Scenic Flights

Scenic Flights

Scenic flights in Botswana offer an unparalleled aerial perspective of the country's dramatic landscapes, from the labyrinthine waterways of the Okavango Delta to the vast savannas of Chobe National Park and the shimmering salt pans of the Makgadikgadi. These flights—typically in small fixed-wing aircraft or helicopters—transform travel between lodges into an adventure, revealing wildlife patterns invisible from the ground. They're especially popular as add-ons to safaris, providing context to the terrain before mokoro trips or nature walks. With the current date being October 2, 2025, you're in peak dry season, when receding waters concentrate animals around remaining pools, making flights ideal for spotting herds of elephants, buffalo, and predators from above.

What to Expect on a Scenic Flight

 
Flight Types: 
  • Fixed-Wing Aircraft: Cessna-style planes (5-12 seats) for longer routes (30-60 minutes), offering stable views over expansive areas. Shared flights keep costs down.
  • Helicopter Rides: More intimate (4-6 seats), with options for "doors-off" flights for unobstructed photography. Shorter durations (15-60 minutes) allow hovering over hotspots like lagoons or islands.
  • Views and Sightings: Expect mosaics of palm-fringed islands, floodplains dotted with lily pads, and meandering channels. Wildlife highlights include elephant herds bathing, giraffe silhouetted against the horizon, and birds like fish eagles in flight. Pilots often narrate, pointing out landmarks.
  • Duration and Schedule: Mornings (around 8 AM) or late afternoons (4 PM) for golden light and cooler temps. Flights depart weather-permitting; October's clear skies minimize cancellations.
  • Add-Ons: Many include island landings for sundowners, picnic lunches, or short walks—pairing perfectly with your previous interests in mokoro and nature activities.
  • Practicalities: Bring a passport for check-in, pack light (20kg soft bag limit), and notify operators if over 90kg for weight balancing. Binoculars, camera with zoom, and sunscreen are essentials.

Best Locations for Scenic Flights

  • Okavango Delta (Premier Spot): The UNESCO site's intricate waterways and islands shine from above—think Moremi Game Reserve's lagoons or Chief's Island's plains. Most flights launch from Maun Airport.
  • Chobe National Park: Overlook elephant-packed riverfronts and floodplains from Kasane or Savuti airstrips.
  • Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: Dramatic seasonal contrasts of cracked earth and zebra migrations, accessible via Maun.
  • Kalahari and Linyanti: Arid red dunes or woodland mosaics for variety, often combined with Delta flights

About Us

For over 15 years, we've been guiding travelers into the heart of Botswana's most pristine wilderness areas, where the rhythm of nature dictates each day and authentic adventure awaits around every corner.

Born from a deep love for Botswana's extraordinary landscapes and wildlife... Read More

Contact Us

African Big5 Tours and Safari
Sedie Ward, Maun, Botswana
+267 73 167 048 / +267 73 959 428
africanbig5tours@gmail.com