Safarilink Aviation

What Safarilink Aviation does

Safarilink Aviation Limited is a privately held Kenyan regional airline founded in January 2004 and headquartered at Phoenix House, Wilson Airport, Nairobi. It provides daily scheduled passenger services, private charter flights, and bundled "Flying Packages" (flights plus accommodation plus game drives) to 18+ destinations across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar. Its customer base is anchored on inbound safari and beach tourists (often booked through tour-operator partners), with secondary demand from corporate charter clients and donated-seat traffic for medical/conservation NGOs. The company operates a dual fleet optimised for East African operations: 11 single-engine Cessna Caravan C208B aircraft (12 seats, configured for unpaved bush strips) and 4 DeHavilland Dash 8 turboprops (Q200/Q300, 37-52 seats) for longer cross-border routes, supported by an in-house KCAA-approved maintenance organisation (K/AMO/L/070) at the Aerlink Hangar, 70+ pilots with over 70,000 hours of collective flying time, and an organisational headcount of 250+ staff.

The business monetises through three streams — scheduled ticketing (e.g., Kisumu one-way from Kshs 3,950; Zanzibar round-trip from USD 327), private charters priced on a per-mission basis, and holiday packages — sold predominantly direct-to-consumer via flysafarilink.com and airport offices, with an interline codeshare through Kenya Airways and connectivity arrangements with Arusha-based carriers reaching the Serengeti, Manyara and Grumeti. Pricing granularity includes children at 75% of adult fare, infants free, plus ancillaries such as excess baggage (USD 4/kg), sports equipment (USD 20/sector), firearms (USD 10/flight) and lounge access (USD 40/person). The company has been carbon neutral since 2009 via a Mt Kenya Trust afforestation programme, donates about 5% of ticket revenue to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and operates the Safari Bonus loyalty programme (live since June 2015) and the Executive Safari Lounge as customer-retention and upsell layers.

Differentiating defensibility rests on regulatory status (KCAA Air Operators Certificate, IATA ISSA), the bush-strip-suited fleet, Wilson Airport as a physical hub, and a deep conservation and community-investment ecosystem (Lewa, Colobus Conservation, Ewaso Lions, Mt Kenya Trust, Aitong Medical Camp, school partnerships).

Name

Safarilink Aviation

Legal name

Safarilink Aviation Limited

Website

https://flysafarilink.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Safarilink Aviation is a privately held Kenyan regional airline founded in 2004, operating a 15-aircraft dual fleet of Cessna Caravans and Dash 8s from Nairobi Wilson Airport to 18+ safari, coastal and cross-border destinations in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar, serving inbound tourists and charter clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Regional Passenger Aviation (Safari Airline)

NAICS

Scheduled Passenger Air Transportation (481111), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (4812), Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation (481211)

SIC

Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512)

akta.pro primary industry

Island & Remote Region Regional Airlines (THABACAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Private Aviation Experiences (Charters, Scenic Flights, Helicopter Tours) (THAJALAF), Corporate & VIP Group Charter Operators (THABADAD)

Keywords

• Safari aviation services
• Regional passenger flights
• Charter flight services
• Bush airstrip operations
• Scheduled domestic flights

Headquarters

HQ city

Nairobi

HQ country

Kenya

HQ region

Africa

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Scheduled Passenger Services: Daily scheduled flights to 18+ destinations within Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zanzibar. Core revenue stream carrying over 20,000 passengers per month during busiest periods.
2. Private Charter Flights: Private charter flights for clients whose requirements regarding destination or timing cannot be met by scheduled services. Catering to both small groups and large groups of 100+ passengers.
3. Holiday Packages (Flying Packages): Comprehensive air packages including internal flights, full board accommodation, return airstrip transfers, and minimum 2 game drives per day to destinations including Amboseli, Diani Beach, Lewa Downs, Masai Mara, Samburu, Tsavo West, and Zanzibar.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Safarilink Aviation operates scheduled passenger flights, private charter flights, and bundled safari holiday packages from Nairobi Wilson Airport to 18+ destinations across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar Island. The company runs a fleet of 11 Cessna Caravan C208B aircraft and 4 DeHavilland Dash 8 aircraft, supported by online booking, online check-in, a Safari Bonus frequent flyer program, and an Executive Safari Lounge VIP service. Supplemental offerings include safari flying packages that combine flights, accommodation, transfers, and game drives.

