Scheduled flights aren’t the only way to fly between Kenya’s safari destinations. For groups, families, or travellers who want to fly on their own timing, straight to camp, a private charter is often on the table. This guide covers what a charter actually costs, what drives the price, and when it makes more sense than a scheduled seat.
Private Charter vs Scheduled Flight
A scheduled flight, the kind covered in our fly-in vs road safari comparison, sells individual seats on a fixed daily timetable, often with stops at more than one airstrip along the way. A private charter, by contrast, hires the whole aircraft. You set the departure time, and it flies point to point, direct to your camp’s own airstrip rather than the nearest scheduled stop.
The catch is how the cost works. A scheduled flight is priced per person. A charter is priced per aircraft, for the whole flight, regardless of how many seats you fill. That single difference decides which option actually works out cheaper for your group.
What Determines Charter Flight Cost
- Aircraft type. Larger, faster or more luxurious aircraft cost more per hour to charter.
- Flight time. Charters are priced by the hour, so the distance and number of stops both matter.
- Passenger numbers. The aircraft cost is fixed, so more passengers means a lower cost per person.
- Airport and landing fees. Airstrip and conservancy landing charges are usually added on top of the hourly rate.
- Positioning costs. If the aircraft has to fly empty to reach your departure point first, that flight time is often charged too.
Typical Charter Aircraft and Hourly Rates
Rates vary by operator and season, but as a general guide for light aircraft commonly used on Kenyan safari routes:
| Aircraft | Typical seats | Approx. hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Cessna 206 Stationair | Up to 4 passengers | Around $1,200 |
| Cessna 208 Caravan | Up to 12 passengers | Around $1,400 |
| Pilatus PC-12 NGX | Larger cabin, faster | Around $3,400 |
These are whole-aircraft rates, not per person, and they typically exclude landing fees and any positioning flight.
Real-World Example: Nairobi to the Masai Mara
Flight time from Nairobi’s Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara is about an hour. On a Cessna 206 at roughly $1,200 an hour, a one-way charter for up to four people works out to around $300 per person, similar to or cheaper than a scheduled seat once you’re travelling as a group of three or four. For a solo traveller or a couple, though, a scheduled flight at $200 to $250 per person is usually the better value, since you’d otherwise be paying for empty seats on a chartered aircraft.
The maths shifts again for larger groups or families travelling with extra luggage, where a Caravan’s higher seat count can bring the per-person cost down further, or where flying direct to a private conservancy airstrip in Laikipia or the Mara Triangle saves a scheduled flight’s extra stops.
Is a Private Charter Worth It?
- Worth it for groups of three or more, families with lots of luggage, travellers on a tight schedule who need a specific departure time, or a direct route to a private airstrip that scheduled flights don’t serve well.
- Usually not worth it for solo travellers or couples on a standard route between Nairobi and a well-served airstrip like the Mara or Amboseli, where scheduled flights already run daily.
PMK Tours can arrange either option as part of your itinerary. Our 6-Day Luxury Fly-In Safari to Amboseli and the Masai Mara uses scheduled flights to keep costs predictable, and we can quote a private charter alongside it if your group size or schedule calls for one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a private charter faster than a scheduled flight?
Usually, yes. A charter flies direct to your destination on your own schedule, while a scheduled flight may make one or two stops at other airstrips along its route.
Can I split a charter cost with other travellers?
Yes. Since a charter is priced per aircraft rather than per seat, sharing it across your travel party is the main way to bring the per-person cost down.
Do charter flights have the same baggage limits as scheduled flights?
Limits vary by aircraft, but light charter aircraft generally still expect soft-sided bags and a modest weight allowance per passenger, similar to scheduled safari flights.
Want a real quote for your group size and route? Get a free, no-obligation quote from our Kenya-based safari team, comparing scheduled and charter options for your itinerary.
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