Light Aircraft Charter on Safari – Luggage Restrictions & Passenger Weight Regulations Explained

Posted on 4th June 2024

Oftentimes safari destinations are remote and not easily accessible by road. Light aircraft charter flights are therefore an integral part of being on safari.

Light aircraft charters are quite different from your average regional airline flight:

• Destinations are remote (no refuelling)
• Weather patterns need to be taken into consideration (flight times may vary and are not exact)
• Airstrips are inaccessible (often surrounded by dense bush) and rarely exceed 1 km in length (aircraft weight restrictions)
• Smaller planes have less space for luggage (luggage size & weight restrictions)

With all of our air charter suppliers safety is paramount. Hence it is of utmost importance that the overall weight (all luggage and passengers) of the aircraft is within its limits.

Passenger weight as well as luggage size and weight restrictions vary from country to country and are dependent on which carrier / aircraft is used. The below information is just a guideline and meant to raise awareness around this important part of a safari.

Passenger Weight regulations:

As each person’s weight forms part of the overall weight of the aircraft and has to be communicated by us to the relevant supplier. The personal weight limit per passenger (without luggage) may be as low as 90kgs (198lbs) and as high as 115kgs (254lbs). Should anyone passenger weigh more than that a flight surcharge may apply, as essentially an additional seat will be “sold” to that passenger.

To avoid problems with the reservation of light aircraft charters we ask all passengers booking with us to fill in information about their weight on our booking form.

Luggage size and weight restrictions:

• Maximum Weight: 15kgs – 20kgs (total including hand luggage)..
• Size Restrictions: approximately 25cm (10 inches) wide by 30cm (12 inches) high and 62cm (24 inches) long
• Squashing a suitcase with a hard frame into the aircraft’s baggage compartment is like trying to fit an elephant into a matchbox and therefore these kind of suitcases are NOT allowed

• Strictly soft sided bags only, NO frames and if possible, no wheels.
• For additional camera equipment or overweight luggage, additional seats can be bought prior to departure. This “additional” seat approximately allows an extra 80kgs (176lbs) of luggage.
• If passengers arrive with incorrect luggage, they will be offered a soft bag (provided at cost by Air Charter Operator) and their “other” suitcase may be left behind or transported to the end location at a cost to the passenger.
• Guest with additional luggage, travelling for extended periods have the option to store additional baggage for collection on the guests return, or to be forwarded to certain other destinations (this will incur a cost for transportation of excess luggage). Details can be discussed with us at the time of booking.
• Please also bear in mind, that many camps do include laundry facilities, so there is no need to worry about what to pack or having enough clean clothes on your journey.

Being on safaris is an adventure, so pack wisely for your adventure and feel free to ask us should you have any questions.