Planning a luxury safari in Africa? If you’re traveling from the U.S., you’re likely looking for comfort, exclusivity, and seamless logistics. That’s where private flights come in. With vast distances between lodges and limited commercial flight routes, chartering a private aircraft within Southern Africa is the smartest way to save time, skip the hassle, and elevate your entire experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to design a dream safari itinerary with private air travel—step by step.
Step 1 – Choose Your Safari Style
Start by deciding what kind of safari experience you’re after. Southern Africa offers:
- Big 5 Game Viewing (Kruger, Sabi Sands, Okavango Delta)
- Remote & Untouched Wilderness (Tswalu, Kafue, Liuwa Plains)
- Luxury + Adventure Combos (Victoria Falls + Zambezi River)
- Bush & Beach (Safari + Mozambique, Seychelles, or Mauritius)
📝 Pro Tip: Choose 2–3 destinations max to keep things relaxed and immersive.
Step 2 – Pick Lodges with Private Airstrip Access
Not all lodges are created equal when it comes to air access. With Bastion Aviation, you can fly into:
- Singita and Londolozi (Kruger area)
- Tswalu Kalahari (Northern Cape)
- Phinda (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Chobe and Okavango Delta (Botswana)
- Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia side)
💡 We’ll help you map the most efficient route between lodges—so you spend less time in transit and more time spotting wildlife.
Step 3 – Book Your International Flights First
Most U.S. visitors fly into:
- Johannesburg (JNB)
- Cape Town (CPT)
- Victoria Falls (VFA or LVI)
From there, Bastion Aviation offers custom private charters to safari lodges and remote areas throughout the region. We can also handle connecting you from the international airport to your private aircraft—no extra stress required.
Step 4 – Arrange Private Air Charters with Bastion Aviation
Once your arrival point and destinations are set, we:
- Match the right aircraft to your itinerary, group size, and luggage
- Coordinate schedules with lodges and ground teams
- Provide 24/7 support while you’re traveling
🛩️ Popular aircraft:
- Cessna Grand Caravan (for lodge landings)
- Pilatus PC-12 (for small groups or long hops)
- Light jets or helicopters for scenic routes
Step 5 – Add Special Touches to Make It Unforgettable
Our concierge team can arrange:
- Scenic helicopter transfers
- Private wine tastings in the Cape Winelands
- Sunset flights over the Okavango Delta
- Custom luggage handling and VIP lounge access
- Onboard gourmet catering or champagne service
Example Itinerary: 10-Day Ultra-Luxury Safari
Day 1–3: Cape Town – wine, whales, and Table Mountain
Day 4–6: Fly private to Londolozi – Sabi Sands safari
Day 7–8: Charter to Victoria Falls – scenic flight en route
Day 9–10: End on a Mozambican beach – relax in paradise
➡️ Total transit time cut in half thanks to private flights.
Why Use Bastion Aviation for Safari Travel?
- Local experts with global standards
- Aircraft vetted for safety and comfort
- Direct access to remote lodges across the region
- Custom quotes and concierge service for U.S. travelers
- Trusted by luxury safari operators and tour planners
Ready to Build Your Safari Itinerary?
Let us help you plan a stress-free, luxury safari adventure with every flight tailored to your needs. Whether you’re celebrating a honeymoon, milestone birthday, or simply chasing a bucket-list dream, Bastion Aviation delivers private aviation done right.
✈️ Contact us today to start building your custom African safari itinerary with private flights.
