Newsletters

DECEMBER 2022

High Flying Offers

Take advantage of SkySafari’s Early Bird Offer with 10% savings on all itineraries in Kenya and Tanzania with advanced booking

Take advantage of SkySafari’s Early Bird Offer with 10% savings on all itineraries with advanced booking.

This special offer applies to our 8-day and 10-day programmes in Kenya and Tanzania, as well as the 13-day East Africa programme combining Kenya and Tanzania. Book now until 31 January 2023 and save on travel between 1 January and 20 December 2023 excluding the High Season period (July 1st to October 31st, 2023).

For more information on T&Cs and to book a SkySafari programme, contact us at reservations@skysafari.com

Exclusive buyouts now available for minimum booking of four people on mid and low season safaris in Kenya

SkySafari is offering exclusive buyouts for minimum bookings of 4 pax on 8-day and 10-day safaris in Kenya during mid and low season. Travel in style with your family or friends and enjoy your own private plane throughout your safari adventure.

The special offer is valid for stays from 5 January 2023 through 15 May 2023 on SkySafari programmes in Kenya. T&Cs apply, and the buyout offer is valid for adults and children ages 12 and up. This offer is not combinable with any other offers and excludes park / concession fees.

Contact us at reservations@skysafari.com to book.

Fly In Chat – How to Help You Sell

As we head into the peak booking season, SkySafari’s Director of Sales & Marketing, and our UK trade representative share tips on how to sell SkySafari

We spoke with SkySafari’s Director of Sales & Marketing, Agata Sobczak and Liz Harper of Liz Harper Travel to get their top tips on how to sell SkySafari and learn more about the resources and tools which are offered, as well as why SkySafari stands out in a class by itself.

What are the top selling points travel advisors should know about SkySafari?

Liz: SkySafari operates on a similar basis to a small expedition boat – fixed itinerary and fixed departure dates, with the option of pre and post extensions. Departures are guaranteed with just 2 PAX – if you book a couple onto a departure and no one else joins it, they have the aircraft to themselves.

It’s an all-inclusive product (and there are a lot of inclusions!) The only exception being park and conservancy fees.
In summary SkySafari provides the holy grail of safari experiences – luxurious and unique properties, diverse landscapes and the best wildlife viewing in country.

Agata: SkySafari provides a seamless way of travelling in style – one single check in throughout the trip with direct flights onboard an executive style Cessna Caravan. Since guests spend less time travelling, they can enjoy more time on the ground with up 16 hours saved on travel. Our luggage allowance of 23 kg is a real game changer vs standard 15 kg on scheduled domestic flights.

How does SkySafari differ from other products on the market?

Agata: SkySafari is easy to book – a complete program that allows you to sell with confidence. Our dedicated team delivers a personalized service going the extra mile to deliver the most seamless experience ever.

Liz: Our aeroplane seats just eight, so groups sizes are small – travel with friends and you can have the aircraft to yourself. Seats are like armchairs making the flying a luxurious experience compared to conventional scheduled flights (think business class v economy!) Best of all, however, is the fact that you drive up and board, and flights are direct, so no more waiting around on airstrips, or doing half a dozen drop offs and pick-ups between lodges. It’s decadent and seamless. Oh, and you extra luggage allowance too!

What tools does SkySafari offer travel advisors to help them sell a private plane safari?

Liz: We have a trade asset Dropbox which includes a detailed and illustrated brochure for every itinerary, image, and video library and a “When to SkySafari” brochure that helps to showcase the SkySafari experience at different times of the year.

Agata: Our Reservation Team is highly experienced and knowledgeable – always happy to assist with any queries. On request, we are providing webinars and training for agents.

We are busy developing an online portal where agents will be able to check availability and book a safari at the same time.

What type of guest is SkySafari best designed for?

Agata: SkySafari guests are looking for an epic adventure that will bring them to world class game viewing, comfort, and style in various types of accommodation (tents and lodges), excellent F&B offering and activities/cultural experience.

Liz: It works for a number of different clients. We are seeing an increase in family (and multigenerational) bookings where the effective takeover of the aeroplane works really well. It’s always been popular with couples and a big honeymoon product. And of course, with no single supplement for the first single room per booking, it’s a great product for solo travellers too, as they have the company of likeminded people for game drives but aren’t charged a premium for their accommodation.

What are the best times to book SkySafari?

Liz: SkySafari is a year-round product, with every season offering something different. My personal choice would be to travel in mid-season – a slightly misleading description perhaps as the wildlife viewing is just as strong, but you get to enjoy it with fewer people!

Agata: SkySafari is an excellent choice all year round – each season has it pros. Our team is always glad to advise the best time for travelling depending on the guest expectations.

What are some insider tips that you wish to share with travel advisors?

Agata: Don’t stress if you did not manage to spot the Big 5 on the first trip – safari is a game of patience and appreciating what nature offers to show you here and now. Everything is constantly changing, and on a SkySafari you are in the best seat to witness the spectacle of life!

Liz: Make sure you have your camera at hand on each flight as there are often fabulous sightings from the air. Take up the opportunity to sit up front alongside the pilot for one of the legs of the trip – the seat may not be as comfortable, but it’s a great experience.

Sky Itinerary Update

New morning departure times from Arusha and Tarangire, result in some activity timing changes.

For 2023, we have adjusted flight departure times from Arusha to Tarangire and from Tarangire to Manyara and they now depart in the morning, instead of the afternoon.

Below is a recap of the new layout of program activities due to flight departure amendments:

  • The Shanga Tour that was offered on the morning of Day 2 can now be offered either on the afternoon of the day of arrival if guests check in early or on the afternoon of the departure day, depending on when guests’ transfers are.
  • The Coffee Tour that was offered at Arusha Coffee Lodge on Day 2 will now be offered on Day 4 at The Manor Ngorongoro.
  • The Picnic lunch in Tarangire that was offered on Day 4 will now occur on Day 2.

A Seasonal Message

Warm wishes to all our customers and partners

We would like to take this special time of year to thank all our guests and industry partners for choosing SkySafari. We hope that you enjoy the festive period and send warm wishes to you and your families.

SkySafari

East Africa Safari