Below are the most common questions we are asked about our Flying Safari Tours. If you have a question that is not addressed in this section do not hesitate to contact Debs at info@AfricaExpeditionSupport.com.

Click on any question to read more.

General Questions about Flying Safaris

  • What are flying safaris?

    Time is precious so, instead of driving from location to location on a 4WD overland safari, we fly! Lodges and game parks on our African safari tours are well connected by air travel, meaning you spend more time enjoying your holiday rather than travelling long distances by road. This is a great option for those who have little time but want to get the most out of their time in African game parks, as well as relaxing on some of the finest beach resorts on the African coast.

    Flying safaris are also known as “fly-in safaris”.

  • What are we likely to see on game drives?

    Lots of animals - great and small. Each game drive will be different and you will see different animals. Here are just some animals you may come across while game driving on your safari. African wild dog, baboon, buffalo, bushbuck, caracal, cheetah, colobus monkeys, dik dik, eland, elephant, fish eagle, francolin, gazelle, gerenuk, giraffe, guinea fowl, hawks, hartebeest, hippo, hyena, jackal, leopard, leopard tortoise, lion, mongoose, nile crocodile, ostrich, owls, reedbuck, rhino, serval, topi, tortoise, vervet monkeys, warthog, weavers, wildebeest, zebra and zorilla to name a few.

    Typically, the best time to game drive is early in the morning and late in the afternoon when it is cooler and the animals are most active. During the day animals are still around but they are often found sleeping under the shade of a tree away from the midday sun.

    We use only qualified experienced driver-guides for your game drives. The driver-guide knows the game parks intimately, as well as the various animal behaviours. But knowing about the animals, vegetation, insects, and ecosystems is only part of their job. They are there to make sure you have the best time possible. They are entertaining and have a great sense of humour. They love their job and wildlife and their passion is clearly visible and contagious.

  • Can I custom a “tailor made” flying safari holiday to my needs?

    Of course! We can custom build a flying safari tour to suit you. You can decide the length of the safari, the attractions to visit, and the number of days at each location. Maybe you would prefer to spend a week photographing wildlife in one game park, or want to add a unique cultural experience like spending a couple of days with traditional Masai experiencing their day to day lives, or want to spend some time volunteering on a community project. The options are endless!

  • Are families welcome?

    A flying safari is a great holiday for the entire family. There are a number of lodges and safari camps who cater just for families, offering fun and educational activities for children in addition to game viewing. This means that during the day when not game viewing, the kids are taken care of, while you relax and enjoy the scenery.

  • Does Africa Expedition Support have a Responsible Tourism Policy?

    Responsible tourism is something we take very seriously at Africa Expedition Support. Having organised tours throughout Africa for over 15 years we are all too well aware of the impact both positive and negative tourism can have on a community. We go to every length to ensure all our trips are undertaken in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

    Tourism brings in vitally needed economic benefits to communities but there is a fine balance that needs to be struck so these benefits do not have detrimental effects on cultures and communities. Tourism opens opportunities for employment, professional and personal development within the countries visited.

    We support lodges, hotels and tented camps who share our philosophy; who employ local people, encourage and support professional development of their staff and offer opportunities to their families whether this be through supporting local schools, sponsoring child education, providing housing or supporting entrepreneurship and business development.

    Many lodges and tented camps we work with are also very active in conservation programmes and community driven environmental projects. We do not encourage any activity that is damaging to the environment including off roading in game parks with the exception of restricted designated areas.

    We believe all communities whether on the tourist route or not should benefit from the tourism dollar. One of the reasons we founded Napenda Solar Community, many of the families who benefit from clean solar power in their homes never meet the tourists who have contributed funds to the project.

  • What kinds of things can I buy while on safari?

    There is no shortage of things to buy in East and Southern Africa. Locally crafted handicrafts, wood carvings, stone sculptures, gem stones, unique textiles, beautiful handmade jewellery and colourful clothing are just some of the items on offer.

    In large city stores and hotels the prices are often fixed. However in the villages and markets prices are flexible and it is expected you will barter for the best price. Bartering can be a lot of fun for both you and the seller, often an offer is followed with a joke or funny statement. Don’t be scared to barter, after all if your price is too low the seller will not sell you the item – increase the price a little and it will be yours.