Product overview

Safarilink Aviation operates Kenya's premier safari airline network offering scheduled domestic and cross-border flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport to 18+ destinations across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar. The core fleet consists of Cessna Caravan aircraft (11 planes, 12 passengers each) designed for bush airstrips and DeHavilland Dash 8 regional aircraft (4 planes, 37-52 passengers) for longer routes. The company provides multiple service tiers: standard scheduled flights, the Safari Bonus frequent flyer program, Executive Safari Lounge VIP services, and comprehensive Safari Flying Packages combining flights with accommodation and game activities. Online services include booking and check-in capabilities. The airline operates under an Air Operators Certificate from the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority and maintains IATA Standard Safety Assessment certification.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Scheduled Passenger Flights (East Africa) Core commercial scheduled airline service connecting Nairobi Wilson Airport to 18+ safari, coastal, and cross-border destinations across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zanzibar. Flights are operated using Cessna Caravan C208B aircraft (12 seats) for bush airstrips and DeHavilland Dash 8 aircraft (37–52 seats) for longer routes. Target customers include safari tourists, coastal travelers, and regional travelers.
• Private Charter Flights Customized private aviation service for individuals or groups requiring specific timing, destinations, or capacity not served by scheduled routes. Available for small groups up to 100+ passengers. Target customers include corporate incentive groups, private travelers, and organizations requiring access to remote or off-route airstrips.
• Safari Flying Packages All-inclusive holiday packages combining internal flights with full board accommodation, return airstrip transfers, and a minimum of two game drives per day to bushand beach destinations including Amboseli, Diani Beach, Lewa Downs, Masai Mara, Samburu, Tsavo West, and Zanzibar. Target customers are leisure travelers booking safari and beach holidays.
• Safari Bonus Frequent Flyer Program Points-based loyalty program where members earn points on every Safarilink scheduled flight. Points are redeemable for award tickets to 18 destinations including Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lamu, Malindi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Diani, Zanzibar, Arusha, and Entebbe, with redemption tiers varying by route. Membership is open to travelers booking Safarilink scheduled services.
• Executive Safari Lounge Premium VIP lounge experience at Wilson Airport (first floor) open daily 0600hrs to 1600hrs, offering a personalized barista service with Spring Valley Coffee, shower facilities, private drink and snack bar, and airside aircraft viewing. Available up to 4 hours before flight at USD $40 per person. Children under 12 are not permitted unless part of a private charter group. Targeted at premium travelers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Carries over 20,000 passengers per month during busiest periods
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• Kenya AirwayscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSafarilink has a codeshare agreement with Kenya Airways, allowing passengers to book Safarilink flights through Kenya Airways systems.
• Arusha-based Tanzania AirlinesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorArrangement with several airlines based in Arusha to provide seamless scheduled service for passengers traveling to northern Tanzania destinations including Manyara, Serengeti, and Grumeti. Bookings must be sent to Safarilink Reservations.
• Lewa Wildlife ConservancyflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOfficial Responsible Partner since 2012. Safarilink donates approximately 5% of the price of each ticket to Lewa for conservation projects. Lewa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to black rhinos, Grevy's zebras, and elephants.
• Mt Kenya TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership since 2009 supporting afforestation and carbon offset programs. Safarilink became the first local airline to achieve carbon neutrality. Partnership scaled up in 2017 to support 8,000 seedlings per year, totaling over 52,000 seedlings planted to date.
• Bill Woodley Mount Kenya TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner organization supervising tree planting and sapling care for Safarilink's carbon neutral program. Has been involved in similar projects since 2003 and has already planted out over 120,000 saplings.
• Colobus ConservationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLong-term sponsorship of Colobus Conservation. For each passenger flown in or out of Diani Airstrip, Safarilink donates $2 towards protecting Colobus monkeys.
• Wildlife DirectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership in the 'Hands Off Our Elephants' campaign. Safarilink has branded all aircraft with conservation message and enforces strict no ivory on board policy.
• Land & Life FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Annual Aitong Medical Camp in Masai Mara. Supports healthcare services to Maasai communities.
• Kicheche TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Annual Aitong Medical Camp in Masai Mara. In 2024, the camp treated over 1,250 patients.
• Cheli & Peacock TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in the Annual Aitong Medical Camp in Masai Mara.
• Medical and Education Aid for Kenya (MEAK)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK charity transforming lives through specialized medical and surgical missions since 1995. Safarilink donates up to 10 flight tickets annually and financial aid of up to KES 3 million per medical camp.
• Safari Doctors in LamuminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner delivering essential healthcare services in remote areas of Lamu. Safarilink donates free round-trip tickets and discounted airfares for medical teams.
• Ewaso LionsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Lion Kids Camps, inspiring next generation of conservation leaders. Safarilink provides free flight tickets for staff and sponsored 400 copies of Simba Stories conservation book.
• Naboisho Primary SchoolminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool Partnership Program serving over 400 pupils from local Maasai community. For every passenger flown to Naboisho, Safarilink contributes pupil school kits containing essential learning materials.
• Elsa Primary School (Samburu)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSchool Partnership Program serving over 600 children from diverse communities. Safarilink provides pupil school kits, teaching aids, and book donations.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Jambojet: Low-cost subsidiary of Kenya Airways operating scheduled domestic jet services from Nairobi. Tangentially comparable as a Kenyan domestic scheduled operator but serves a different customer segment with jet aircraft on longer routes.
• Precision Air: Tanzania's largest privately-owned airline operating scheduled domestic and regional flights with larger turboprop aircraft. Comparable regional scheduled passenger model but serves broader routes rather than safari-only niche.

