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OUR STORY

OUR STORY

With a passion for all things aviation, Scenic Wilderness was founded by two of the most iconic aviation brands in East Africa.
With a passion for all things aviation, Scenic Wilderness was founded by two of the most iconic aviation brands in East Africa.

Both Scenic Air Safaris and Air Wilderness shared a common vision; to take ‘safari to the air’ with a shared charter option, enabling seamless access to Kenya’s primary tourism destinations that are not served by scheduled airlines.

The world of travel has changed considerably post pandemic. The shared air charter concept allows multiple passengers or groups to share the cost of a private flight, making it more accessible to a broader audience. This is especially significant in regions where commercial scheduled air connectivity is limited. As a result, shared air charters are now seen as a more efficient and personalized travel option for regional safari travel.

Both Scenic Air Safaris and Air Wilderness shared a common vision; to take ‘safari to the air’ with a shared charter option, enabling seamless access to Kenya’s primary tourism destinations that are not served by scheduled airlines.

The world of travel has changed considerably post pandemic. The shared air charter concept allows multiple passengers or groups to share the cost of a private flight, making it more accessible to a broader audience. This is especially significant in regions where commercial scheduled air connectivity is limited. As a result, shared air charters are now seen as a more efficient and personalized travel option for regional safari travel.

OUR TEAM

OUR TEAM

OUR FLEET

Our Executive Cessna Grand Caravans deliver a ‘rock solid’ combination of dependability, style, utility and economy.

Executive Cessna

Grand Caravans

The executive configuration seats up to nine passengers in leather upholstered seats with a dual position divan at the rear. Ideal for shared charter, small private/family groups for short to mid-range flights.

With a ‘high wing’, ideally suited for unobstructed game viewing from the air and a sprung main landing gear, unpaved bush airstrips are where this aircraft stands out above all others.

  • 8 executive reclining seats
  • Belted 2 place divan seat
  • Onboard refreshments
  • Air conditioning
  • 110v outlets
  • Personal headsets each seat

OUR FLEET

Our Executive Cessna Grand Caravans deliver a ‘rock solid’ combination of dependability, style, utility and economy.

Executive Cessna

Grand Caravans

The executive configuration seats up to nine passengers in leather upholstered seats with a dual position divan at the rear. Ideal for shared charter, small private/family groups for short to mid-range flights.

With a ‘high wing’, ideally suited for unobstructed game viewing from the air and a sprung main landing gear, unpaved bush airstrips are where this aircraft stands out above all others.

  • 8 executive reclining seats
  • Belted 2 place divan seat
  • Onboard refreshments
  • Air conditioning
  • 110v outlets
  • Personal headsets each seat

09 passengers

Capacity

840 nautical miles

Average Range

15kgs per passenger

Luggage

11,500ft

Cruise Altitude

167mph / 268kph

Cruise Speed

09 passengers

Capacity

840 nautical miles

Average Range

15kgs per passenger

Luggage

11,500ft

Cruise Altitude

167mph / 268kph

Cruise Speed

AIRCRAFT FACT SHEET

Our Cessna Grand Caravans are equipped with the most advanced G1000 avionics suite and satellite tracking devices, enabling real time operational control and position reporting capability. There can be no compromise to flight safety – period. We conduct constant and ongoing enforcement of stringent safety requirements, and our pilots are trained and constantly reviewed to the highest international air safety standards.

Italian Leather Interiors
Advanced avionics

AIRCRAFT FACT SHEET

Our Cessna Grand Caravans are equipped with the most advanced G1000 avionics suite and satellite tracking devices, enabling real time operational control and position reporting capability. There can be no compromise to flight safety – period. We conduct constant and ongoing enforcement of stringent safety requirements, and our pilots are trained and constantly reviewed to the highest international air safety standards.

Italian Leather Interiors
Advanced avionics

BEFORE YOU FLY

Some vital information for you to know that will help with your booking process. We look forward to hearing from you and planning your flights in Kenya

All indicated fares are one-way between indicated destinations.
All indicated fares are one-way between indicated destinations.
Luggage is limited to 15KG per person *only soft-sided duffel bags can be accepted.
Luggage is limited to 15KG per person *only soft-sided duffel bags can be accepted.
Global Covid protocols apply to all flights and passengers.
Global Covid protocols apply to all flights and passengers.
20% discount applies to children under 12yrs of age travelling.
20% discount applies to children under 12yrs of age travelling.
For confirmed shared charter flights with only 2 passengers, we are likely to operate a smaller aircraft
For confirmed shared charter flights with only 2 passengers, we are likely to operate a smaller aircraft
Terms and conditions apply and are available upon request
Terms and conditions apply and are available upon request
Max 9 seats are available on each flight.
Max 9 seats are available on each flight.
For agents, payment is confirmed with 20% deposit and balance is required 60 days prior to booked departure date.
For agents, payment is confirmed with 20% deposit and balance is required 60 days prior to booked departure date.
Online bookings are confirmed by return when payment is made, in full, online.
Online bookings are confirmed by return when payment is made, in full, online.

