Can I fly between East African parks directly?

By -

Can I Fly Between East African Parks Directly?

When planning an East African safari, one of the most common questions travelers ask is whether they can fly directly between national parks rather than spending long hours on the road. The good news is yes — East Africa offers a well-developed network of scheduled and charter flights that connect its top wildlife destinations across Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda. These flights are a game-changer for travelers who want to maximize their time in the wild and minimize time spent on bumpy roads.

Flying between parks not only saves time but also offers a breathtaking aerial perspective of Africa’s landscapes — from snow-capped mountains and volcanic craters to shimmering lakes and endless savannahs dotted with wildlife. In this detailed guide, we explore how travelers can fly between East Africa’s national parks, which airlines operate these routes, how much to budget, and the best itineraries for a seamless flying safari.

Why Choose to Fly Between East African Parks?

East Africa’s national parks are spread across vast distances, and while overland drives offer rich cultural experiences and scenic stops, they can be time-consuming. For example, driving from Entebbe to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest can take up to nine hours, while a flight takes just one hour. Similarly, a drive from Nairobi to the Maasai Mara is about five to six hours, but flying there takes only 45 minutes.

Choosing to fly between parks means you spend less time traveling and more time on game drives, gorilla treks, and relaxation. It’s also ideal for luxury travelers, photographers, and families seeking comfort and efficiency. The network of small regional airlines and charter operators makes it entirely possible to design a fly-in safari that connects multiple parks and even multiple countries.

Regional Air Networks in East Africa

Several regional airlines and charter companies specialize in connecting the parks within and between East African countries. Some of the most reliable and well-established include:

1. AirKenya – A leading operator with scheduled flights linking Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to Maasai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, and also offering cross-border flights to Entebbe and Kilimanjaro.
2. SafariLink – Kenya’s safari airline, serving domestic routes and connecting to Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda through regional partnerships.
3. Coastal Aviation – Based in Tanzania, it connects key destinations like Serengeti, Ruaha, Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous), Zanzibar, and even cross-border to Maasai Mara.
4. Auric Air – Another major Tanzanian operator that provides daily flights to Serengeti, Tarangire, Manyara, and Arusha.
5. Aerolink Uganda – Specializes in domestic and regional flights within Uganda and beyond, connecting Entebbe to Bwindi, Queen Elizabeth, Kidepo, Murchison Falls, and even to Maasai Mara and Kilimanjaro through partnerships.
6. RwandAir – Rwanda’s national carrier offering international and regional flights, including routes that facilitate multi-country safaris across Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania.

These airlines work together to ensure smooth transitions across borders and between lodges, making it entirely feasible to design a seamless multi-country flying itinerary.

Flying Within Each Country

Let’s look at how direct flights operate inside each of the major East African safari destinations.

Uganda

Uganda has dramatically improved its domestic aviation network in recent years. Aerolink Uganda operates regular flights from Entebbe International Airport to several major parks, making it possible to explore the country comfortably by air.

Popular flight routes include:

  • Entebbe to Bwindi (Kihihi or Kisoro Airstrips) for gorilla trekking.

  • Entebbe to Queen Elizabeth National Park (Mweya or Kasese Airstrip) for classic savannah safaris.

  • Entebbe to Murchison Falls (Bugungu or Pakuba Airstrip) for wildlife and the Nile’s dramatic waterfall.

  • Entebbe to Kidepo Valley (Apoka Airstrip) for remote wilderness adventures.

These flights take between 1 to 2 hours, compared to 6–10 hours by road. The convenience makes it easy to link Uganda’s diverse ecosystems — from gorillas to savannah lions — in a single itinerary.

Kenya

Kenya’s safari air network is among the most advanced in Africa. Nairobi’s Wilson Airport serves as the hub for all internal flights to the country’s major national parks and reserves.

Key routes include:

  • Nairobi (Wilson) to Maasai Mara: 45 minutes

  • Nairobi to Amboseli National Park: 40 minutes

  • Nairobi to Samburu: 1 hour 20 minutes

  • Nairobi to Tsavo or the coast (Diani, Malindi, Lamu): 1 hour

Many lodges in Maasai Mara and Samburu have private airstrips where small aircraft land directly, meaning travelers often step off the plane right into their safari vehicle. SafariLink and AirKenya both operate several daily flights to each park, making connections incredibly easy.

Tanzania

In Tanzania, the most popular flying routes connect Arusha (the safari gateway) with the major parks of the Northern Circuit.

