Best Domestic Flights for Safari Connections in East Africa

When planning a safari in countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, or Rwanda, using domestic flights is a smart and time-saving way to travel between distant national parks and safari destinations. Many safari regions are far apart, and road travel—while scenic—can be long, tiring, and bumpy. Domestic flights (often on small bush planes) offer quicker connections, more comfort, and aerial views of the stunning landscapes below. Here’s a guide to the best domestic flights for safari-goers:

1. Tanzania: Key Domestic Safari Flights

Tanzania’s parks are vast and spread out, making flights especially valuable.

Airlines: Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, Flightlink, Regional Air, Safari Air Link
Popular Routes:
- Arusha / Kilimanjaro → Serengeti (Seronera, Kogatende, or Grumeti)
- Arusha → Manyara / Ngorongoro
- Dar es Salaam → Selous (Nyerere NP) / Ruaha / Mikumi
- Zanzibar → Serengeti / Arusha / Ruaha
These flights often use small airstrips inside or near the parks, minimizing transfer time.

2. Kenya: Safari Link and Scenic Air Transfers

Kenya has well-developed domestic safari flights connecting Nairobi to major reserves.

Airlines: Safarilink, Airkenya, Fly SAX, Mombasa Air Safari
Popular Routes:
- Nairobi (Wilson Airport) → Masai Mara
- Nairobi → Amboseli / Samburu / Lewa Downs
- Masai Mara → Diani / Mombasa / Lamu (beach connections)
- Nairobi → Nanyuki / Laikipia
Flights are frequent and ideal for combining wildlife and beach holidays.

3. Uganda: Connecting Parks and Gorilla Treks

Domestic flights reduce travel time significantly in hilly Uganda.

Airlines: Aerolink Uganda, Bar Aviation
Popular Routes:
- Entebbe → Kihihi (for Bwindi Gorilla Trekking)
- Entebbe → Kasese (for Queen Elizabeth National Park)
- Entebbe → Pakuba (for Murchison Falls NP)
- Bwindi → Queen Elizabeth / Murchison Falls (park-to-park hops)

4. Rwanda: Small but Flight-Ready

Rwanda is compact, and most attractions are reachable by road, but helicopter transfers offer luxury options.

Options: Akagera Aviation offers scenic helicopter flights.
Useful Routes:
- Kigali → Volcanoes National Park
- Kigali → Akagera National Park
- Private charters to Nyungwe Forest or Lake Kivu

Tips for Booking Domestic Safari Flights

Luggage limits are strict—typically 15 kg (33 lbs) in soft-sided bags due to aircraft size.
Book early, especially in high season (June–October, December–February).
Check park fees and airstrip transfers—some remote strips include vehicle pick-up or a park fee.
Combine flights with your safari operator for a seamless itinerary.
Early morning flights are ideal for maximizing safari time and avoiding afternoon storms.

Domestic flights are more than just transport—they are part of the safari adventure. Soaring over herds of animals, volcanic craters, or endless savannahs offers a breathtaking perspective that enhances your journey through East Africa’s wild and beautiful landscapes.