As this service is a shared charter indicative flight timings will be provided at the time of booking with exact timings given 24 hrs prior to departure/arrival. 

Our office will update camps/lodges on departure and arrival times.

Flights are direct between Lewa – Masai Mara – Lewa, however, as a shared flight it may sometimes be necessary to stop at one or two strips at point of origin or at point of destination.

All efforts will be made to limit stops and ensure the shortest possible flight route for passenger comfort. 

BEFORE YOU FLY

Some vital information for you to know that will help with your booking process. We look forward to hearing from you and planning your flights in Kenya

As this service is a shared charter indicative flight timings will be provided at the time of booking with exact timings given 24 hrs prior to departure/arrival. 

Our office will update camps/lodges on departure and arrival times.

Flights are direct between Lewa – Masai Mara – Lewa, however, as a shared flight it may sometimes be necessary to stop at one or two strips at point of origin or at point of destination.

All efforts will be made to limit stops and ensure the shortest possible flight route for passenger comfort. 

All indicated fares are one-way between indicated destinations.
All indicated fares are one-way between indicated destinations.
20% discount applies to children under 12yrs of age travelling.
20% discount applies to children under 12yrs of age travelling.
Max 9 seats are available on each flight.
Max 9 seats are available on each flight.
Luggage is limited to 15KG per person *only soft-sided duffel bags can be accepted.
Luggage is limited to 15KG per person *only soft-sided duffel bags can be accepted.
For confirmed shared charter flights with only 2 passengers, we are likely to operate a smaller aircraft
For confirmed shared charter flights with only 2 passengers, we are likely to operate a smaller aircraft
For agents, payment is confirmed with 20% deposit and balance is required 60 days prior to booked departure date.
For agents, payment is confirmed with 20% deposit and balance is required 60 days prior to booked departure date.
Global Covid protocols apply to all flights and passengers.
Global Covid protocols apply to all flights and passengers.
Terms and conditions apply and are available upon request
Terms and conditions apply and are available upon request
Online bookings are confirmed by return when payment is made, in full, online.
Online bookings are confirmed by return when payment is made, in full, online.

PRIVATE
CHARTER FLIGHTS

Flying privately on safari offers an alternative for those who prefer more flexibility, convenience, comfort, privacy and luxury that you just won’t find anywhere else. From our bases in northern Kenya and Nairobi, we fly customised, air charter flights to safari destinations across East Africa.

  • Save time
  • No queues
  • No hassle
  • Scenic flight

PRIVATE CHARTER FLIGHTS

Flying privately on safari offers an alternative for those who prefer more flexibility, convenience, comfort, privacy and luxury that you just won’t find anywhere else. From our bases in northern Kenya and Nairobi, we fly customised, air charter flights to safari destinations across East Africa.

  • Save time
  • No queues
  • No hassle
  • Scenic flight

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Your own executively configured aircraft, at your disposal means you can save valuable time and fly wherever and whenever you want to. No queues, no hassle and you’ll get the same plane and the same pilot on each flight, you’ll get access to more airports and lets face it, nothing quite beats flying in privacy and comfort of an executive interior to luxury safari camps, game lodges and beach destinations in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia (if you so choose).

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Your own executively configured aircraft, at your disposal means you can save valuable time and fly wherever and whenever you want to. No queues, no hassle and you’ll get the same plane and the same pilot on each flight, you’ll get access to more airports and lets face it, nothing quite beats flying in privacy and comfort of an executive interior to luxury safari camps, game lodges and beach destinations in Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar, Uganda, Rwanda and Ethiopia (if you so choose).

FLYING
CARBON NEUTRAL

We Fly Carbon Neutral, all our flights, whether shared charter or private charter are carbon offset, giving you peace of mind and reassurance when making the decision to travel by air.

Scenic Wilderness carbon-neutral status is a direct result of a partnership with the Chyulu Hills REDD+ CarbonProject.

REDD+ is one of the most prominent and verified international offset systems created by the United Nations. First formed in 2005, the REDD+ project is aimed at reducing emissions associated with deforestation and at restoring natural habitats.

In collaboration with The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, Big Life Foundation, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service, and Conservation International. The goal of the Chyulu Hills REDD+ Carbon Project is to prevent deforestation and forest degradation by active forest protection and providing alternative livelihoods for local communities living in and around the forest area. The beautiful Chyulu Hills, Ernest Hemingways ‘Green Hills of Africa’, is a watershed that provides a critical wildlife corridor in southern Kenya – nestled at the northern foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and rising 4,000ft above the dry savannah plains of Amboseli to the south.

FLYING CARBON NEUTRAL

We Fly Carbon Neutral, all our flights, whether shared charter or private charter are carbon offset, giving you peace of mind and reassurance when making the decision to travel by air.

Scenic Wilderness carbon-neutral status is a direct result of a partnership with the Chyulu Hills REDD+ CarbonProject.

REDD+ is one of the most prominent and verified international offset systems created by the United Nations. First formed in 2005, the REDD+ project is aimed at reducing emissions associated with deforestation and at restoring natural habitats.