Key routes include:

  • Arusha to Serengeti (Seronera, Grumeti, Kogatende): 1.5 hours

  • Arusha to Ngorongoro/Manyara: 45 minutes

  • Arusha to Tarangire: 40 minutes

  • Arusha to Zanzibar: 1 hour

Tanzania’s Coastal Aviation, Auric Air, and Regional Air make it possible to fly not only between these parks but also to cross into neighboring Kenya for combined Maasai Mara–Serengeti safaris.

Rwanda

Though Rwanda is smaller, it’s well connected by air. The main safari destination, Volcanoes National Park, is usually accessed by road (2.5 hours from Kigali), but flights are available to Akagera National Park and Nyungwe Forest. Charter flights with Akagera Aviation make it possible to connect these parks efficiently or even fly to Uganda’s Bwindi for gorilla trekking extensions.

Flying Between Countries: Cross-Border Safari Routes

What makes East Africa exceptional is that travelers can fly across borders directly between parks, skipping capital cities altogether. These cross-border routes are ideal for travelers combining gorilla trekking in Uganda or Rwanda with classic safaris in Kenya or Tanzania.

1. Uganda – Kenya

Aerolink Uganda and AirKenya have partnered to operate daily direct flights between Bwindi (Kihihi or Kisoro) and Maasai Mara. This means you can trek mountain gorillas in the morning and watch lions hunt on the plains by afternoon. The flight usually stops briefly at Entebbe or Kisumu for immigration before continuing to the Mara. This is one of the most efficient cross-country safari connections in Africa.

2. Rwanda – Tanzania

Travelers can easily fly from Kigali (Rwanda) to Kilimanjaro or Serengeti (Tanzania) with Coastal Aviation or RwandAir. This connection is perfect for those who trek gorillas in Volcanoes National Park and then continue to Serengeti or Ngorongoro for the Great Migration.

3. Kenya – Tanzania

Flights between Maasai Mara and Serengeti are available through chartered services or regional airlines. Travelers can fly from Keekorok or Ol Kiombo Airstrips in the Mara to Serengeti’s Kogatende Airstrip — crossing the border at Tarime/Migori. The transfer process is well-coordinated, involving short drives between the two airstrips and immigration offices.

4. Uganda – Rwanda

Although the drive between Bwindi and Volcanoes National Park is short, flights are available between Entebbe and Kigali for those who prefer air travel. This connection is useful for itineraries that begin in Uganda and end in Rwanda or vice versa.

What to Expect When Flying Between Parks

Flying safaris in East Africa typically use small aircraft seating between 9 and 15 passengers. These planes land on dirt or gravel airstrips located close to the lodges. The experience is safe and scenic — you’ll often spot herds of elephants, flamingos, and winding rivers from the sky.

Baggage weight is limited, usually 15 kg (33 lbs) per person in soft bags, so it’s best to pack light. Most lodges offer laundry services, so travelers can travel comfortably without excess luggage.

Flights are scheduled to coincide with safari activities, meaning you often arrive in time for an afternoon or evening game drive. Charter flights can also be arranged for private groups or photographers with flexible itineraries.

Costs of Flying Safaris

The cost of flying between parks depends on distance and the level of luxury desired. Domestic flights within one country typically range from USD 150 to 400 per leg, while cross-border flights can range between USD 400 and 700. Private charters start from USD 2,000 per aircraft depending on route and capacity.

While more expensive than road transfers, the convenience and time saved often make flying well worth the investment, especially for short itineraries or travelers who value comfort.

The Perfect Flying Safari Itinerary

A classic 10–12 day flying itinerary might look like this:

  • Day 1–3: Fly from Entebbe to Bwindi for gorilla trekking.

  • Day 4: Direct flight from Bwindi to Maasai Mara (Kenya).

  • Day 5–7: Game drives in Maasai Mara.

  • Day 8: Fly from Mara to Serengeti (Tanzania).

  • Day 9–11: Witness the Great Migration and explore Ngorongoro.

  • Day 12: End with a flight to Zanzibar for relaxation on the beach.

This circuit showcases the best of East Africa with minimal ground transfers, perfect for travelers seeking both diversity and efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Flying between East African parks has revolutionized the way travelers experience the region. It allows you to combine gorilla trekking in Uganda, cultural exploration in Rwanda, and big game safaris in Kenya and Tanzania — all in one smooth journey. The convenience, comfort, and scenic beauty of flying safaris make them an unforgettable part of the East African experience.

For the most seamless and expertly planned flying safari, Muhiga Safaris is your trusted partner. With deep regional expertise and strong airline partnerships, Muhiga Safaris coordinates every flight connection, lodge transfer, and park experience with precision. Whether you’re dreaming of a gorilla trek followed by the Great Migration or a cross-border luxury safari, Muhiga Safaris ensures your journey across East Africa is effortless, safe, and breathtaking.

Scroll to Top