Safarilink Aviation operates one of East Africa’s most specialized safari fleets, designed to handle the unique demands of bush airstrips and safari travel. Their fleet is chosen for ruggedness, reliability, passenger comfort, and the ability to serve a mix of short “hop” routes and longer connections across Kenya and into northern Tanzania.
Overview: Why Safarilink’s Fleet Is Unique
- Bush-Ready: Aircraft are selected for their ability to land and take off from dirt and grass airstrips, common in Kenya’s game parks and remote regions.
- Flexible Capacities: A mix of smaller and larger aircraft ensures efficient operations on both less-trafficked “thin” routes and popular “fat” routes, as well as flexible charters for groups.
- Fast Turnarounds: Short distances between many of Safarilink’s scheduled destinations require aircraft that are reliable, easy to board, and quick to service.
Safarilink Cessna Caravan C208B Fleet
- Number of Aircraft: 8
- Manufacturer: Textron Inc. (formerly Cessna)
- Type: Single-engine turboprop
- Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney PT6-114A
- Crew: 2 pilots
- Maximum Passengers: 12
Key Features:
- The “workhorse” of Safarilink’s bush fleet, the Caravan is ideally suited for rugged dirt airstrips and short flights between parks.
- High wings and large windows provide exceptional views of wildlife and scenery, making the journey part of your safari experience.
- Fixed undercarriage for added durability on rough airstrips.
- Fast, simple boarding with minimal ground time—ideal for safari logistics.
Safarilink DeHavilland Dash 8 Fleet
Safarilink operates several variants of the DeHavilland Dash 8, a robust, twin-engine regional turboprop that brings both comfort and capacity to busier and longer routes.
Dash 8 – 106 (5Y-SLD)
- Number of Aircraft: 1
- Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney 120A (twin engine)
- Crew: 2 pilots + 1 flight attendant
- Maximum Passengers: 37
- Features: Pressurized cabin (flies above most weather), all-leather seats for added comfort, ideal for longer flights.
Dash 8 – 315 (5Y-SLK)
- Number of Aircraft: 1
- Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney PW123E (twin engine)
- Crew: 2 pilots + 2 flight attendants
- Maximum Passengers: 52
- Features: Pressurized for comfort and smooth flight; leather seats; ideal for large groups, charters, and high-volume routes.
Dash 8 – 311 (5Y-SLC)
- Number of Aircraft: 1
- Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney PW123B (twin engine)
- Crew: 2 pilots + 2 flight attendants
- Maximum Passengers: 50
- Features: Pressurized, with luxury leather seating for comfort and a smooth ride even on longer journeys.
Dash 8 – 202 (5Y-SLO)
- Number of Aircraft: 1
- Powerplant: Pratt & Whitney PW123D (twin engine)
- Crew: 2 pilots + 1 flight attendant
- Maximum Passengers: 37
- Features: Pressurized cabin, leather seats, reliable performance for both commuter and safari flights.
Comfort and Passenger Experience
- Cabin Layout: All aircraft feature a single-class, comfortable layout with large windows—perfect for scenic views.
- Onboard Staff: Friendly, professional crews with at least one flight attendant on Dash 8s, ensuring passenger safety and comfort.
- Short Field Performance: Both Caravan and Dash 8 are capable of operating on Kenya’s bush airstrips, providing safe and smooth landings in even the remotest parks.
- Pressurization: Dash 8s offer a pressurized, quieter cabin—ideal for longer routes or those sensitive to altitude.
Operational Strengths
- Versatility: The fleet allows Safarilink to serve both popular and niche routes, from high-demand tourist destinations like the Masai Mara and Diani to less-frequented airstrips.
- Economic Efficiency: Different aircraft sizes allow for economic operations, keeping fares competitive for all group sizes.
- Charter Flexibility: Safarilink can arrange private charters for both large and small groups, thanks to the range in seat capacity.
Network and Reach
- Kenya: Connects Nairobi Wilson Airport to Amboseli, Diani, Kisumu, Lamu, Lewa Downs, Loisaba, Masai Mara, Malindi, Mombasa, Naivasha, Nanyuki, Samburu, Tsavo West, and more.
- Tanzania & Zanzibar: Cross-border flights to Kilimanjaro and Zanzibar Island, supporting multi-country safaris.
Fast Facts
- Fleet Size: 14 aircraft
- Daily Flights: 30+
- Destinations Connected: 17
- Countries Served: Kenya, Tanzania, Zanzibar
- Employees: 250+ aviation professionals
Conclusion: What Makes the Safarilink Fleet Stand Out?
- Purpose-built for safari travel, with proven aircraft for both bush strips and longer routes.
- Comfort, safety, and operational reliability at the heart of the fleet’s design.
- Flexible for individuals, families, tour groups, and private charters.
Whether you’re heading to the Masai Mara, Diani Beach, Amboseli, or beyond, Safarilink’s fleet ensures a safe, comfortable, and truly Kenyan flying experience.
Safarilink vs. Governors’ Aviation vs. AirKenya vs. Fly ALS: Fleet Comparison
1. Safarilink Aviation
- Fleet Size: 14 aircraft
- Main Aircraft:
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (8) – 12 passengers; bush-ready, rugged, large windows, high wings, perfect for dirt airstrips.
