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The History of Safari

The concept of a safari can be traced back hundreds of years to the original ‘safar’, an Arabic word meaning ‘to make a journey’. This often referred to the long caravans of traders that would traverse between the Far East and Africa to sell goods and migrate. From there the word safari evolved, which translates to ‘long journey’ in Swahili. This word has taken many people on journeys to see wildlife over the years from the hunting parties at the turn of the 20th century to the more sustainable wildlife viewing safari that is so widely celebrated in today’s world.

As rifles were swapped for camera lenses and conservationists made their mark upon history, highlighting the plight of endangered species and the importance of protecting habitat and wildlife, the safari industry grew and progressed. The last century has seen huge changes in the way that people view wildlife in East Africa, especially in Kenya which is known as the “land of the original safari.” From long treks on foot and basic nights under canvas, or simply under the stars, safari now includes luxurious accommodation that our forebearers could barely dream of. However, in recent years, safari has taken a new positive, sustainable turn, with most travellers and safari outfitters embracing the need to repair, restore and protect the surrounding environments. Today’s safari operators are going to great lengths to ensure that they leave a minimum footprint and guests are more conscious than ever that their visit gives back, taking away only wonderful memories.

Why Fly Sky

Flying high since 2011

SkySafari has gone from strength to strength over the last decade to become one of the finest luxury flying safari options for East Africa. Established to offer a seamless high-end flying safari for travellers wanting to maximise time on safari and minimise travel time, SkySafari was established in Tanzania offering an itinerary to the country’s most iconic safari destinations including Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti. Following on from the success of this itinerary, SkySafari launched in Kenya in 2015 visiting the elephant rich plains of Amboseli, the legendary Elsa’s Kopje in Meru National Park and the world famous Masai Mara.

In 2021 SkySafari went one step further to launch an epic bucket list itinerary combining the best of both countries and a first for East Africa with the 13-day Kenya and Tanzania itinerary. The company also evolved to offer clients more choice on the length of the itineraries now offering both ten-day and eight-day adventures and including Loisaba into the Kenya options.

Fly In Chats

Looking Back and Looking Forward with SkySafari Team Members

Each employee at SkySafari is instrumental in making the private plane adventure a once-in-a-lifetime experience for guests. We had a chat with SkySafari team members, Emily Ndolo, Clever Mmari and Frank Kyara, about why they came to work for SkySafari, their time with the company, the most exciting moments and what they are most looking forward to.

Emily Ndolo, Operations Manager for Kenya

Emily started her career in hospitality at Palacina Residential hotel in Nairobi while she pursued her college studies, and later went on to build a stellar career in hospitality working in different establishments in various capacities including Reservations Manager, Operations Manager, Camp Operations Manager in Kenya, Tanzania, and South Sudan.

What drew you to work with SkySafari?
I was drawn to SkySafari because it offered me excellent opportunities to leverage most of my acquired skill sets professionally, as well as personally.

What has been the most exciting aspect about being part of the SkySafari team?
We are more than just a team and it’s exciting to be a part of something bigger. We look out for one another to ensure we get the desired results, which is to offer our clients a seamless booking experience as well as offer excellent customer service, enabling our clients to have a safari experience of a lifetime.

What positive changes have occurred since you first joined?
We have introduced a number of new itineraries, offering our clients more safari options to choose from.

What do you hope that SkySafari will offer in the future?
In the future, I hope that SkySafari can broaden its reach and have similar programs in Rwanda, Zimbabwe, and Botswana.

Clever Mmari, Guest Relations Supervisor

Clever began his career as a mountain hiker with a top safari operator and then steadily gained experience in the hospitality industry at different camps throughout East Africa, including Elewana, working in a variety of positions including mountain and tracking guide, camp relief manager, administrative assistant, operations assistant, head of guest relations and head of housekeeping, before joining SkySafari.

What drew you to work with SkySafari?
I saw this opportunity as a way to apply forward-thinking and innovation in the profession that I love.

What has been the most exciting aspect about being part of the SkySafari team?
There is absolute respect and trust between team members, first and foremost, which is fantastic, as well as the opportunity for growth in my profession in the tourism industry.

What positive changes have occurred since you first joined?
Since I joined the company, there have been lots of positive changes for me personally. I have been able to grow and gain confidence through working with my colleagues, as well as have the opportunity to stand out in my profession thanks to my unique training and background. In my role, I have the chance to meet with so many different people from all over the world and open their eyes to the different itineraries which SkySafari offers, including our newest ones in Kenya, Tanzania, and our complete East Africa itinerary.

