Below is some of our FAQ. If you cannot find an answer then please email us at info@aerial-africa.com
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When is best to travel to Botswana?Botswana's dry season is from May to October, offers clear skies, little rain, fewer mosquitos and excellent game viewing. February to April are also excellent times to travel.
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How do I get to and around Botswana?Arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa via any of the main airlines and you will find connecting flights or charter flights from Johannesburg to the Okavango Delta (Maun International) or Chobe National Park (Kasane International) Many of the remote Delta camps can only be reached by light aircraft, which is an incredible way to get around and experience this natural wonderland from a different vantage point.
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How long should I spend in Botswana?When travelling to Botswana allow for at least one week to experience the Okavango Delta and perhaps a visit to the Makgadikgadi salt pans. One could add on a few extra days to experience the Chobe River or cruise on a luxury houseboat on the Zambezi River. Booking is required in advance as most camps are small, intimate and remote. Botswana is considered as an expensive destination, which is worth taking into consideration when thinking about your budget.
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What attractions and experiences will I find in Botswana?If you are after a safari experience like no other, Botswana is a phenominal destination offering superb wildlife viewing opportunities, incredibly diverse landscapes and conservation initiatives. Botswana offers a plethora of unique destinations and landscapes including Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, Tsodilo, the Kalahari Desert and the vast Makgadikgadi Pans. Highlights would be - experience the Delta and the Makgadikgadi Pans from the air - take a horse riding safari - for the twitchers; discover some of the world's most unique bird species - spot rare and endangered wildlife such as rhino and wild dog - explore the winding waterways of the Okavango from a traditional Mokoro canoe - experience the intrigue and mystery of the Tsodilo hills and San bushman culture
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What is the political and economic climate of Botswana?Solid infrastructure, financial and political stability means that travelling in Botswana is both safe and easy. The standards of accomodation, service delivery and catering are extremely high. In fact you will find some of Africa's most luxurious experiences in Botswana, perfect for anyone who loves the finer things in life.
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What essential information should I know before visiting Botswana?Health: anti-malarials are required. We recommend you visit your travel doctor for the latest information on travel vaccinations. Language: English is the official language in Botswana along with Setswana. Currency: Pula is the local currency which is a Setswana word for "rain", Botswana's most precious resource and therefore a blessing. We recommend travellers travelling with US dollars especially for tipping but VISA credit cards are accepted in most locations. Accomodation: Most lodges are small and intimate so it would be wise to book as far in advance as possible to avoid missing out.
MEET YOUR GUIDES
Jay and Jan are adventurers, creatives, authors, photographers and aviators, whose passion in life is to share their love and experience of Africa's wildest places with like minded people. And this is exactly what they do. They have taken guests all over the African continent to expertly photograph wildlife and nature from the sky and on the ground.
By providing only the best service and with their unique and specialized service offerings and experience have become the quintessential guides for those wishing to experience Africa in a private and authentic way .
Through their extensive photographic travels over the past 20 years they have become intimately acquainted with some of the most beautiful wildernesses spaces in Southern Africa. “Our deep love for this captivating region has culminated in Skyhawk Safaris and a travel offering of hand-picked places that have touched our souls and taken our breath away”
Their published book “Aerial Art” is the culmination of a remarkable journey; a vibrant collection of wild and enchanting images that are instantly recognizable by their unique style and approach. Their photography has been widely published in magazines including Africa geographic, National Geographic Traveler, GEO, BBC Wildlife, Smithsonian Nature’s Best Photography, CNN, Wild Travel and the United Nations Environmental programme. Their images have received commendations in both local and international photographic competitions.
With time being our most precious resource and Africa being as big as China, India, the US and most of Europe put together, private air travel not only gives one a unique perspective of the beauty of Africa but also bridges large distances quickly to make the most of your time in Africa.
