Can I Book Private Charters for My Safari?

When most people imagine an African safari, they picture dusty trails, open 4×4 vehicles, and days spent tracking wildlife across golden plains. But what if your journey could start long before you arrive at the lodge — in the skies above East Africa, soaring over vast savannahs, volcanic peaks, and shimmering lakes? That’s where private safari charters come in.

In today’s world of personalized travel, more and more adventurers are seeking exclusivity, flexibility, and comfort. A private charter offers exactly that — the freedom to design your own safari route, skip long road transfers, and travel in absolute style. Whether you’re heading to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, Tanzania’s Serengeti, Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, or the white beaches of Zanzibar, private charters transform your safari into an elegant, seamless experience.

So, can you book private charters for your safari? Absolutely — and in East Africa, it’s one of the most luxurious and rewarding ways to travel. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a private flying safari that takes your adventure to the skies.

What Is a Private Safari Charter?

A private charter is a personalized flight service that allows travelers to hire an aircraft exclusively for their safari itinerary. Instead of following fixed flight schedules or long, bumpy drives, you can fly directly to remote airstrips near your lodges and national parks.

Private charters are available in several formats — from small single-engine planes like the Cessna Caravan, perfect for short hops between parks, to larger twin-engine aircraft and even private jets for longer journeys or international connections.

The concept is simple: instead of adapting to someone else’s schedule, the journey adapts to you. It’s the ultimate expression of freedom, comfort, and exclusivity in safari travel.

Why Choose a Private Charter Safari?

A private charter isn’t just about luxury — it’s about maximizing time and minimizing hassle. Here are the key reasons why more discerning travelers are turning to charter flights for their East African safaris.

1. Seamless Travel Between Destinations

East Africa’s national parks are vast and often far apart. Traveling by road can take six to eight hours, while a private flight can cut that down to under an hour. For example, flying from Arusha to the Serengeti takes just 45 minutes instead of a full-day drive, and a flight from Entebbe to Bwindi reduces a ten-hour journey to just 90 minutes.

Private charters eliminate long road transfers and wasted travel days, allowing you to spend more time exploring and relaxing at your destination.

2. Exclusive Access to Remote Locations

Some of East Africa’s most beautiful and secluded lodges are tucked deep inside conservancies and national parks, far from major airports. With a private charter, you can land directly on private airstrips near your lodge.

This means direct access to places like Mahali Mzuri in Kenya’s Olare Motorogi Conservancy, Singita Grumeti Reserve in Tanzania, or Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge in Uganda — destinations that are almost inaccessible without air travel.

3. Privacy and Safety

A private flight ensures total privacy — no crowds, no queues, and no shared seating. You travel only with your group, whether it’s a family, couple, or group of friends.

Safety and hygiene are also paramount. Aircraft used for luxury charters are maintained to the highest international standards, and private terminals allow for contactless boarding and minimal waiting times.

4. Luxury and Comfort in the Skies

Private safari aircraft are designed for comfort, with leather seats, large viewing windows, and personalized service. Some operators even offer in-flight refreshments, champagne, and customized amenities.

As you fly, the experience itself becomes part of the adventure — spotting herds of elephants from above, tracing the path of rivers, and watching the landscape shift from savannah to forest to mountain.

5. Flexibility and Freedom

Unlike scheduled flights, private charters operate on your time. Want to leave early to catch the sunrise over Mount Kilimanjaro? Prefer to make an unscheduled stop at a remote lodge? With a private charter, the itinerary bends to your wishes.

You can plan multi-country itineraries, such as flying from Kenya to Tanzania or Uganda to Rwanda, without worrying about connecting commercial flights. It’s the epitome of travel freedom.

Where Can You Fly on Private Charters in East Africa?

East Africa’s safari circuit is designed to accommodate private air travel. Whether you’re visiting one country or several, you’ll find airstrips and charter services that make your itinerary flow effortlessly.

Kenya

Kenya’s network of private conservancies and luxury camps makes it one of the most popular destinations for charter safaris. You can fly from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Lewa Conservancy, or Laikipia in less than an hour.

Elite lodges like Angama Mara, Ol Donyo Lodge, and Cottar’s 1920s Camp all have private airstrips. Chartering a flight means you can connect these destinations seamlessly, turning your trip into a curated aerial safari.

Tanzania

In Tanzania, private charters are ideal for covering long distances between Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, and Ruaha. You can fly into remote regions like Katavi or Selous (Nyerere National Park), where commercial flights are limited.

