Kenya-based private air charter and cross border flying safari specialist Scenic Air Safaris has, for 2024, introduced some enhancements to its overall safari travel experience in Africa.

“Flying between safari destinations provides a unique perspective of the diverse landscapes of Africa, allowing one to appreciate the vastness and beauty of not only the African wilderness, but its big skies and seemingly endless horizons,” says sales director Simon Penfold. “Flying privately between safari destinations is by far the most practical and, more often, the only way to get to many of the more popular, exclusive and off the beaten track safari destinations. Adding extended scenic flight options can add a breathtaking dimension to the adventure of a lifetime.”

New for the 2024 season, Scenic has introduced a selection of options that can be incorporated into any air charter, or transfer, between safari destinations. There are rules, of course, and these are always to take the scenic route; keep it simple; and to adhere to responsible tourism practices such as respect for wildlife and the environment.

Between most safari destinations there are opportunities to include short diversions to some stunning sights and otherworldly scenery. “A great example of this is the well-trodden Nairobi to Masai Mara safari flight route,” Penfold continues. “Scheduled flights go straight past it, but deviate just 10 minutes off the track and you’ll get to see the most striking colours and shapes on Lake Magadi, a shallow, alkaline lake located in the Great Rift Valley of Kenya. The lake is renowned for its unique salt formations and distinctive colours, and they create a very visually striking landscape.”

In southern Africa, diversions could take in iconic landmarks such as Victoria Falls or the Okavago Delta. “Witnessing these natural wonders from the air provides a different appreciation for their scale and grandeur,” he adds. “If our safari includes coastal regions, we would consider flying along desolate coastlines to spot whales and other marine life, the pristine palm fringed beaches or vibrant coral reefs.”