Newsletters
AUGUST 2024
SPECIAL OFFERS
Seasonal Offer on November and December Departures
End the year on a high with savings to be had across SkySafari departures from the 1st November to 19th December 2024. Guests can save 12% on 10-day departures or enjoy a 10% discount on the eight-day and East Africa itineraries. Offer valid for new booking made between the 1st September and 1st December.
This offer is available on bookings with a minimum of two guests, only valid for new reservations and not combinable with any other offer. Subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.
10% Discount on Select Last Minute Departures
Take advantage of a last-minute adventure of a lifetime to Kenya or Tanzania with a 10% discount on select September and October departures. These popular months to travel offer the opportunity to witness incredible wildlife, including the Great Migration, in both Kenya and Tanzania.
This offer is available on bookings with a minimum of two guests, only valid for new reservations and not combinable with any other offer. Subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.
Limited Time No Single Supplement Offer
Now is the time to book a solo adventure of a lifetime or gather a group of single friends and enjoy the privacy of your own room with no single supplement. This fantastic deal offers a saving of 24% compared to the usual single occupancy charge.
SkySafari is an obvious choice for individual travellers with every detail taken care of from the minute guests arrive in East Africa. It offers the perfect combination of companionship and a shared adventure with other SkySafari passengers, with the option of space in camp to reflect and enjoy the surrounding wilds.
SkySafari has always warmly welcomed solo travellers with the single supplement waivered for the first individual booking on any departure, however this deal makes it easier to join other travellers or even book as a group of companions wishing to stay in individual rooms.
This offer is valid for new confirmed bookings only, received by 28th October 2024, and for travel by 20th December 2024, subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.
Above & Beyond News
SkySafari Wins Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award
We are flying high on the news that SkySafari has been voted amongst the top 10% of things to do worldwide by Tripadvisor. The prestigious award is even more compelling given the fact it is based upon guest reviews over the past 12 months. We are extremely grateful to all those that took the time to relay their experiences and to our teams on the ground and in the sky who work so hard every day to create incredible memories.
Alterations to SkySafari Eight-Day Kenya Itinerary in April & May 2025
Guests booking the eight-day Kenya SkySafari in April and May 2025 should be aware that Elsa’s Kopje will be closed for renovations. The Meru stop has been replaced by the equally desirable, wildlife rich Amboseli National Park. The amended itinerary will start as usual in Nairobi, then guests will travel to Tortilis Camp Amboseli and on to Loisaba Tented Camp before concluding their journey at Sand River Maasai Mara.
Mandatory Inbound Travel Insurance Introduced for Zanzibar
SkySafari passengers wishing to add on a beach break on the beautiful Spice Island from 1st October, will need to purchase valid Inbound Travel Insurance through the Zanzibar Insurance Corporation. The new scheme will provide coverage for emergency medical expenses, personal accidents, baggage delay, theft, legal expenses, personal liabilities, and repatriation expenses for stays of up to 92 days.
Inbound Travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for all travellers, regardless of their existing medical or travel insurance covers, and can be purchased online via a QR code before arrival at a cost of USD 44 per person.
To plan accordingly, guests can find all the information we have on this new requirement here.
Family Friendly Sky
Sky-high Safari Adventures Offer Families a Bird’s Eye View of East Africa
SkySafari offers families immersive safari experiences that go beyond the typical game drives, blending education, adventure, and cultural experiences. Our journeys begin with seamless VIP assistance at airports, whisking you away from the stress of travel.
In the air, children become “junior pilots” in our spacious eight-seater executive-class Cessna Caravans, learning about aviation, identifying landscapes and spotting wildlife from above.
On the ground, Elewana properties are a family playground of tailored activities* like guided nature walks, animal tracking, night game drives and stargazing sessions. Creative workshops include craft-making and cooking classes, while conservation activities such as tree planting or visiting anti-poaching units, foster a sense of environmental stewardship. Cultural visits to local communities also offer authentic interactions and insights into traditional ways of life.
Spacious family suites, refreshing pools, kid-friendly menus, all-inclusive packages and a babysitting service* ensure everyone feels at home. Whether its grandparents sharing wisdom, parents bonding with children, or young ones discovering the wonders of East Africa, SkySafari’s multi-generational safaris unite families in shared discovery, creating unforgettable memories.
*Please note some activities may have additional costs and for peace of mind all activities should be booked in advance.
