 AIR TRANSFERS
Should your journey with us include any non-scheduled airline flights, please be advised that we offer two types of air transfer - either a private air transfer where your party has sole use of the aircraft, or a shared air transfer, where guests share the aircraft with others.
Shared Air Transfers- Unless specifically requested to do otherwise, we will automatically book you onto the shared air transfer with other guests.
When we package an itinerary using shared air transfers, we book the aircraft and pilot through licensed charter companies. This portion of your trip is therefore sub-chartered. All the flight times between lodges are arranged a few days before the flights take place so that there are not endless schedule changes. The lodge or camp where you are staying will be advised of your departure time the day before travel and will ensure that you are at the airstrip on time.
We cannot be more specific about the exact timings of these air transfers as the charter companies are compelled to service their aircraft every 100 hours. This could mean that all arrangements pertaining to air travel have to be rescheduled at the last moment thus making flight times changeable.
At certain times of the year it may be necessary (for safety reasons) to transfer you during the cooler times of the day, in early morning or late afternoon only. Once the departure times have been set, they usually cannot be changed, without incurring considerable extra cost.
Private Air Transfers- If specifically requested, then private air transfers will be confirmed for your holiday at an additional cost. This service, being private, usually allows more flexibility on flight times and luggage restrictions (dependant on the number of guests and size of the aircraft). Please note that if combining shared and private air transfers, then the specified luggage restriction for shared transfers will apply.
LUGGAGE ON SCHEDULED FLIGHTS
Scheduled airlines generally carry a weight restriction of 20kg per economy class traveler in one suitcase / bag as well as one item of hand baggage (the total dimensions - height, width and length may not exceed 115cm or 45 inches). Please note that if combining scheduled airline flights and air transfers, then the specified luggage restriction for air transfers will apply.
LUGGAGE ON AIR TRANSFERS
There are strict weight restrictions in place on any itinerary including light aircraft transfers for the following reasons:
- The aircraft are designed with a maximum bodyweight and luggage weight allowance.
- Most of our airfields are over 3000 feet above sea level and are located in the tropics, and therefore the permissible aircraft carrying capacity is reduced.
- The aircraft have physical space restrictions.
Some serious issues must please be noted for these types of fly-in safaris:
- For inter-camp air transfers, space and safety concerns don’t allow for lots of baggage, so there is a strict 12kg (26lbs) baggage limit on all flights (except a private flight). On all flights in Botswana, the limit is 20kg (44lbs).
- Only soft bags (no hard suitcases as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft) will be accepted. This includes camera equipment and hand luggage.
- The maximum dimensions of the soft bags are as follows: 81cm long x 36cm wide. We have a supply of soft nylon carry-all bags for sale. The size is 30 cm wide x 28cm high x 76cm long and the cost is US$30 per bag. Please keep in mind that the baggage compartments on the light aircraft are only 25cm high, so the pilots must have the ability to manipulate the bag into the compartment.
- Passengers weighing more than 100kg or more, or two guests travelling together whose combined weight is 200kgs, must please advise us in advance as an extra seat will then have to be costed in to the package for safety purposes.
These luggage restrictions for luggage sound like very little but bear in mind the following:
- Most safari camps / lodges and hotels provide basic toilet amenities
- Laundry can be done on a daily basis (and many camps provide this service free of charge but hotels do charge a nominal fee)
- Mainly casual clothing is required
As no formal clothes are needed throughout most of southern Africa, we recommend that you limit your luggage to the basics. More formal attire is usually required only when staying in the more prestigious city hotel establishments or on any of the luxury trains. On a game safari, casual clothing is the order of the day. We have included a suggested packing list at the end of this document for your information.
LOST BAGGAGE
Luggage that goes missing on scheduled flights is beyond the control of Wilderness Safaris, and often the airline concerned too. The airport controls what happens to passengers' luggage from when it is checked in until it is put on board the aircraft.
We would like to suggest that you take the following precautionary action: Please pack a small bag with your essentials including any life sustaining medication, which can be carried with you as hand luggage, and pack a second bag containing non-essentials that can be loaded in the aircraft hold. If the second bag does not arrive, you will still have your essential items on hand to see you through the first couple of days while we try and recover your baggage.
EXCESS BAGGAGE
The most common mode of transport in Africa is by light aircraft and usually on a seat-in-plane shared basis. If you have to bring more baggage with you, we can "sell" you and your party an extra seat on most safaris. This will allow you to bring an additional 70 kg (154 lbs). The cost of this extra seat varies - depending on your safari - but should cost in the region of US$140 per flight.
On arrival in Africa, you also have the option of sending your excess baggage ahead at an additional cost of US$100 per person. The excess baggage might be forwarded for storage. You can then collect this excess baggage later in your trip. We would prefer to know in advance if this service will be needed so that arrangements can be made and the transfer can be handled smoothly.
You must please ensure that you are in possession of full travel insurance including the luggage cover. |
