A flying safari to Tsavo East or Tsavo West National Park offers an unforgettable and time-efficient way to explore the vast landscapes, abundant wildlife, and diverse ecosystems of Kenya’s premier conservation areas. The convenience of flying allows safari-goers to avoid long road journeys and immediately immerse themselves in the beauty of these iconic parks. With the option to travel by air from Nairobi, Mombasa, or other nearby airstrips, flying safaris have become increasingly popular for both local and international visitors. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of planning a flying safari to Tsavo East or Tsavo West, covering the key elements to ensure a smooth, memorable experience.
1. Why Choose a Flying Safari to Tsavo East or Tsavo West?
Flying into Tsavo East or Tsavo West offers several advantages for visitors:
- Time-Saving: With direct flights from Nairobi or Mombasa to Tsavo’s airstrips, you can cut down on long road transfers, giving you more time to enjoy game drives, nature walks, and other safari activities.
- Scenic Aerial Views: Flying over the park offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the savannah plains, mountain ranges, volcanic hills, and wildlife corridors. The aerial perspective provides a unique experience and fantastic photo opportunities.
- Access to Remote Areas: Flying allows you to reach more remote parts of Tsavo East and Tsavo West that may be less accessible by road, ensuring a more exclusive safari experience.
- Comfort and Convenience: Charter flights are often less tiring than long road trips, especially for those on tight schedules or with limited time.
2. Choosing the Best Airstrip for Your Safari
Both Tsavo East and Tsavo West are served by several airstrips, each strategically located near popular lodges and game viewing areas. The choice of airstrip largely depends on the areas of the park you wish to visit and the lodge or camp you plan to stay at.
Tsavo East Airstrips:
1. Voi Airstrip
- Location: Located near Voi Town, this is the most commonly used airstrip for accessing Tsavo East.
- Distance to Tsavo East: Approximately 12 km from the Voi Gate entrance.
- Lodges and Camps Served:
- Voi Safari Lodge: A popular mid-range lodge with great views over Tsavo East and a fantastic base for game drives.
- Satao Camp: A luxury tented camp offering an intimate safari experience, located near the Voi Gate.
- Voi Wildlife Lodge: Situated near the airstrip, this lodge offers game drives and a view of the park’s wildlife.
- Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary: Guests staying in this private sanctuary can also use Voi Airstrip for access.
2. Mudanda Airstrip
- Location: Located near Mudanda Rock in Tsavo East, it provides access to quieter and more remote areas of the park.
- Distance to Tsavo East: Approximately 10 km from the Mudanda Rock area.
- Lodges and Camps Served:
- Satao Elerai Camp: Located near Mudanda Rock, this eco-friendly camp provides a serene atmosphere for guests.
- Mudanda Rock Camp: A more intimate and private option for those exploring Mudanda Rock and surrounding areas.
3. Aruba Airstrip
- Location: Situated near Aruba Dam, one of the prime wildlife viewing spots in Tsavo East.
- Distance to Tsavo East: About 5 km from Aruba Dam.
- Lodges and Camps Served:
- Aruba Lodge: A budget-friendly lodge located near Aruba Dam, known for its excellent elephant sightings.
- Satao Camp: Offering a luxury safari experience, this camp is situated in a prime wildlife area near the Aruba Dam.
4. Sala Gate Airstrip
- Location: Situated near the Sala Gate entrance to Tsavo East, this is a smaller, more exclusive airstrip.
- Distance to Tsavo East: Close to Sala Gate, providing access to the southern part of the park.
- Lodges and Camps Served:
- Sala’s Camp: A private luxury tented camp offering exclusive safari experiences near Sala Gate.
- Lumo Wildlife Sanctuary: A nearby sanctuary offering game viewing in a more exclusive setting. Visitors can use Sala Gate Airstrip to access this sanctuary.
Tsavo West Airstrips:
1. Kilaguni Airstrip
- Location: Located near the Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge, this is the main airstrip serving Tsavo West.
- Distance to Tsavo West: Approximately 15 km from Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge and Mzima Springs.
- Lodges and Camps Served:
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge: A mid-luxury lodge offering spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Mzima Springs.
- Finch Hattons Luxury Tented Camp: A high-end eco-luxury tented camp with a focus on sustainability and great game viewing.
- Ngulia Safari Lodge: Located close to the Ngulia Rhino Sanctuary, this lodge offers a great base for rhino tracking and wildlife viewing.
2. Ziwani Airstrip
- Location: Situated near Ziwani Lodge, this airstrip serves the northern part of Tsavo West.
- Distance to Tsavo West: Approximately 10 km from Ziwani Lodge.
- Lodges and Camps Served:
- Ziwani Lodge: A secluded luxury lodge located in the northern part of Tsavo West, known for its peaceful setting and private game drives.
- Maji Moto Tented Camp: This camp offers an intimate safari experience with access to private game drives in the northern Tsavo West region.
3. Chyulu Hills Airstrip
- Location: Located near Chyulu Hills, offering access to this famous volcanic landscape and panoramic views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Distance to Tsavo West: About 25 km from the Chyulu Hills area.