Fly In Chats
Having Experienced SkySafari with her Family, Liz Harper, SkySafari’s UK Trade Representative, Shares Why it’s a Great Option for All Ages
We spoke with Liz Harper, SkySafari’s UK trade representative, to learn more about why the brand is such a great option for families.
What makes SkySafari an ideal choice for families compared to other safari options?
SkySafari is fabulous for families as the team hold your hand every step of the way – providing both a seamless experience for the whole family, and a reassurance for parents that their children are not only in the most knowledgeable hands, but also the safest. From the meet and greet at the airport on arrival to departure (and every step in-between) the SkySafari team ensure logistics run smoothly and the safari experience is unparalleled. Beyond the regular game drives, there are so many magical moments that form part of the SkySafari experience – from bush breakfasts to sundowners on the plains.
How do they cater to families with children of all different ages?
There is no minimum age for children joining a SkySafari and we see children of all ages joining us every year. As a guide I’d say seven is a great age for first time safari goers, but parents know their children best, and I’ve seen much younger children enthralled on game drives over the years. The guides in camp are fantastic at bringing the bush to life for younger guests, and experiencing a safari through your children’s eyes is one of the most magical experiences. It’s the little things that make a big difference, and SkySafari has these nailed: whether it’s a hot chocolate (that’s not too hot) on your early morning game drive, a guide that understands the excitement of witnessing Simba and Pumba in the flesh (and is up for an impromptu singalong at the appropriate moment!), or the provision of child friendly food for fussy eaters, SkySafari understands families and that the happiness of the parents often relies on the contentment and happiness of younger members of the party!
What steps does SkySafari take to ensure a safe, smooth and comfortable experience for families during their private plane safaris?
Our pilot prepares the aeroplane prior to your arrival at the airstrip, so all you have to do on arrival is board the aircraft and make yourself comfortable. A short briefing on flight time, any possible aerial sightings and flight conditions and you’re off. Flights are decadently comfortable, and deliciously short – before you know it, you’re descending into your next destination and preparing for the next chapter of your safari adventure.
What types of accommodations and experiences are offered to meet the needs of families?
One of the best aspects of SkySafari is the diversity of the itineraries – different parks and conservancies, different landscapes, different wildlife viewing and activities, and different style of accommodation. But these diversities are underpinned by a consistency in exceptional guiding, culinary offering and guest care throughout the trip. And whilst accommodation can vary from tented camp to treehouse, thatched cottage to star beds, manor houses to plantation cottages, the activities on offer cater to everyone from the youngest member of the family to the oldest … I still savour the memory of a grandfather and his five-year-old grandson sharing a camel ride through Loisaba, whilst the rest of the family e-biked – they all met up on their varying methods of transportation for sundowners around a campfire, and the excitement of the afternoons activities was evident from all.
How does the exclusivity of a private plane safari enhance the overall experience for families, especially compared to traditional group safaris?
SkySafari offers a maximum of 8 places on each safari, so we often see multigenerational families, or a couple of families travelling together, taking over the aeroplane exclusively. The “drive up and board’ eliminates the waiting around at airstrips experienced when flying on scheduled flights, and the direct flights mean less tiring travel time. We also have the advantage of operating our own aircraft, so should there be a need for another round of toilet visits pre departure from the lodge (we’ve all been there!), or should you spot that previously elusive leopard enroute to the airstrip, you can stop and enjoy the sighting – the aeroplane is going nowhere without you. The armchair travel makes for comfy flights, and the onboard tables provide the perfect set up for inflight entertainment – whether that’s colouring in, the writing of a diary or a game of cards.
Sky Community
Project Updates from Carbon Tanzania
We’re pleased to share recent updates from Carbon Tanzania that highlight the positive impact of SkySafari’s ongoing collaboration. This partnership exemplifies how responsible tourism contributes to conservation and community development. By choosing SkySafari, guests actively support initiatives that safeguard East Africa’s ecosystems and cultural heritage for future generations.
Recent updates from Carbon Tanzania include:
- Village game scouts are working closely with local governments in the Yaeda-Eyasi landscape project area to manage human-wildlife conflicts as healthy ecosystems attract more wildlife.
- Annual wildlife monitoring in the Makame Wildlife Management Area has reported excellent sightings of buffalo, kudu, and giraffe, highlighting the project’s success in safeguarding wildlife.
- The Ntakata Mountains project has established an advisory committee to enhance knowledge exchange, streamline decision-making processes and resolve disputes.
- Biodiversity data collection is underway in the Ruvuma Wilderness project area, focusing on bird species to measure forest health and protection impact.