Newsletters

JANUARY 2024

High Flying Offers

New green season value-adds available for Tanzania and Kenya itineraries

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your SkySafari experience! Embark on an unforgettable journey with our limited-time special offer on any Tanzania or Kenya SkySafari running between 1st March – 31st May 2024 and receive an array of exciting new value adds for your guests.

In Tanzania, guests will enjoy:

  • Complimentary visit to the Moru rhino project for a lecture on rhino conservation in Serengeti and the chance to follow a rhino protection unit in search of black rhinos off the beaten track for an unforgettable experience
  • Complimentary additional 30-minute massage during their stay at The Manor, Ngorongoro
  • 50% discount* if booking an exclusive-use vehicle at any of the properties on the itinerary
  • 25% discount* on a balloon flight in the Serengeti through our preferred balloon partner

Meanwhile, in Kenya, the value adds guests will relish in are:

  • Complimentary night game drive at Loisaba Conservancy
  • Complimentary additional 30-minute massage during their stay at Loisaba Tented Camp
  • 50% discount* if booking an exclusive-use vehicle at any of the properties on the itinerary
  • 25% discount* on a balloon flight in the Masai Mara through our preferred balloon partner

*The exclusive use vehicle and balloon discounts are discounted based on the published rack rate of the operators.

Conditions apply and the offer is subject to availability. It is non-combinable with any other offer and only valid during a SkySafari experience booked over the stated period.

Last minute extra discounts on select February & March departures

For travellers seeking spontaneity and adventure, we’re pleased to offer our last-minute extra discount on select February and March departures with SkySafari. Guests can secure a spot on these exclusive journeys in Tanzania or Kenya and enjoy a 7.5% discount on the 8-day program or an enticing 12% discount on the 10-day program. Limited seats are available for these special dates and the offer is only applicable to new bookings. Reservations are subject to availability at the time of booking and not combinable with any other promotion.

  • Tanzania – 8 and 10 day: Feb 3, 15
  • Kenya – 8 day: Mar 2
  • East Africa – 10 day and 13 day: Feb 10

For more information, please contact reservations@skysafari.com.

News

Discover the advantages of SkySafari’s exclusive private plane adventures

SkySafari provides numerous advantages for travellers seeking a luxurious safari experience with VIP service and unparalleled convenience and comfort. Each SkySafari journey is crafted to be a life-changing, seamless adventure.

To begin, guests benefit from a seamless VIP fly-in solution with curated itineraries and guaranteed departures for as few as 2 passengers. Our luxury fitted Cessna Caravan, with its opulent eight-seat capacity and generous luggage allowances, distinguishes itself from regular scheduled commercial flights, saving guests around 16+ hours of travel time. This pioneering concept immerses guests directly into the bush for an incredible wildlife experience with no time wasted.

Our carefully designed fly-in trips offer hassle-free fast-track VIP transfers through airports and between Elewana Collection’s exquisite lodges and camps, providing front row access to top wildlife areas. Guests are ensured a comfortable stay with luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and expert guides included in the safari package. SkySafari’s small group sizes, dedicated trade assets, and forthcoming online booking portal also makes it easy for travel advisors to sell this unique safari experience.

Our itineraries cater to those seeking an epic adventure with world-class game viewing, suitable for families, couples, and solo travellers year-round. Year-round availability offers varied experiences in different seasons, with mid-season suggested for a more intimate wildlife viewing experience. Travel advisors can benefit from insider tips, from how to spot the Big 5 to seizing opportunities for stunning aerial photography during flights.

SkySafari is also committed to supporting local communities and conservation efforts, adding an ethical dimension to the travel experience. Carbon emissions from all SkySafari flights are offset through a compensation scheme in partnership with Carbon Tanzania. This vital funding contributes to the protection of Tanzania’s forests and wildlife.

Flying into 2024

We speak to SkySafari’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Agata Sobczak about what guests can look forward to in 2024

We spoke with SkySafari’s Director of Sales and Marketing, Agata Sobczak about what guests can look forward to in 2024.