  • Can we visit a real African village while on safari?

    There are plenty of opportunities to meet local people and visit traditional villages. A village visit usually lasts a couple of hours and includes touring the local homes, meeting the family members and being entertained by traditional dancing.

Travel Conditions

  • Are flying safaris safe?

    At Africa Expedition Support, our number one concern is your safety. While travelling anywhere in the world involves some risk, we have policies and procedures in place to greatly reduce potential risk. We will never compromise your safety. We carefully select accommodations and transportation with the highest standards to ensure you not only have the time of your life but are as safe as possible while doing so.

    Across the world, petty theft is an issue in major towns and cities. Like anywhere in the world you need to take care of your valuables particularly when in crowded places.

    While on safari and staying in tented camps and lodges, crime is virtually unheard of. You are far removed from towns and cities. Of course, it is still advisable to make use of the in-room safes to keep your valuables secure and away from any possible temptation.

    Africa Expedition Support is based in Kenya. The owners and staff have intimate knowledge of the region and surrounding countries. As we are based and live on the African continent, we have local knowledge not found with most travel agents. We not only know the best attractions, wildlife and unique cultures, but also keep up to date on safety and security issues.

  • Is a flying safari physically demanding?

    On a scale of 1 to 10 with 1 being the least physically demanding we would rate our Kenya and Kenya Tanzania flying safaris at about a 2-3. Game driving is not physically demanding, but at times you will be driving on rough dirt tracks which can be a little uncomfortable. Some of our flying safaris do include short walking safaris, however most of these are optional.

    Our flying safaris in other parts of Africa, like Ethiopia, are a little more demanding. We would rate them at about 4-5. Again we don’t do any harsh trekking, however to visit some of the sites does require a few short-distance walks.

  • Do I need any special clothing for a flying safari?

    You do not need any special clothing for your safari tour. We recommend comfortable and casual clothing while on safari; and some appropriate attire for city hotels and restaurants.

    We recommend dressing in layers, in the mornings while on game drives it can be quite chilly, as the day goes on it warms up considerably. Long and short sleeve shirts or T shirts, shorts and trousers, a warm sweater and jacket, a rain jacket (preferably one that is light and can be rolled up nice and small!), gloves, scarf, a wide brim hat, sunscreen, good walking shoes or boots and comfortable sandals or flip flops.

    It is best to pack light earthy coloured clothing and avoid dark (black and blue) or very bright. Dark clothing attracts insects and very bright colours (pink and yellow) can startle wildlife!

  • When is the best time to safari holiday in East Africa?

    Anytime is a great time to holiday in East Africa. Our climate is mild and there is outstanding game viewing all year round. The most popular time to visit is during the wildebeest migration (June to September) however, if you prefer to avoid the crowds and pay a little less, then other months of the year are just as rewarding.

  • What is the climate in East Africa?

    East Africa is lucky enough to be on the equator so the temperatures are fairly constant all year round. The coastal regions are typical tropical weather with warm days and nights. The internal regions are mostly at high altitude, so the days are lovely, sunny and warm and the nights cool.

    As East Africa is on the equator we don’t have 4 seasons. It’s rather dry for most of the year with rains historically coming in April/May and November/December.

  • What type of accommodation do we stay in for flying safaris?

    Most accommodation on our fixed itineraries are 4-5 star hotels, lodges and safari camps. We do not compromise on luxury and offer a variety of accommodation to suit everyone.

    We have handpicked a selection of small- to medium-sized hotels, lodges and safari camps that pride themselves on offering international standards with a truly African flavour. These unique places offer more than just a bed for the night: they immerse you in African culture, décor and hospitality.

  • Are there laundry facilities?

    Yes, there are laundry facilities available at all hotels, lodges and tented camps. Some places offer this as a complimentary service while others charge a small fee. In some places undergarments are not accepted so best to bring a small pack of travel laundry powder/liquid for handwashing smalls.

  • Is English commonly spoken?

    English is widely spoken across East and Southern Africa. Newspapers and television programs are in English and indigenous languages.

  • Are there electricity and charging facilities?

