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Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy

Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy

Overview: Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy

For an unusual alternative to a game drive, why not try spotting wildlife from the air? Will Craig, one of the founders of the Lewa Conservancy and the owner of Lewa Wilderness, purchased a canary yellow WACO biplane in 2007 to give guests on the conservancy a once in a lifetime experience.

This plane is one of only two working replicas of the iconic Gipsy Moth aircraft flown in the classic film Out of Africa. Given that the film was set and shot in Kenya, what better way to channel your inner Robert Redford or Meryl Streep in the present day!

The experience starts at dawn, when you receive your classic leather flying jackets and helmets, and get a briefing on the flight over a cup of tea or coffee, and an introduction to the pilot – either Will Craig himself, or his nephew Harry Dyer, an experienced bush pilot in his own right. Then it’s an amusing clamber into the tiny passenger seats, before taking off as the early morning sunrise floods the Lewa plains.

If you’re flying for half an hour, you’ll be taken high over the Mokogodo Hills to the north, twisting and turning through the Ngare Ndare Gorge, then flying at low level over the Lewa Plains. It’s also possible to be an hour-long flight exploring further afield towards Samburu or the slopes of Mount Kenya, at altitudes of up to 4,300m (14,000ft).

While it’s quite likely you will have flown on a light aircraft by this point in your safari, it certainly won’t have been in a cockpit open to the elements, with a pilot flying – and guiding – from behind you. The pilot and passengers are able to communicate via their built-in helmet microphones and headsets and this adds really interesting insights into the local area and wildlife.

As a special treat and an unusual extra, the WACO experience has got to be one of the most unusual things you can add to your trip, and it’s well worth it if you’re a thrill-seeker, aircraft enthusiast, celebrating a special occasion, or simply wanting a new perspective on your safari.

Availability: This activity is available from any of the properties on Lewa Conservancy, although it is more expensive when not staying at Lewa Wilderness. Please note that the flights are operational depending on maintenance and weather conditions, and you will get a full refund if your flight has to be cancelled for these reasons.

Please note: Expert Africa only books excursions as a part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary.
Start location
Any of Expert Africa's camps on the Lewa Conservancy
End location
Back at your safari camp
Meals included
No meals are included
Duration
30 or 60 minute flights
Maximum group size
Two passengers per flight - maximum combined weight of 200kgs

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Ideas for holidays which can include Scenic Biplane Flight on Lewa Conservancy

Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made safari to Kenya.


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Gabar Goshawk Fly-in Safari

10 days • 4 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Experience Amboseli, the Maasai Mara ecosystem and Laikipia during this economically priced safari. Two simple camps offer adventure before a stopover in Nairobi and a final stay in the charming, wildlife-rich Il Ngwesi Eco-Lodge.

US$5,800 - US$6,090 per person

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African Hawk-Eagle Fly-in Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Two luxurious camps provide relatively quiet game-viewing within Laikipia and the Mara ecosystem. Situated on private conservancies, both Lewa Wilderness and Naboisho offer the chance to sight all of the "Big 5" and to enjoy a range of safari activities.

US$7,780 - US$12,800 per person

Itinerary image

Greater Kudu Fly-In Safari

7 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Experience a truly authentic bush experience on this safari at two classic tented camps, in Laikipia and the Maasai Mara. These are some of the best places to spot wild dogs and big cats.

US$7,170 - US$8,410 per person

Itinerary image

Golden Jackal Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

A contrasting safari of a lodge and a tented camp, with action-packed activities in Laikipia and wildlife-filled game drives in the Maasai Mara, offers a consistently high-quality experience.

US$9,730 - US$13,080 per person

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African Finfoot Fly-in Safari

7 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

After a unique start in Nairobi National Park, classic, luxurious camps combine for a high-end and exclusive safari in fantastic wildlife destinations.

US$9,900 - US$16,050 per person

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Big Cat Fly-in Safari

8 days • 2 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO NAIROBI AIRPORT

Combining two of Kenya’s best wildlife-viewing areas, this slow-paced safari to the Lewa Conservancy and Maasai Mara guarantees iconic wildlife. The long-established, well-rated camps are great value, too.

US$5,010 - US$8,190 per person

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