Many luxury operators like Singita, Asilia, and Elewana have their own airstrips and can coordinate transfers directly from Arusha or Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Uganda

Uganda’s terrain of mountains, forests, and lakes makes private charters especially valuable. Instead of enduring long drives, you can fly directly from Entebbe to Bwindi, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth National Park, or Murchison Falls.

For gorilla trekking, this saves hours on the road and allows for a more relaxed and comfortable experience — ideal for luxury travelers who want to combine adventure with ease.

Rwanda

Rwanda’s compact size means shorter flights, but private charters still offer exclusivity and time savings. You can fly from Kigali to Volcanoes National Park for gorilla trekking or connect directly to Akagera National Park for a luxury big game safari.

Operators like Wilderness Safaris and Akagera Aviation provide tailored flights and scenic helicopter transfers.

Zanzibar and the Indian Ocean Islands

No luxury safari is complete without a touch of the coast, and private charters make it easy to fly from the mainland to Zanzibar, Pemba, or Mafia Island. For travelers combining bush and beach experiences, chartering a direct flight from the Serengeti or Masai Mara to the islands is both convenient and spectacular.

Types of Aircraft Used for Safari Charters

Depending on the size of your group and the distance, charter companies use different types of aircraft:

• Cessna Caravan (up to 12 passengers) – The most common safari plane, ideal for short hops between parks.

• Pilatus PC-12 – A sleek, fast, single-engine plane offering more comfort and range.

• King Air B200 – Twin-engine luxury aircraft suitable for longer flights across multiple countries.

• Private Jets (Citation, Gulfstream) – For travelers who want the ultimate in speed and sophistication, private jets can connect major hubs like Nairobi, Arusha, and Kigali to international destinations.

All aircraft are flown by experienced pilots familiar with Africa’s unique flying conditions, ensuring safety and smooth journeys.

How Much Do Private Charters Cost?

The cost of a private charter depends on several factors: distance, aircraft type, group size, and duration. Generally, prices range from $1,000 to $5,000 per leg for small planes within one country, while multi-country flights or jets can cost upwards of $10,000.

While the price tag is higher than commercial options, it’s important to remember what you gain — convenience, flexibility, time savings, and unmatched exclusivity. For families, groups, or honeymooners seeking privacy, the value far outweighs the cost.

Combining Private Charters with Luxury Lodges

The beauty of private charters is how seamlessly they integrate with luxury lodges. Many of East Africa’s top properties have their own airstrips, ensuring a direct connection between your flight and your stay.

Imagine flying straight from Arusha to Singita Sasakwa Lodge in the Serengeti, where staff greet you with a cool drink as you step off the plane. Or landing beside Bwindi Lodge, where your butler escorts you to your suite with panoramic rainforest views.

Lodges and operators like Muhiga Safaris coordinate charters to match check-in times, activities, and special requests, ensuring a perfectly synchronized experience.

The Environmental Side of Private Safaris

Many modern charter companies in East Africa are adopting sustainable aviation practices. They use efficient aircraft, carbon offset programs, and eco-friendly operations to minimize environmental impact. Some even support conservation projects that protect wildlife habitats and fund anti-poaching patrols.

Choosing eco-conscious operators ensures that your luxury travel also contributes positively to the regions you visit.

Tips for Booking a Private Safari Charter

1. Book early. Charter availability is limited during peak safari seasons (June–October and December–February).

2. Work with a trusted operator. Reputable companies like Muhiga Safaris handle logistics, flight coordination, and ground transfers.

3. Consider luggage limits. Safari aircraft often have strict weight restrictions; soft bags are preferred.

4. Plan for scenic routes. Your pilot can take you over lakes, craters, and volcanoes for unforgettable aerial views.

5. Combine bush and beach. End your safari in Zanzibar or Seychelles — a private flight makes it effortless.

Fly with Freedom: Experience East Africa with Muhiga Safaris

A private charter safari is more than a mode of transport — it’s part of the adventure itself. It turns travel into a sensory experience, where every flight offers breathtaking vistas, and every destination feels closer than ever. From the skies above the Serengeti to the misty hills of Bwindi, private flying safaris redefine luxury, convenience, and discovery.

At Muhiga Safaris, we specialize in crafting tailor-made private charter safaris across East Africa. Whether you want to track gorillas in Uganda, witness the Great Migration in Tanzania, explore Kenya’s conservancies, or unwind on Zanzibar’s beaches, we’ll design a seamless, luxurious journey that combines air and land perfectly.

Book your private charter safari with Muhiga Safaris today and experience the freedom of flying above Africa’s wild heart — where adventure meets elegance, and every horizon invites discovery.