    Yes, there is electricity. In cities and large towns there is mains electricity, while in lodges and tented camps in game parks, electricity is supplied through solar power with batteries and a backup generator. Most lodges and safari camps will run the generator at certain times of the day and evening while guests are in camp and partaking in activities.

    Electricity is 220/240 volts and in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia) the power plugs are English 3 pin. In Namibia, Botswana and South Africa the electricity is 220/240 volts and the power plugs are South African 3 pin. In Egypt and Ethiopia the electricity is 220/240 volts and the power plugs are standard European 2 pin.

    At all hotels, lodges and tented camps you will be able to recharge electrical items either in your room or in the main area.

    Power blackouts in cities and towns can occur so it is best to recharge camera batteries, mobile phones, computers, ipads and other electrical items whenever the opportunity arises.

    Make sure you pack the correct adaptors and for those travelling from the USA a converter to switch from 110 to 220 volts.

  • Is there WiFi while on safari?

    Much has changed over the past few years and more and more lodges, tented camps and hotels offer WiFi. In cities and major towns WiFi is standard in hotels for a fee; most lodges and tented camps also offer WiFi depending on their location; some offer this service for free while others charge.

  • Do cell phones work?

    Surprisingly cell phones work much better than in most of the Western world. Through most parts of Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Malawi and Zambia the cell phone is the most accessible and common means of communication and there is coverage over most of these countries – cities and rural. Botswana, Namibia and South Africa cell phone coverage is good with the exception of rural and remote areas.

    The most cost effective means of using your cell phone is by purchasing a local sim card (for as little at USD$2), then top up credit for phone and internet using scratch cards. International roaming is also an option, although a little more expensive, it is may be more convenient.

  • Does Africa have western toilets?

    Yes, western toilets are common in private homes, service stations, shopping malls, restaurants, cafes, hotels, lodges and tented camps.

Meals, Allergies and Heath Precautions

  • What about the food?

    Food is very important on every one of our guided safaris! The lodges, camps and hotels we choose are well known for their international and local cuisine. Meals are prepared by qualified chefs who pride themselves on offering their guests exquisite meals. Meals are varied and portions generous so there is always a variety and plenty of it.

    Dietary requirements including vegetarian, food allergies and intolerances can all be catered for. As lodges, camps and hotels make food fresh it is not a problem to cater for special diets.

  • I have food intolerances. Will there be meals I can eat?

    Yes, most certainly. If you have intolerances or allergies to food then please inform the Africa Expedition Support office so we can work closely with the chefs at the lodges, tented camps, and hotels where you are staying to ensure all your meals are prepared appropriately.

  • I have medicine that needs to be refrigerated. Is this a problem?

    Refrigeration can be arranged for medications even in remote lodges and tented camps however we recommend you bring along a Frio cooling packet or similar to ensure your medication does not get too warm throughout the day. Let Africa Expedition Support know at time of booking you need refrigeration at lodges, tented camps and hotels for medications.

    For those needing to keep insulin cool you may want to consider one of these Frio products. http://www.lifesolutionsplus.com/diabetic-accessories-c-36.html

Insurance, Travel Documents, and Planning

  • Are there set departure dates?

    No. You travel when you want to. There are no fixed dates or departure dates. It is all about when you want to have your safari holiday.

  • What travel documents do I require for a flying safari and do I need to get visas in advance?

    In order to travel on our safari tours, you need to be in possession of a passport that is valid for 6 months after the date of completing your safari. Depending on how many countries you will be travelling you will need between 4 to 12 blank pages for visas and immigration stamps.

    Your nationality will determine whether you need visas for each country, whether you can obtain these at the point of entry or whether you need to get visas in advance.

    Visa information can change without notice. It is best to contact Debs info@africaexpeditionsupport.com for the most up to date visa information.

    EU, Australian, New Zealand, USA, Canadian and British passport holders can obtain visas for most countries upon arrival at the point of entry, with the exception of Kenya, which now requires visas to be preapproved online.

  • Do I need specific vaccinations?

    Vaccination requirements vary from country to country, most countries require Yellow Fever vaccination and we recommend taking anti malaria medication. You travel doctor will be able to advise you on which vaccinations are recommended for the areas you will be travelling.