Tell us what’s new for SkySafari in 2024

We are constantly striving to improve the SkySafari experience to ensure that guests have a seamless journey in the most relaxing and enjoyable fashion without compromising on the wildlife experience. It is with this in mind that we have changed the flight route on the Tanzania SkySafari itinerary, so guests end their journey at The Manor Ngorongoro after visiting the Serengeti. This way guests have more of an opportunity to unwind and enjoy the Manor’s lavish facilities, including the relaxing spa, pool, and tranquil setting, enabling them to return home exhilarated but refreshed.

What other new experiences are on offer

We are thrilled that the long anticipated new airport terminal at Arusha is scheduled to open in March. The new departure and arrival terminals will allow passengers to smoothly embark and disembark from local and regional aircrafts in a more modern setting. Additionally, there will be multiple facilities on offer, including food and beverage outlets, a VIP Lounge, as well as commercial shops selling local souvenirs. For SkySafari guests, we will continue to offer a fast-track service and guests will have access to the VIP lounge where they can opt to enjoy a quick refreshment before departure.

We are thrilled that Kenya has recently introduced the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) form which replaces the previous visa requirement. This new, more efficient system will make it easier for our guests of all nationalities who choose to travel to Kenya. Guests can upload all required information and will receive authorisation to travel before departing from their country of residence. We do like to remind people to allow plenty of time for the application to be granted.

The other hugely exciting news is the introduction of rhinos to Loisaba Conservancy, making it a new Big 5 wildlife destination. We know how hard the teams on the ground have worked to ensure that the area is ready for the return of these magnificent creatures. It will be a privilege to see them roam the landscape where they have been absent for over 50 years. As our guests journey through the Loisaba Conservancy on our SkySafari Kenya experiences, they will have the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural setting.

Where can agents learn more about SkySafari this year

The SkySafari team are available to conduct product trainings and webinars for sales and reservation teams as well as with clients, where needed to help secure a booking. SkySafari is represented at all major travel events by our Reps in the UK, USA and Chinese markets. Please reach out to find out our events and trade show calendar. We will also be joining local and regional expos in Tanzania and in Kenya.

Have you noticed any booking trends that you expect to continue into 2024

The majority of requests for 2024 are still, as traditionally expected, for high season. However, we are noticing that more guests are considering travel in mid and green seasons, which tend to be less crowded and therefore allow them to witness the wilderness from a different perspective. We strongly encourage that trend by actively educating the trade about the pros and cons of travelling outside peak season and by launching special offers.
It is exciting to see many full buyout requests for families and friends travelling together.

Ecological and CSR aspects of travelling are very important, and we are happy to mention that SkySafari continues to be a partner of Carbon Tanzania carbon’s sequestration projects as well as a supporter of the Land & Life organisation.

What are you most looking forward to in 2024

We look forward to continuing to bring joy and life changing experiences to those who travel with us. Knowing that our experiences deeply impact our guests and create magical memories, is truly rewarding and in essence, the core of the purpose of travelling.

Sky in the Community

A warm welcome to the new rhino population making Loisaba its home

We are delighted to announce that the translocation of 21 rhinos to the Loisaba Conservancy is in progress. A partnership between Loisaba Conservancy, Kenya Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, The Elewana Collection and Space for Giants will ensure conservation of the precious species for years to come.

Over the coming weeks, rhino will be carefully moved from Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Lewa Downs and Nairobi National Park, where they have become overpopulated, to a highly protected, specially prepared area spanning around half the 58,000-acre Loisaba Conservancy. Black rhinos are solitary animals and without enough room to disperse, they will not effectively breed. With some of Kenya’s existing 16 sanctuaries nearing maximum capacity, there is an urgent need to create new ones offering ideal conditions: the right habitat, effective security, and strong support from neighbouring communities.

The operation is the result of a remarkable turnaround for the rhino population in Kenya, which raised numbers in the country from 240 in 1984 to around 940 today. Kenya’s success, thanks to heightened security and efforts to bring poachers to justice, means it now hosts the third-largest rhino population in Africa, after South Africa and Namibia.