What do you hope that SkySafari will offer in the future?
I hope that we can open in Uganda for gorilla tracking, as well as offer private plane safaris in Zambia and Rwanda.

Frank Kyara, Operations Manager for Tanzania

Having begun his career with Elewana at Arusha Coffee Lodge as a night auditor and working in the front office, Frank became familiar with SkySafari and their guests even before he joined the group.

What drew you to work with SkySafari?
I wanted to grow my career in the tourism industry and a position with SkySafari became available, which was the right timing and perfect opportunity for me.

What has been the most exciting aspect about being part of the SkySafari team?
I really enjoy working with my colleagues, we are a great group of tourism professionals who help one another. Also, I enjoy selling the SkySafari itineraries to guests, knowing they will have an incredible experience on their trip.

What positive changes have occurred since you first joined?
When I first joined SkySafari they had three itineraries, the classic itinerary in Tanzania and the classic and connoisseur itineraries in Kenya. From there, we have grown to now include 5 itineraries with 8-day and 10-day options in both Kenya and Tanzania, as well as East Africa Itinerary that combines both countries.

What do you hope that SkySafari will offer in the future?
It would be wonderful to expand to other parts of East Africa, for example Uganda and Rwanda.

High Flying Offer

Special Companion Offer on all SkySafari Kenya itineraries throughout 2022

Guests looking to book a SkySafari with their special someone will enjoy incredible savings of 50% off 8-day and 10-day itineraries in Kenya thanks to SkySafari Kenya’s special Companion Offer, valid throughout 2022. This unique opportunity includes all the wonderful extras that SkySafari is known for but at a heavily discounted rate, including seamless VIP assistance through airports to our private planes, direct flights, top-class guides and luxurious camps and lodges in the most magnificent of locations, making it the ultimate safari decadence.

Contact us at reservations@skysafari.com or +255 782 600 049 to book your Kenya itinerary today. Offer is valid for every second person per double/twin. Valid for all SkySafari Kenya itineraries and departure dates throughout 2022. This offer is not combinable with any other offers and excludes park / concession fees.

SkySafari Kenya Programmes

Fly Above & Beyond with the epic 8-day and 10-day Kenya Itineraries

SkySafari delivers maximum variety and adventure in high style, with high efficiency and our epic 8-day and 10-day itineraries take you above & beyond, allowing guests to experience three different ecosystems. Begin at the foothills of the breath-taking snow-capped peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro and indulge in the beauty of Amboseli National Park at Tortilis Camp on the 10-day itinerary or for those heading out on an eight-day safari, start in the magnificent Meru National Park at Elsa’s Kopje. Then fly on to Loisaba Tented Camp, where you can learn about the incredible research and conservation projects taking place in the remarkable 56,000 acre Loisaba Conservancy. Spend the final nights of your safari adventure at Sand River in the awe-inspiring preserved savannahs of the Masai Mara, a must for any safari-goer. We ensure every detail is taken care of along the way – from optimizing the chances of seeing the Big Five to knowing how you take your G&T. Our programmes are kind to the planet too – flights are operated with every trip contributing to Land & Life, a foundation committed to a sustainable future that sees local communities benefit from tourism, safeguarding nature for the next generation.

SkySafari Full Buy Out

Enjoy your own private plane and pilot for the duration of your trip, which means more space, more quality time together and total privacy. Relish in the business class comfort of our 9-seater Executive-class Cessna Caravan. Our seamless VIP fast-track airport experience makes travel between safari camps more efficient, and more private, than ever. Direct private flights operate on timetables opposite local bush flights, making sure you have minimal interaction with others. Arrive directly at our prestigious camps with efficiency and ease. As our guest, you’ll enjoy your very own private guide and exclusive use of a safari vehicle throughout the journey, ensuring you get the most of your game viewing experiences. Our top-class guides become an integral part of your small group as you come together as a team to create memories that will last a lifetime. All game drives, safari activities, and meals are tailored to suit your needs, whether action-packed or laid-back, sociable, or solitary, you choose your own unique safari adventure. Our full buyout is available for couples and intimate groups, making it the perfect option for couples celebrating a honeymoon, anniversary or simply a romantic journey a deux, as well as groups of close friends and multigenerational families.