  • How do I book one of your flying safari tours?

    Complete our contact form or email Debs info@africaexpeditionsupport.com with the type of flying safari you would like and we will take it from there. Simple. You can choose from fixed itineraries or build your own flying safari.

    We live and breathe Africa. We are based on the African continent and are therefore in the best position to provide you with the best safari options possible.

  • How far in advance should I book a flying safari?

    As a general rule the further in advance you book your safari the better. Lodges, tented camps and hotels are often small and exclusive therefore space is limited and fill up fast particularly for safaris during peak seasons (June to October and over Christmas/New Year).

    As a rule of thumb booking a safari at least 12 months in advance is highly recommended particularly during peak seasons. However if you can be flexible with your travel dates then 3-6 months in advance is recommended.

  • Do I need travel insurance?


    Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory on all Africa Expedition Support trips. Travel can be unpredictable and you never know what may happen. Health care across Africa is not free and the best health care is very expensive; albeit private health care is of international standards.

    Your travel insurance should provide cover for personal accident, medical expenses, death, emergency repatriation, personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.

  • What international airlines fly to East and Southern Africa?

    There are several major international airlines flying to East and Southern Africa several times a week including British Airways, Delta, KLM, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, Qatar, South African Airways, Qantas, Swiss Air, Air France and Kenya Airways.

  • I am travelling alone. Is this a problem?

    Lone travellers are welcome, and as we stay at smaller hotels, lodges and tented camps it is very easy to meet other travellers and enjoy a sundowner and meal so you are not alone for your safari tour.

    Some lodges, hotels and tented camps base their rates on 2 people sharing so there may be a single supplement charge.

Costs and Payment

  • Can we add extra days to our flying safari trip?

    Yes. You can. Every safari trip can be tailored to your requirements and areas of interest. You may want to add a few days to a 4WD game drive destination, beach time or any other place of interest.

  • What is included in the price of the safari?

    On our flying safaris, we try to include as much as possible. Flights, park fees, game drives, most meals, activities (as stated on each itinerary) and transfers are all included in the price. Our itineraries are flexible, and so is what we can include in your costs: if you want a holiday where the price covers everything including your drinks and snacks, then we can make this happen.

  • What is not included in the price?

    International flights from home, to and from the start and finish locations, visas, some meals, drinks and snacks (except where stated on the individual itinerary) are not included.

  • Why does the price change depending on the time of year?

    Like most holiday destinations there are peak seasons and low seasons. During peak seasons (June to September and December to early January) the price does increase due to demand. Other times of the year when the demand is less, prices decrease.

    Lodges, hotels and tented camps set prices based on the time of year. From time to time, lodges, tented camps and hotels will offer special deals which we enthusiastically pass on to you.

  • Can I use credit cards to pay for purchases?

    More and more places are offering credit card facilities (visa and mastercard) however this cannot be relied on as your only source of money. In cities ATMs are mostly reliable however once away from the major cities ATMs are far and few between. Credit cards are accepted at major supermarkets, restaurants, shopping centres and hotels in cities.

    Some lodges will accept credit card for payment of extras however this cannot be relied upon.

    We recommend bringing at least half your spending money in USD$ cash.

Community Service

  • I would like to incorporate some volunteer work in my holiday, is this something you can assist with?

    Incorporating volunteer work into a holiday is becoming increasingly popular. Visitors nowadays want to experience more than just African wildlife. Volunteering can be a personally enriching experience and offer a unique insight into the lives of locals. Many of our charter tours for school groups include opportunities to get involved.

    Africa Expedition Support offers visitors the opportunity to be involved in Napenda Solar Community a solar power project aiming at connecting poor rural households to clean affordable electricity. By participating in this project you not only get to work side by side with poor rural communities but you also gain knowledge and skills in solar power and alternative energies. There are a number of ways to be involved from assisting in building and installing solar power systems to administration and evaluation activities. For more information see www.africaexpeditionsupport.com/napenda-solar-community

    In addition to Napenda Solar Community we also can arrange a variety volunteer placements ranging from teaching in schools, caring for kids at orphanages, and working on community agricultural projects throughout East Africa.