What is a Charter Flight?
Many Safaris are conducted, in part at least, in light aircraft, generally as a way of getting from Lodge to Lodge (or Camp to Camp!)
As a matter of practicality, not to mention cost, these are generally offered on a ‘shared’ basis… which means, that although there may only be 4 or 5 passenger seats, each passenger or couple can buy their seat, rather than having to pay for the entire aircraft. Generally speaking, the shared charters run to an ad hoc schedule.
You can, of course, opt for a private charter, which can then fly at the time that you specify (within reason). Naturally, the cost of a private charter (unless you are travelling in a small group) is decidedly more costly.
Most charter flights are in light aircraft, one of the most common makes being Cessna (the 206, 210 and 208 being particularly prized), with a number of Islanders, Airvans, King Airs and even Pilatus proving to be popular.
This means that your Safari baggage is tightly regulated, and although, of recent years, there has been a slight relaxation in terms of weight (you can now often take 20 kgs/ 44 lbs. per person), you still need to ensure that your luggage is packed in a soft bag, which can be squeezed and squashed (to fit into the limited storage space).
Many charters are still restricted to 15 kgs/ 33 lbs. per person... and you will always be advised of the restrictions prior to travel.
As you can imagine – you will not be popular with the pilot if there is just too much luggage, and although you may only be travelling in a 6 seater Cessna, the pilot is the captain and his (or her) word goes!
Distances travelled between most Camps/ Lodges on a Botswana Safari are relatively short, but if you are travelling to or from the northern town of Kasane, and the Okavango, for example, you might be in the aircraft for over an hour, however, there is always plenty of water, and game viewing can be rewarding (as you don’t fly at a great height).
On your Zambian Safari, many distances are somewhat longer, as is also the case in Namibia, where you also fly quite a bit higher – but with scenery that is more than rewarding!
As a matter of practicality, not to mention cost, these are generally offered on a ‘shared’ basis… which means, that although there may only be 4 or 5 passenger seats, each passenger or couple can buy their seat, rather than having to pay for the entire aircraft. Generally speaking, the shared charters run to an ad hoc schedule.
You can, of course, opt for a private charter, which can then fly at the time that you specify (within reason). Naturally, the cost of a private charter (unless you are travelling in a small group) is decidedly more costly.
Most charter flights are in light aircraft, one of the most common makes being Cessna (the 206, 210 and 208 being particularly prized), with a number of Islanders, Airvans, King Airs and even Pilatus proving to be popular.
This means that your Safari baggage is tightly regulated, and although, of recent years, there has been a slight relaxation in terms of weight (you can now often take 20 kgs/ 44 lbs. per person), you still need to ensure that your luggage is packed in a soft bag, which can be squeezed and squashed (to fit into the limited storage space).
Many charters are still restricted to 15 kgs/ 33 lbs. per person... and you will always be advised of the restrictions prior to travel.
As you can imagine – you will not be popular with the pilot if there is just too much luggage, and although you may only be travelling in a 6 seater Cessna, the pilot is the captain and his (or her) word goes!
Distances travelled between most Camps/ Lodges on a Botswana Safari are relatively short, but if you are travelling to or from the northern town of Kasane, and the Okavango, for example, you might be in the aircraft for over an hour, however, there is always plenty of water, and game viewing can be rewarding (as you don’t fly at a great height).
On your Zambian Safari, many distances are somewhat longer, as is also the case in Namibia, where you also fly quite a bit higher – but with scenery that is more than rewarding!
