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Namibia Fly-in Safaris

4.6/5  –  258 Namibia Reviews

Namibia is a big, beautiful country, and there’s no better way to get around than by flying into your first destination, then flying between the rest. The decision of whether to fly is about both the convenience of your trip and how best to enjoy it. Flying saves travel time compared to getting around by road, which leaves more time for experiencing the places you came so far to see. A fly-in safari also enables you to enjoy Namibia’s amazing scenery from above, with one incredible view unfolding after another. Yes, a fly-in safari can be expensive. But it will be an experience of a lifetime.

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1-20 of 37 fly-in safaris to Namibia

7 Questions About Namibia Fly-in Safaris

 
 

7 Questions About Namibia Fly-in Safaris

Answered by Anthony Ham

Are fly-in tours recommended in Namibia?

“Fly-in safaris are among the best ways to explore Namibia. This is a very big country, with long distances between many of the attractions. To make the most of your holiday time, flying allows you to minimize the time you spend getting between places and maximize how long you spend in each destination itself. It also allows you to enjoy fabulous views of the country as you travel around. Another advantage of a Namibia fly-in safari is that it can take you to places that you couldn’t otherwise reach. Some tented camps, protected areas and remote landscapes (especially in the country’s north and northwest) cannot be reached by road. By flying into a remote airstrip, you’re able to add experiences that very few travelers get to enjoy.”

1

Do I need to charter a plane on a fly-in safari in Namibia?

“It’s unlikely that you will need to charter your own plane, as flying arrangements are usually taken care of by your tour operator or the accommodations where you’re staying. Although the planes are small, they often carry travelers and safari workers between accommodations and towns, so you may share the plane journey with others. If you’re on a private Namibia fly-in safari, you may have a very small plane to yourself, but it’s highly unlikely that you will need to charter the plane yourself. You will, of course, need to pay for your seat on the plane (or perhaps the whole plane for a private safari). These prices are included in the quoted price for most safari packages, especially for fly-in safaris, but always ask what’s included in any quote.”

2

What are the luggage restrictions on a fly-in trip in Namibia?

“Most internal or charter flights in Namibia are on very small planes and most of these impose strict limits on how much luggage you can bring. It can vary from one air company to the next, but on most such flights you won’t be allowed to take more than one suitcase or backpack of 15kg/33lb, plus one piece of carry-on baggage. These restrictions catch out many travelers who arrive in Namibia on international airlines that allow checked-in baggage to weigh at least 20kg/44lb, and sometimes even up to 30kg/66lb. If you arrive in the country with a suitcase weighing more than 15kg/33lb, your tour operator will be able to arrange for some of your luggage to be stored. However, if your entire time in Namibia is part of a fly-in safari, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to carry any of the overweight items with you anywhere. In this case, you’re better off traveling light in the first place.”

3

Are the small aircraft used in Namibia safe and reliable?

“Safaris involving flights in Namibia are overwhelmingly safe. Most companies operating fly-in safaris have good safety records. Many of the pilots who’ll fly you around have decades of experience, and the planes are modern and well maintained. Tourism is a major income earner for Namibia, and everyone in the industry understands the importance of maintaining the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s safest destinations. For that reason alone, ensuring that your safari is low-risk is taken very seriously. While no form of travel can ever be guaranteed to be completely safe, getting around by plane is both reliable and wonderfully scenic.”

4

Can I take photos from the air on a fly-in trip?

“Yes, you can, and the results are often magnificent. When boarding the aircraft for your trip, make sure that you have your camera or phone in your hand. There’s nothing worse than discovering that it’s in the suitcase at the back of the plane at a time when you can’t take off your seatbelt and get up from your seat. Most flights on small planes in Namibia do not have allocated seats. You usually take the best available seat when you board. Before getting on the plane, ask the pilot which side of the aircraft will have the best views as you fly and try to get a window seat. It may not make any difference (the views may be just as good on both sides), but it might. Try to avoid sitting right above the wing, as this can obstruct your view. Remember also that plane windows cannot be opened, so avoid any particularly dirty windows if possible!”

5

What is the typical cost of a fly-in safari in Namibia?

“Fly-in safaris can be costly. Flying is easily the most expensive way to get around, and if you take a number of flights on your trip and stay in luxury accommodations, the costs quickly add up. Prices for fly-in safari packages can also vary depending on how many days you’ll be spending on the ground between flights, the length of your safari, and whether you’re on a private or group safari. Even if you’re on a private fly-in safari, you may share an aircraft with other travelers as you move between destinations. Given these variables, any attempt at estimating the cost can never be truly accurate. As a starting point, expect to pay a minimum of US$500 per person per day for your Namibia fly-in safari. However, most such trips cost closer to US$1,000 per person per day, and even more if you’re on a private safari and have the plane just for you.”

6

Can I combine flying and driving between destinations?

“Most safari tour operators will happily arrange a mixture of flying and driving between destinations. It’s a good way to travel. It will significantly reduce the cost when compared to a trip where you’re only flying from one place to the next. More than that, it’s a wonderful combination that enables you to enjoy a holiday with both aerial, big-picture views and more intimate, up-close encounters with locals along the Namibian roads. Experiencing both will give you a really good understanding of the country and the places you visit. It's important that you discuss all of this with your tour operator before they provide you with a quote. Some will assume that you want all flights or all road transfers, because that is a more common occurrence. But most tour operators should be able to organize the kind of package that you want.”

7

Namibia Reviews

4.6/5 258 Reviews
Expert
Emma Gregg  –  
United Kingdom UK

Emma is an award-winning travel writer for Rough Guides, National Geographic Traveller, Travel Africa magazine and The Independent.

A place to bond with the desert and marvel at the stars
5/5

It’s rare for travellers to return from Namibia with anything other than glowing praise. I’m always impressed by the spacious drama of its desert landscapes, where oryx pick their way over towering, apricot-coloured dunes or stare out...

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Expert
Christopher Clark  –  
United Kingdom UK

Christopher is a British travel writer and has contributed to various Fodor's guidebooks and a range of travel magazines.

Sand, salt pans and stars: Southern Africa’s wild west
5/5

With the exception of the verdant Zambezi Region, most of Namibia is comprised of harsh and inhospitable desert, but I’ve always found it staggeringly beautiful. Namibia was the first place I really travelled in Africa; I’ve been back...

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JC  –  
Switzerland CH
Reviewed: Dec 11, 2024
fabulous landscapes and spaces
5/5

Secret Namibia tour was very nice. A few advices: 1. take a plaque (iron ?) in the car for sand or jack ! and 10 l of water 2. use google maps not the garmin of your car...you ll get lost 3, book your activities in advance !!! at least...

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John Halliday  –  
Australia AU
Reviewed: Nov 21, 2024
Namibia Camping Safari
5/5

The 6 day camping safari in the Namib Desert was brilliant. Excellent value for money. Organised through Chameleon Safaris. Our guide and driver Simon really made a difference. His knowledge of the environment and animals was very good, as...

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Mariana  –  
Bulgaria BG
Reviewed: Nov 18, 2024
Amazing desert colours, the night sky heavy with stars
5/5

Mighty nature that grabs you and make you feel as small as any grain of the desert sand. Amazing desert colours and velvet vibe of the sunset touching not only the eyes, but the soul too. The night sky was heavy with stars that seemed to...

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Mark  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Nov 7, 2024
Brilliant Contrasts
5/5

Our recent journey to Namibia ranked as one of our best international trips. It is a country of great contrasts and scenic beauty, especially for those who appreciate stark features of nature. Namibia is an outstanding destination for...

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