Traveling Between Parks: Flights vs Driving (Tanzania Focus, Applicable to Kenya)

Traveling Between Parks: Flights vs Driving (Tanzania Focus, Applicable to Kenya)

When planning a Tanzania safari (or a Kenyan one), the logistics of traveling between national parks and reserves is a crucial consideration. You generally have two main options: flying or driving. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Flights (Small Aircraft):

Pros:

  • Saves Time: Dramatically reduces travel time between distant parks, allowing you to see more in a shorter period.
  • Comfort: Offers a more comfortable and less tiring journey, especially over long distances or rough terrain.
  • Scenic Views: Provides breathtaking aerial perspectives of the landscapes and sometimes even wildlife.
  • Access to Remote Areas: Many remote parks and camps are primarily accessed by air.
  • Reduces Dust and Bumps: Avoids the often dusty and bumpy roads of overland travel.

Cons:

  • More Expensive: Flying is generally significantly more expensive than driving.
  • Limited Luggage Allowance: Small aircraft often have strict luggage weight and size restrictions.
  • Less Opportunity for Spontaneous Sightings: You miss the chance to spot wildlife en route between parks.
  • Weather Dependent: Flights can be delayed or canceled due to adverse weather conditions.
  • Less Immersion in the Landscape: You don’t experience the gradual transition between different environments.

Driving (Safari Vehicles):

Pros:

  • More Affordable: Driving is typically a more budget-friendly option.
  • Flexibility: Allows for spontaneous stops for wildlife sightings, scenic viewpoints, and cultural encounters along the way.
  • Immersive Experience: Provides a deeper connection with the landscape and the journey itself.
  • More Luggage Capacity: Safari vehicles generally have more space for luggage.
  • Can Be Part of the Adventure: The overland journey can be an exciting part of the safari experience.

Cons:

  • Time-Consuming: Driving between parks can take many hours, sometimes entire days, especially over long distances or poor road conditions.
  • Can Be Uncomfortable: Rough roads can lead to bumpy and tiring journeys.
  • Dust and Heat: Overland travel can be dusty and hot.
  • Potential for Vehicle Issues: Breakdowns can occur in remote areas.
  • Limited to Accessible Parks: Some remote parks are not easily reachable by road.

Factors to Consider When Choosing:

  • Your Budget: Flights will significantly increase the overall cost of your safari.
  • Your Time: If you have limited time, flying allows you to maximize your time spent on game drives.
  • Your Comfort Level: Consider your tolerance for long, bumpy drives.
  • Your Desire for Scenic Views (Both Ground and Air): Both options offer unique perspectives.
  • The Distance Between Parks: For very long distances, flying is often the most practical choice.
  • The Remoteness of the Parks: Some remote parks necessitate flying.
  • Your Interest in Overland Exploration: If you enjoy the journey as much as the destination, driving might be preferable.

Common Combinations:

Many safari itineraries combine both flying and driving. You might fly to reach a remote area quickly and then use a safari vehicle for game drives within the park and shorter transfers to nearby locations.

Traveling from Uganda: To reach Tanzanian parks, you would likely fly from Entebbe (EBB) to Arusha (ARK) or Kilimanjaro (JRO) and then either take onward domestic flights to different parks or begin your driving safari from there. Driving directly from Uganda to some Tanzanian parks is possible but can be very long and arduous.