While on safari you will be transferred between lodges, camps, hotels and different national parks by road, water and air.
Air travel is the most convenient method of moving between destinations. Depending upon your choice of safari you may travel via scheduled flights. The majority of commercial airlines use modern jet or turbo prop aircraft. For inter-camp flights you will travel in smaller single-, or twin-engined aircraft (Cessna 206, 210 or Caravan) seating 6 to 12 people.
Safari flights in Africa are as safe as similar light aircraft operations in other parts of the western world. The aircraft are well-maintained and, just like in the U.S., Europe and Australia, completely overhauled and serviced after a pre-determined number of hours. You will find that the so-called 'bush pilots' are, like the vast majority of their colleagues all over the world, very concerned about safety and that they follow correct procedures and do not operate an unserviceable aircraft, or overload it (so watch that luggage limit!).
Flying serves a three-fold purpose: it gets you to the prime wildlife viewing areas without wasting time on dusty and bumpy roads; you'll be able to cover much more ground so your itinerary can be more diversified and you will gain an overall perspective of the area that is only possible from the air. It would not be possible, for example, to fully appreciate the complexity of the Okavango Delta's channel systems and multitude of islands, nor the vastness of the Serengeti, or the Kalahari or Namib deserts, without an aerial view. Many bush pilots are expert guides in their own right. You'll be amazed at their ability to spot and identify animals from the air!