- Lodges and Camps Served:
- Ol Donyo Lodge: A luxurious lodge with a focus on eco-tourism, located in the Chyulu Hills with magnificent views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Chyulu Hills Camp: A smaller, intimate eco-lodge located in the Chyulu Hills, offering a more private and exclusive safari experience.
4. Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary Airstrip
- Location: This airstrip is located on the borders of Tsavo West and Taita Hills, a private wildlife sanctuary.
- Distance to Tsavo West: About 30 km from Tsavo West, depending on where in the park you are headed.
- Lodges and Camps Served:
- Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge: A luxury lodge located at the edge of Taita Hills Wildlife Sanctuary, providing easy access to both Tsavo West and the sanctuary.
- Taita Hills Safari Camp: A more affordable option located near the Taita Hills, offering basic but comfortable accommodations.
3. Booking a Flight for Your Flying Safari
The first step in planning your flying safari is booking a flight to the Tsavo East or Tsavo West airstrips. Charter flights are the most common option for safari-goers, and you can book them through a Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS)-approved operator or tour companies that offer safari packages.
Booking Process:
- Choose Your Departure Point:
- Nairobi: Flights from Wilson Airport in Nairobi to Tsavo East or Tsavo West typically take between 45 minutes to 1 hour. Charter flights from Nairobi offer flexibility in terms of schedules.
- Mombasa: Flights from Mombasa Moi International Airport to Tsavo East or Tsavo West are relatively short and convenient, taking around 30 minutes.
- Flight Times: Most flights operate in the morning or afternoon, depending on availability and the safari operator. Early morning flights give you more time for game drives after landing.
- Flight Duration: Depending on your departure point, the flight to Tsavo takes between 30 minutes to 1 hour.
- Lodging Transfers: Flights often include transfers from the airstrip to your lodge or camp, ensuring a seamless journey from the air to your accommodation.
4. Accommodation Options for Flying Safari Visitors
Once you land at the chosen airstrip, you’ll need to arrange for accommodations. Both Tsavo East and Tsavo West offer a variety of luxury lodges, tent camps, and budget options to suit all preferences.
Tsavo East Accommodation Options:
- Voi Safari Lodge – A popular mid-range lodge located near Voi Airstrip, offering great game viewing opportunities and views over the Tsavo plains.
- Satao Camp – A luxury tented camp situated near Mudanda Rock in Tsavo East, ideal for those seeking an intimate and immersive safari experience.
- Aruba Lodge – A more budget-friendly option located near Aruba Dam, offering comfortable accommodations with direct access to wildlife viewing areas.
Tsavo West Accommodation Options:
- Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge – Located near Kilaguni Airstrip, this lodge offers luxury with spectacular views of Mount Kilimanjaro and Tsavo West’s stunning landscapes.
- Ol Donyo Lodge – A luxury lodge in the Chyulu Hills, offering a more exclusive and intimate safari experience with stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Sarova Taita Hills Game Lodge – Situated near the Taita Hills Airstrip, this lodge provides luxury accommodations with access to both Tsavo West and the Taita Hills Sanctuary.
5. Safari Activities to Expect
When planning a flying safari to Tsavo East or Tsavo West, there are a wide variety of activities to enjoy during your stay. Here are some popular safari activities that can be organized once you arrive at the park:
Game Drives:
- Morning and Afternoon Game Drives: The main activity on a flying safari, game drives in Tsavo East and Tsavo West allow you to see an array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, and more.
- Full-Day Game Drives: Depending on your safari package, you may be able to take a full-day game drive, which allows for deeper exploration of the park’s wildlife and landscapes.
Walking Safaris:
- Guided walking safaris with professional rangers and local Maasai guides are available in certain areas of the park, offering a more intimate experience with nature.
Hot Air Balloon Safari:
- Hot air balloon safaris are available for those seeking a unique aerial perspective of Tsavo West and Tsavo East. These usually take place early in the morning and include a champagne breakfast after landing.
Cultural Experiences:
- Some tours also include visits to local Maasai villages, where you can learn about the culture, traditions, and way of life of the Maasai people who inhabit the region.
6. Important Tips for Planning Your Flying Safari
- Book in Advance: Due to the popularity of flying safaris, especially during peak tourist seasons (July-October), it is advisable to book flights and accommodations well in advance to secure your preferred dates.
- Luggage Restrictions: There are often weight limits for luggage on small charter flights. Ensure you check with your safari operator regarding the weight restrictions to avoid excess baggage fees.
- Weather Considerations: Flying safaris are subject to weather conditions. While flights are generally reliable, rainy season (from March to May) may affect flight schedules, so always check the forecast and be flexible with your plans.
- Pack Appropriately: For a flying safari, pack lightweight clothing suitable for both daytime heat and evening chills, as well as sunscreen, hats, and insect repellent.
7. Conclusion
A flying safari to Tsavo East or Tsavo West is one of the most exciting and convenient ways to experience Kenya’s incredible wildlife. With short flights, stunning aerial views, and quick access to key areas within the park, flying into Tsavo allows you to maximize your safari experience and dive straight into adventure. From luxury lodges to community-based camps, there are accommodation options for every type of traveler. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to planning the perfect flying safari to Tsavo East or Tsavo West, ensuring an unforgettable experience in one of Kenya’s most beautiful and diverse parks.