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Proudly Maasai, distinctly Tanzanian™ |
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Choosing your Transportation
Should you drive or fly while on safari?
An important question with obviously no right answer! Some parks (Katavi, Ruaha, Mahale, etc.) are only accessible by air unless you have lots of time with a serious appetite for off-road adventures! Other parks are reachable by good roads (Ngorongoro, Tarangire, Parc des Volcans, etc) so flying is just one of several options.
Most of our clients are short on time and long on safari dreams so we optimize their itineraries to avoid unnecessary driving long distances on bad roads. Flights in East Africa are very affordable especially for singles and couples (a family of 5 will be a different matter) and we suggest you consider this option.
"But won't we miss out on the scenery and wildlife when we fly?"
We hear this often and you certainly will to some extent! In many cases we will suggest to drive in one direction and to fly back or the other way around. And remember, sometimes the scenery is more beautiful from the air!
In the end, you can count on us to help you with this decision. We know how much time you have, we know where the airstrips are, we know the aircraft and their operators and we know the road conditions, the drive distances and the sceneries!
1. Safari Aircraft, Airstrips and Pilots
Obviously, 747's don't operate in the safari parks! You will be flying in bushplanes of all makes and sizes. Single engines, twin engines, props, jet engines and more! It is exciting, thrilling and even a bit scary all at the same time. It is part of the safari experience.
Airstrips are rarely paved. Most are strips of bumpy dirt and short grasses with plenty of resident wildlife who enjoys the safety of the open clearing because they can spot predators from far away! Before landing, pilots often do fly-overs to scare away the animals on the runways!
Bush pilots are an interesting bunch! They fly their small planes around the parks with so much confidence and joy that it becomes addictive! The co-pilot seat is mostly available to passengers and the pilots are eager to share their knowledge of the terrain with you. They are responsible for everything during your flight! Passenger list, luggage, and in-flight service (just joking).
Before take off, they check the aircraft, scan the runway for animals and they study the sky for signs of thunderstorms. They decide when it is safe to depart - and when it is safe to land!
On an extended fly-in safari you will get to know the pilots well! They fly daily and the flight circuit is well-defined. When the bush plane arrives at your airstrip you pilot will probably be the same person who delivered you to the area just a few days earlier. He/she will ask about your safari - it is like owning a private airplane!
2. Safari Vehicles
Whether you are on a 3-day safari or a 3-week extended trip the choice and condition of your safari vehicle are both important factors. Can you really afford a breakdown of several hours when you have only 3 days in the bush? If you are sensitive to the sun, a vehicle with a pop top roof is a must!
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The first of the next-generation super-extended Kiliwarrior Safari Cruisers have arrived! As you can see, there are no windows in the back - just dust-proof canvas with see-through vinyl panels! Perfect for photography. It is very roomy in the back (especially when we remove the 2nd row seats when we have 1 - 4 clients!
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In addition to reliable vehicles we are unique in that we offer our clients several vehicle choices to choose from:
| Closed | hatch or canvas top
(not recommended) |
Vehicle has to stop to remove the hatch
(although a canvas top can be rolled while in motion). The sun and
rain can be bothersome.
  Canvas hatch on left, normal hatch on the right
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| pop top (highly recommended) |
Good protection and important for
people with fair skins.
 Top
can be raised or lowered while in motion.
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| removable pop top (highly recommended) |
The best of both worlds. Use the pop
top in rainy/hot weather, or keep the top open in good weather.
Vehicle must stop to change the set up. |
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| Open-Closed | pop top (very highly recommended) |
Open on top and on the sides! But easy
to close when it's dusty or wet! Excellent in the parks, and on the
open road. The Kiliwarrior vehicle of the future!
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| Open | (very highly recommended) | The classic safari vehicle. Passengers
are exposed to the elements. Can be dangerous on the open road so
usage is restricted.   |
| Note: we don't like minivans | The Kiliwarriors don't offer minivans
for various reasons.
They are good for taxis, but not reliable enough for safaris to remote
locations.
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Our clients have different preferences. Serious photographers say open vehicles give them more freedom and they snap better pictures at eye-level (sitting in the front seat of course), while others prefer the comforts of a closed air-conditioned vehicle and protection against tsetse flies!
A combination of vehicles is common on our safaris. We use closed (or open-closed) vehicles with pop tops during longer drives between the parks, and open or open-closed vehicles at most of our tented camps.
Highlights:
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Inverters to charge your electronic devices. |
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12V refrigeration to keep your drinks cool in the hot African sun. We stock sweets, sodas, beer, bottled water, juices (you decide). |
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Air-conditioning - wonderful when you have
to close the windows to avoid dust and tsetse flies. |
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Carefully designed pockets to hold your water, film equipment, binoculars and snacks. |
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First-aid kits. |
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Stabilization devices for cameras (clamps and beanbags), and |
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Recorded GPS routes so you can trace your safari in Google Earth upon returning home |
When booking a Kiliwarrior safari be sure to mention your vehicle preferences and we will advise you accordingly!