Having self flown hundreds of thousands of nautical miles over Southern Africa for more than a decade we can guarantee an adventure of a lifetime for self fly pilots with expert advice on flying in these vast wilderness areas and unbiased guidance & recommendations as we tailor make an itinerary that is perfect for you.
We have forged solid relationships with some of the most reputable accommodation through Southern Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands, that share our values which include exceptional quality, sustainability, great design and exceptional service.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
SEATING: All passengers get a window seat. The seating allocation is done by the pilot according to weight and balance which will be ascertained before hand during your safety briefing.
CLOTHING: It can be quite windy with door off so we suggest you put on a sweater or jacket before entering the helicopter. It is also advisable for people with medium to long hair to tie their hair up before the flight.
TAKING PICTURES: Doors of the helicopter will be removed for photographic flights to enable optimal photo opportunities. Please note that when the doors are off it does get windy. Ensure you are wearing a jacket, your hair is tied up, that you don’t have any toggles or cords on your jacket that could interfere. Also ensure that all cameras are securely harnessed around your neck.
WEATHER: Namibia’s weather conditions are fairly constant all year round and make it a perfect flying and photography destination. However, flights are weather dependent and on the off chance that we encounter weather that would be counter productive to a photographic or scenic flight it will have to be rescheduled.
SAFETY: You will be flying in the safest and most reliable helicopters in the world – the Bell Jet Ranger and Robinson series. Your safety as passenger is paramount. All aircraft and pilots are certified with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and we pride ourselves that we adhere to even higher levels of safety that exceeds regulatory requirements. All passengers are given a thorough safety briefing prior to their flight, including operation of doors, seatbelts and general safety awareness around the helicopter.
CUSTOMISE YOUR EXPERIENCE
There is a talent to building the perfect custom photo safari that comes with years of local knowledge. We pride ourselves in going to great lengths to ensure each experience is personally designed to fit your exact needs.
Custom experiences are dedicated to providing you with the best service possible so that you can take your photography to another level. Part of our core business is building Custom Photo Safaris for private photographer travelers.
These bespoke trips are designed in consultation with clients so that the photographic workshop:
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Meets their exact and precise needs.
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Travel according to their own time schedule.
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Uses our extensive knowledge of the photographic seasons and location knowledge to maximize their photo opportunities.
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A personal professional photographer to guide and tutor you is the best way to improve your skill level and ultimately your images.
To read more about how to take that perfect aerial image please visit https://www.aerial-africa.com/post/getting-that-perfect-aerial-image
WORKSHOP DESTINATIONS
NAMIBIA
CUSTOMISABLE ITINERARY
SWAKOPMUND - SOSSUSVLEI - SKELETON COAST
Experience Namibia as it has never been seen before.
Fly over the ancient dune fields of the Namib and the shores of the icy Atlantic and photographs some of the most spectacular patterns of this Geological wonderland - the ultimate destination for aerial artists.
BOTSWANA |OKAVANGO DELTA
CUSTOMISABLE ITINERARY
THE OKAVANGO DELTA - MAKGADIGADI PANS
The ultimate destination for Aerial photographers. Capture the wonders of nature and the Eden of Africa from a truly remarkable perspective.
Amelia Earhart — 'You haven't seen a tree until you've seen its shadow from the sky.'
WORKSHOP DESTINATIONS
BOTSWANA | DELTA & PANS
CUSTOMISABLE ITINERARY
SWAKOPMUND - SOSSUSVLEI - SKELETON COAST
Experience Namibia as it has never been seen before.
Fly over the ancient dune fields of the Namib and the shores of the icy Atlantic and photographs some of the most spectacular patterns of this Geological wonderland - the ultimate destination for aerial artists.
MOZAMBIQUE
CUSTOMISABLE ITINERARY
THE OKAVANGO DELTA - MAKGADIGADI PANS
The ultimate destination for Aerial photographers. Capture the wonders of nature and the Eden of Africa from a truly remarkable perspective.
Amelia Earhart — 'You haven't seen a tree until you've seen its shadow from the sky.'