, independence, and comfort—and they are especially popular for luxury safaris, multi-park itineraries, groups, honeymooners, and photographers carrying specialized gear.

The Benefits of Chartering Flights on Safari

Maximum Time in the Wilderness

Road transfers between national parks can take anywhere from 4 to 10 hours, depending on the route. Charter flights reduce that travel time to 30–90 minutes, giving you more time for game drives, relaxation, or photography.

Direct, Non-Stop Routes

You choose the route. For example:
Maasai Mara to Amboseli
Laikipia to Samburu
Chyulu Hills to the coast
Tsavo to Lewa Conservancy

Scheduled flights often require connections or detours. Charters go straight to your destination.

Flexibility of Departure Time

You’re not bound by airline schedules. You can:
Take off after breakfast
Land in time for lunch at your next lodge
Depart early for full-day adventures

This flexibility allows you to tailor your travel to your daily safari rhythm.

Comfort and Privacy

Charter flights offer your own aircraft, your own crew, and complete privacy. This is ideal for:
Families
Honeymooners
VIPs
Private photography groups
Corporate retreats

You enjoy spacious seating, relaxed boarding, and personalized service.

Scenic Aerial Views

Flying low over Kenya’s landscapes is an experience in itself:
Mount Kenya glaciers
The Great Rift Valley escarpments
Turquoise lakes of the north
Elephants roaming Tsavo
The winding Mara River
Endless golden savannahs

Aerial photography enthusiasts especially love the perspective from charter flights.

Access to Remote and Exclusive Destinations

Some destinations are difficult or impossible to reach by road. Charters can land on private airstrips inside conservancies or remote parks such as:
Lake Turkana
Namunyak Conservancy
Sarara Camp
Chyulu Hills
Ol Donyo Lodge
Chalbi Desert

Popular Charter Flight Routes Between Kenyan National Parks

Maasai Mara to Amboseli

One of the most requested routes. You can leave the Mara and enjoy lunch beneath Mount Kilimanjaro the same day.

Maasai Mara to Samburu

From the lion-rich plains of the Mara to the rugged landscapes of Samburu—it’s a dramatic contrast and only a short flight away.

Laikipia to Maasai Mara

Photographers love this route, especially timing travel between rhino sanctuaries in Laikipia and big cat territory in the Mara.

Amboseli to Tsavo West or Tsavo East

Perfect for travelers combining elephant destinations with vast wilderness parks.

Chyulu Hills to the Coast (Diani, Watamu, Lamu)

Fly from luxury lodges to the beach effortlessly, bypassing long road transfers.

Nairobi to Any Park

Many private charters depart from Wilson Airport or private terminals at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Types of Aircraft Used for Charter Safaris

Kenya’s aviation industry offers a variety of aircraft suitable for different group sizes and needs:

Cessna Caravan (8–12 passengers)

Most popular safari aircraft
Stable, reliable, comfortable
Ideal for families and small groups

Cessna 206 or 210 (4–5 passengers)

Great for couples or small families
Excellent for scenic flights

Twin Otter (15–20 passengers)

Perfect for larger groups
Short takeoff and landing capability

Beechcraft King Air (6–10 passengers)

Pressurized cabin
Fast cruising speeds
Comfortable for longer distances

Helicopters

For the ultimate luxury experience
Access truly remote areas
Ideal for photography
Offers thrilling scenic flights

Helicopters can land on private lodges, mountaintops, riverbeds, and off-grid areas inaccessible to other aircraft.

How Much Does It Cost to Charter Flights Between Parks?

Prices vary based on aircraft type, route, number of passengers, and season. On average:

Short Routes (30–60 minutes)

USD 1,500–2,500 per aircraft
(Mara → Amboseli, Laikipia → Samburu)

Medium Routes (1–2 hours)

USD 2,500–4,500 per aircraft
(Mara → Samburu, Laikipia → Mara, Amboseli → Coast)

Long Routes (2–3 hours)

USD 4,500–7,000 per aircraft
(Chyulu Hills → Lamu, Turkana → Nairobi)

Helicopter Charters

USD 2,000–4,500 per flight hour

When traveling with 4–10 people, charter flights often become more cost-effective than scheduled flights—especially when factoring in luggage allowances.

Luggage and Weight Restrictions

Safari aircraft have strict weight limits due to short airstrips and high altitudes. Soft bags are required. Most charters allow:

15–20 kg per passenger
Small personal bag (5 kg)

Charters may offer increased luggage allowance if requested in advance.

Safety Standards for Charter Flights in Kenya

Kenya’s aviation sector is highly regulated. Charter operators must adhere to strict safety protocols, ensuring:

Experienced, licensed pilots
Regular aircraft maintenance
Pre-flight briefings
Weather assessments
Emergency procedures

Operators like Air Kenya, SafariLink charters, Tropic Air, and Boskovic Air maintain strong safety records.

When Should You Consider Chartering a Flight?

You should consider a charter if you:

Value your time and want to maximize wildlife viewing
Are traveling in a group or family
Are combining multiple parks in one itinerary
Want private, uninterrupted travel
Are carrying heavy photography gear
Seek remote, exclusive destinations
Prefer flexibility over fixed airline schedules
Want the comfort and luxury of private air travel

Charter flights are especially useful for high-end safaris, multi-park journeys, and bespoke itineraries.

Advantages of Charter Flights for Luxury Safari Travelers

Traveling by private aircraft enhances every part of your safari:

No waiting in airport queues
No need to route through Nairobi between parks
Total control over your schedule
Direct flights to exclusive conservancies
Opportunity for scenic detours (like flying over Lake Turkana or Mount Kenya)
Extra luggage allowance for photographers
Ability to land closer to remote lodges

Luxury safari travelers appreciate the seamlessness, comfort, and exclusivity that charters provide.

Tips to Make the Most of Charter Flights

Book early during peak season
Use soft-sided duffel bags
Request windows for every passenger
Plan scenic routes with your pilot
Carry essentials in your personal bag
Avoid last-minute changes (which can incur fees)
Consult your safari planner for route optimization

With good planning, charter flights elevate your entire safari experience.

Why Charter Flights Enhance the Entire Safari Journey

Charters create a smoother, more relaxing safari. Instead of tired, bumpy road transfers, you glide over Kenya’s wonders with excitement and awe. Every moment becomes part of the journey—not just transportation. The landscapes, wildlife sightings from above, intimate privacy, and time saved all contribute to an elevated, luxurious, and unforgettable safari experience.

Book Your Charter-Enabled Safari with Experiya Tour Company

If you want to combine Kenya’s national parks using seamless private charter flights, book your safari with Experiya Tour Company. Their expert team can arrange customized flight routes, exclusive air transfers, multi-park itineraries, high-end safari camps, helicopter experiences, and all logistics necessary for a smooth adventure. With Experiya, you can enjoy the freedom, flexibility, and comfort of charter flights paired with world-class safari planning and personalized service.