Everything You Need to Know About Bush Planes on Safari

Flying by bush plane during your next safari adventure? Here’s everything you need to know about these small aircraft.

Depending on your safari itinerary, there’s a good chance you’ll need to take a flight on a bush plane. These small, often single-engine aircraft connect some of Africa’s most remote, spectacular game reserves and can be a thrilling way to travel vast distances in a short space of time.

For many, bush planes are part of the adventure. With high wings and large windows, they provide exceptional viewing of the scenery and animals en route. They can also be a little daunting, especially for nervous flyers, and their schedules are very different from the large, commercial aircraft most people are used to.

With that in mind, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide that tells you everything you need to know about taking a flight on a bush plane.

Here’s what to expect.

What is a Bush Plane?

Many bush planes are single-engine Cessna Caravans, which can accommodate 12 passengers and two pilots. Different models can seat more or fewer passengers, but they are small, micro-lite aircraft overall.

Reliable and rugged, they are designed for very short take-offs and landings. They are sturdy fixed-under-carriage aircraft ideal for landing on the ‘dirt’ airstrips common in the game parks.

Because bush planes do not fly at high altitudes, cabins are unpressurized, and some trips can be cold. Take a sweater with you and everything you’ll want for the flight (entertainment, snacks, etc.), as you won’t be able to move around once you’re airborne, and you’re hand luggage will be stored at the back of the plane (there’s no room beneath the seats on a bush plane).

What it’s Like to Fly On a Bush Plane

Due to the small plane size, the cabins are unpressurized, the fights can be loud, and any bumps or turbulence are more keenly felt.

While the spectacular views and novelty of flying this way usually outweigh these minor discomforts, nervous flyers may struggle with the experience.

If you have a strong fear of small planes or flying, it might be worth discussing alternative options with us during the planning process.

Flights Can (and Probably Will) Include Multiple Stops

Bush flights operate more like a flying shuttle than a domestic flight, with stops to pick up and drop off passengers en route to your destination. On most routes, there is a maximum of five stops, but stops can be added at short notice, too. Your pilot will inform you as and when this happens, and they will also make sure the right passengers de-plane at the right airstrip.

Stop frequency differs from country to country and even from route to route. If you’re flying a popular route, for example, the Northern Circuit in Tanzania, you may stop three or four times to pick up other passengers or refuel. In Botswana, bush plane travel is split into distinct zones, each with several airstrip stops. For example, you may be scheduled to fly from zone A to C, but there might be as many as four stops in zone A alone.

Depending on your destination, we will explain how the process works before you arrive.

Flight Schedules Can Change

Flight times may differ slightly from those written in your final documents. Not to worry; the camp manager will communicate the updated time to you the night before. As with any flight, it’s possible to encounter a delay or schedule change. Passengers need to be adaptable. Whether you’re at an airport or still in camp, staff will communicate these slight changes and delays.

Luggage Restrictions On Bush Planes Are Strict

Bush flights have minimal luggage weight allowances and strict specifications for the type of luggage you can bring. For example, soft-sided bags, such as duffle bags, are a must on all flights—hard suitcases are unlikely to be accepted.

Typically, you can bring 20kg (44lbs) on flights in Southern Africa (For example, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe), and 15kg (33lbs) in East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda). This is a combination of a backpack (hand luggage) and a soft-sided duffel. Depending on the airline, additional weight may be purchased. It is important to discuss this with your Destination Specialist before departing for your safari.

Some airlines do have rules about bag dimensions, but your team of Destination Specialists will inform you about this accordingly. It’s also worth noting that light aircraft seat rates assume a passenger weight of less than 200 lbs. If your weight is above that threshold, we can adjust your ticket type accordingly.

You May Have to Cross a Border

Crossing a border in a bush plane isn’t as straightforward as a large aircraft. Instead of flying straight over, you’ll most likely need to land, disembark, and go through immigration.

The process can be slow, and typically, these kinds of trips require a little patience. If your flight requires a border crossing, we’ll know this well in advance and can plan accordingly to make sure it doesn’t disrupt your travel plans.