- De Havilland Dash 8-100/200/311/315 (4) – 37–52 passengers; pressurized, leather seats, suited for busier or longer safari/coastal routes.
- Strengths:
- Large, diverse fleet for scheduled, group, and charter flights.
- Aircraft suited for both short, rough bush strips and longer, more comfortable routes.
- Strong network across Kenya and to northern Tanzania/Zanzibar.
- Modern cabins, reliability, safety focus.
2. Governors’ Aviation
- Fleet Size: 4–5 aircraft
- Main Aircraft:
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (several) – 9–12 passengers.
- Cessna 206 Stationair – small groups or private charters.
- Strengths:
- Exclusively focused on the Masai Mara and high-end safari clientele.
- Flexible, highly personalized charter services.
- Excellent reputation for direct, custom bush flights to Governors’ and partner camps.
- All pilots are highly experienced bush pilots.
3. AirKenya Express
- Fleet Size: 10 aircraft
- Main Aircraft:
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (4) – 11 passengers; versatile, reliable bush flights.
- DHC-6 Twin Otter (3) – 16–18 passengers; famed for Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL), superb for rough, short strips.
- Dash 7 (2) – 50 passengers; unique four-engine STOL capability, ideal for large groups and short bush runways.
- Dash 8-100/200 (2) – 37–40 passengers; pressurized, smooth for regional routes.
- Strengths:
- Strong on group charters and adventurous bush flights.
- Unmatched access to the shortest, roughest airstrips thanks to Twin Otter and Dash 7.
- Large capacity for group travel and cross-border operations.
- Good for connecting to Uganda/Tanzania circuits.
4. Fly ALS (African Logistics Services)
- Fleet Size: 20+ aircraft (Kenya’s largest bush/scheduled operator by number)
- Main Aircraft:
- Cessna 208B Grand Caravan (largest operator in Kenya).
- Dash 8-100/300 – pressurized, up to 50 passengers.
- Beechcraft 1900D – 19 passengers.
- Fokker 50, Embraer 120 – for regional/scheduled charter work.
- Strengths:
- Kenya’s most extensive bush and contract aviation operator.
- Massive flexibility: scheduled, charter, medevac, corporate, and logistics flights.
- Strong in serving the oil, mining, and humanitarian sectors, as well as tourism.
- Can handle both remote bush strips and regional airports.
Side-by-Side Fleet Comparison Table
| Feature/Operator | Safarilink | Governors’ Aviation | AirKenya | Fly ALS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fleet Size | 14 | 4–5 | 10 | 20+ |
| Caravan Fleet | 8 | 3–4 | 4 | 10+ |
| Twin Otter | – | – | 3 | – |
| Dash 8 Fleet | 4 (100/200/311/315) | – | 2 (100/200) | Several (100/300) |
| Dash 7 Fleet | – | – | 2 | – |
| Beechcraft/Fokker/Other | – | 1 x Cessna 206 | – | Beech 1900, Fokker 50, Embraer 120, others |
| Max Seats | Up to 52 | Up to 12 | Up to 50 (Dash 7) | Up to 50+ |
| Bush Strip Capability | Excellent (Caravan, Dash 8) | Excellent (Caravan, 206) | Outstanding (Twin Otter, Dash 7, Caravan) | Excellent (Caravan, Dash 8, Beechcraft) |
| Charters | Yes (large/small groups) | Yes (high-end, private, Mara) | Yes (flexible, cross-border) | Yes (largest variety) |
| Route Strengths | All major safari/city/coast, TZ, ZNZ | Mara-focused, luxury camp guests | Safari, group, bush, Uganda/Tanzania | All Kenya, humanitarian, logistics, safari |
| Best For | Scheduled safari flights, group travel | Mara charters, luxury safaris | Bush flights, groups, cross-border | Versatility, mass movement, bush work |
Key Takeaways
- Safarilink is the best all-round scheduled safari airline for Kenya, with a large, modern, and comfortable fleet, strong safety, and wide destination coverage.
- Governors’ Aviation is boutique and personal, specializing in high-end, custom Mara charters for luxury camps.
- AirKenya excels in adventurous bush flying and group travel, with unmatched STOL aircraft (Twin Otter, Dash 7) for the roughest airstrips.
- Fly ALS dominates in flexibility, fleet size, and ability to serve not just tourists but NGOs, corporates, and logistics sectors, with the most diverse bush fleet.
Which should you choose?
- For scheduled safari and family/group travel: Safarilink or AirKenya
- For high-end, private Masai Mara charters: Governors’ Aviation
- For maximum flexibility, remote logistics, or humanitarian work: Fly ALS
- For the shortest or roughest bush airstrips: AirKenya (Twin Otter/Dash 7) or Fly ALS
All operators are highly reputable, and your choice should depend on your group size, destination, need for schedule vs. charter, and whether your camp/itinerary requires specific strip access.
For bookings, support, or more information about Safarilink’s fleet and routes, contact their team at res@flysafarilink.com or call +254730888000.