Direct peers

• Auric Air: Tanzanian operator providing scheduled and charter services to Serengeti, Ruaha, Selous and other southern circuit parks. Closely comparable product offering to Safarilink's bush operations with overlapping Cessna Caravan fleet.
• Coastal Aviation: Tanzania-based safari and bush airline operating scheduled and charter flights across Tanzania's game reserves from Arusha and Dar es Salaam. Comparable niche, aircraft types (Cessna Caravan), and cross-border safari customer overlap.
• Tropical Air: Tanzania-based operator of scheduled and charter flights connecting Zanzibar, Arusha, and mainland safari destinations. Comparable scheduled safari/coastal network overlapping Safarilink's Zanzibar and Arusha services.
• Mombasa Air Safari: Kenyan safari-focused airline offering scheduled and charter flights between Mombasa, Diani, and coastal/safari destinations. Direct overlap with Safarilink's coastal segment and similar fleet profile.
• Air Kenya Expeditions: Direct competitor operating scheduled and charter flights from Wilson Airport to Kenyan safari destinations with a similar Cessna Caravan-led fleet. Highly comparable niche, customer base, and operational model.
• Renegade Air: Kenyan operator providing scheduled and charter domestic flights with bush-capable aircraft. Comparable product offering and overlapping domestic routes within Kenya.
• Flightlink Airlines: Tanzanian charter and scheduled operator based in Arusha/Dar es Salaam serving safari circuits. Direct overlap with Safarilink's northern Tanzania and Zanzibar network and similar Cessna-based operating model.

Broad incumbents

• Kenya Airways: Kenya's flag carrier and existing codeshare partner of Safarilink. Operates a wide network of domestic, regional, and international scheduled flights with jet aircraft; significant scale and broader portfolio but shares Wilson Airport connectivity.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Flysafarilink
• Facebookfacebook.com/flysafarilink
• Instagraminstagram.com/flysafarilink
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/flysafarilink

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Safarilink Aviation