Private Flying Safaris in Kenya

Imagine soaring above vast golden plains, gliding past herds of elephants, and landing in the middle of Africa’s most breathtaking wilderness — all aboard your own private aircraft. Private flying safaris in Kenya redefine luxury and adventure, offering an exclusive way to experience the country’s spectacular landscapes, wildlife, and lodges without the constraints of long road transfers or fixed schedules.

For travelers seeking privacy, freedom, and unparalleled access to Kenya’s most remote and beautiful places, a private flying safari is the ultimate African experience.

What Is a Private Flying Safari?

A private flying safari is a tailor-made journey across Kenya using a private light aircraft — often a Cessna Caravan or similar bush plane — that flies directly between national parks and luxury lodges. Instead of spending long hours on bumpy roads, you hop between destinations in comfort, with aerial views of the savannah, lakes, and mountains unfolding beneath you.

These safaris are completely customized to your interests — from the wildlife-rich plains of the Maasai Mara to the pink flamingo lakes of the Great Rift Valley, and the vast, untouched wilderness of Samburu and Laikipia.

Each flight is an experience in itself, offering cinematic perspectives of Kenya’s most iconic landmarks, such as Mount Kilimanjaro, Mount Kenya, and Lake Turkana.

Why Choose a Private Flying Safari in Kenya?

1. Ultimate Comfort and Convenience

Private flying safaris save you hours of travel between parks. What could be an 8-hour drive becomes a scenic 45-minute flight. This gives you more time to enjoy game drives, bush walks, and lodge experiences.

2. Exclusive Access to Remote Locations

Flying safaris open up hidden gems like Lewa Conservancy, Meru National Park, Chyulu Hills, and Loisaba, which are often inaccessible or time-consuming to reach by road. You can explore vast private conservancies where wildlife sightings are exclusive and crowds are rare.

3. Breathtaking Aerial Views

The flight itself is an unforgettable adventure. You’ll gaze down at elephant herds moving across the savannah, winding rivers cutting through red earth, and volcanic peaks piercing the clouds. For photographers, it’s a dream come true.

4. Personalized Luxury

Every flying safari is private, meaning your itinerary, aircraft, guide, and accommodations are tailored to your preferences. You can choose to land at private airstrips near luxury lodges, enjoy champagne picnics in the wild, or even combine your safari with a beach escape to Diani or Lamu.

5. Ideal for Multi-Destination Safaris

Private flying safaris make it easy to combine multiple regions — from the Maasai Mara to Amboseli, Laikipia, Tsavo, and the coast — in a single itinerary. This flexibility allows for seamless travel across Kenya’s most diverse ecosystems.

Popular Flying Safari Routes in Kenya

1. The Classic Safari Circuit

Nairobi → Amboseli → Laikipia → Maasai Mara → Nairobi
This route offers an unbeatable mix of elephant encounters in Amboseli, rhino and giraffe conservation in Laikipia, and big cat action in the Mara. It’s a perfect blend of diversity, comfort, and scenic beauty.

2. The Great Rift Valley & Northern Kenya Route

Nairobi → Samburu → Lewa Conservancy → Lake Nakuru → Maasai Mara
This circuit showcases the rugged landscapes of northern Kenya and the bird-filled lakes of the Rift Valley before ending in the world-famous Maasai Mara.

3. Safari & Coast Escape

Maasai Mara → Tsavo → Diani Beach / Lamu Island
For travelers who want to combine wildlife with relaxation, this route ends at Kenya’s stunning Indian Ocean beaches — a perfect safari-to-sea journey.

Best Time for a Private Flying Safari

Kenya is a year-round safari destination, but the best time for flying safaris depends on what you want to see:

July to October: The Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara — the most dramatic time for safari.
January to March: Warm, clear weather with fewer crowds — perfect for photography and aerial sightseeing.
November and April–June: The green season brings lush scenery, migratory birds, and lower lodge rates.

Because you’re flying privately, weather and park conditions are easily adaptable — your pilot can adjust routes to ensure smooth and scenic flights.

Accommodation on Private Flying Safaris

Private flying safaris pair perfectly with Kenya’s top luxury lodges and camps, including:

Angama Mara – Overlooking the Mara Triangle, with views that inspired Out of Africa.
Elewana Loisaba Tented Camp – In Laikipia, combining luxury with sustainability.
Tortilis Camp Amboseli – Panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Lewa Safari Camp – Famous for rhino conservation and elegant exclusivity.
Ol Donyo Lodge (Chyulu Hills) – A Relais & Châteaux property with private plunge pools and horseback safaris.

Every lodge offers private game drives, bush dining, and guided experiences that match the luxury and privacy of your flight.

Cost of a Private Flying Safari

The cost of a private flying safari in Kenya varies depending on the duration, aircraft type, and lodge category. On average:

Mid-range private flying safari: USD 700–1,000 per person per day
Luxury flying safari: USD 1,200–2,500+ per person per day

These prices typically include flights, accommodation, meals, park fees, and game drives.

While it’s a premium experience, flying safaris maximize time, comfort, and exclusivity — making them well worth the investment for discerning travelers.

Final Thoughts

A private flying safari in Kenya is more than a journey; it’s a symphony of landscapes and wildlife seen from both sky and earth. It’s for travelers who want to go beyond the ordinary — to wake up in the Maasai Mara, lunch beside elephants in Amboseli, and dine under the stars in Laikipia, all within the same day.

Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, a family adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime African dream, a flying safari offers the perfect blend of luxury, adventure, and freedom — an unforgettable way to experience Kenya’s wild heart.