In collaboration with The Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, Big Life Foundation, David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forest Service, and Conservation International. The goal of the Chyulu Hills REDD+ Carbon Project is to prevent deforestation and forest degradation by active forest protection and providing alternative livelihoods for local communities living in and around the forest area. The beautiful Chyulu Hills, Ernest Hemingways ‘Green Hills of Africa’, is a watershed that provides a critical wildlife corridor in southern Kenya – nestled at the northern foot of Mount Kilimanjaro and rising 4,000ft above the dry savannah plains of Amboseli to the south.

KENYA’S GREEN HILLS GOING REDD+

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation & Degradation

The average American’s carbon footprint is 15-20 tonnes per person per year.

The average Kenyan’s carbon footprint is 0.2-0.4 tonnes per person per year.
Forest destruction accounts for 10-15% of all the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change – more than all the cars, planes, and trains put together
The amount of global CO2 emissions (Kt.) has increased by 75% since the 1960’s. A staggering jump from 9 million Kt. (Kilo tonnes) to 36 million Kt. and currently rising…

KENYA’S GREEN HILLS GOING REDD+

Reducing Emissions from Deforestation & Degradation

The average American’s carbon footprint is 15-20 tonnes per person per year.

The average Kenyan’s carbon footprint is 0.2-0.4 tonnes per person per year.
Forest destruction accounts for 10-15% of all the greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change – more than all the cars, planes, and trains put together
The amount of global CO2 emissions (Kt.) has increased by 75% since the 1960’s. A staggering jump from 9 million Kt. (Kilo tonnes) to 36 million Kt. and currently rising…

WHAT IS REDD+

The main drivers of forest destruction are economics and poverty. REDD+ is a mechanism that has been developed through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to provide economic incentives to protect forest rather than destroy it. By protecting forests, greenhouse gas emissions are avoided. The international carbon markets recognise that carbon emissions result in real costs and risks to the planet as a result of the damage caused by climate change – droughts, extreme weather, sea level rise, loss of glaciers, ocean acidification, etc.

Payments to REDD+ projects enable individuals, companies and institutions to reduce their net emissions and receive “carbon credits” that offset their carbon footprint.

Contributing to our REDD+ project also delivers a whole range of additional benefits that include:

  • protecting watersheds
  • conserving biodiversity
  • providing social services and economic opportunities that reduce poverty in developing countries, such as Kenya.

WHAT IS REDD+

The main drivers of forest destruction are economics and poverty. REDD+ is a mechanism that has been developed through the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to provide economic incentives to protect forest rather than destroy it. By protecting forests, greenhouse gas emissions are avoided. The international carbon markets recognise that carbon emissions result in real costs and risks to the planet as a result of the damage caused by climate change – droughts, extreme weather, sea level rise, loss of glaciers, ocean acidification, etc.

Payments to REDD+ projects enable individuals, companies and institutions to reduce their net emissions and receive “carbon credits” that offset their carbon footprint.

Contributing to our REDD+ project also delivers a whole range of additional benefits that include:

  • protecting watersheds
  • conserving biodiversity
  • providing social services and economic opportunities that reduce poverty in developing countries, such as Kenya.
The Chyulu Hills sit close to Kenya’s southern border with Tanzania nestled in front of Mount Kilimanjaro, which towers over this iconic African landscape. The hills themselves, like the great mountain, are the result of the violent volcanic history of this region. They gently rise nearly 4000 ft above the surrounding dry plains and savannah, just high enough to capture the clouds and provide conditions for the growth of a lush tropical montane cloud forest along its ridge tops. The landscape (nearly 4000 sq. km) forms a critical “bridge”, linking together two of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas, the greater Tsavo Ecosystem and Amboseli Ecosystem. This area is home to Kenya’s largest surviving population of elephants and one of its foremost large-scale wildlife and wilderness areas. The Chyulu Hills REDD+ Project aims to protect the Chyulu Hills landscape, its forests, woodlands, savannahs, wetlands and springs, and its wild populations of Africa’s best known animals – lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, rhinos, elephants, and various antelopes.
The Chyulu Hills sit close to Kenya’s southern border with Tanzania nestled in front of Mount Kilimanjaro, which towers over this iconic African landscape. The hills themselves, like the great mountain, are the result of the violent volcanic history of this region. They gently rise nearly 4000 ft above the surrounding dry plains and savannah, just high enough to capture the clouds and provide conditions for the growth of a lush tropical montane cloud forest along its ridge tops. The landscape (nearly 4000 sq. km) forms a critical “bridge”, linking together two of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas, the greater Tsavo Ecosystem and Amboseli Ecosystem. This area is home to Kenya’s largest surviving population of elephants and one of its foremost large-scale wildlife and wilderness areas. The Chyulu Hills REDD+ Project aims to protect the Chyulu Hills landscape, its forests, woodlands, savannahs, wetlands and springs, and its wild populations of Africa’s best known animals – lions, cheetahs, wild dogs, rhinos, elephants, and various antelopes.

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Email: [email protected]

Phone: +254 758 289 641

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FOR ENQUIRIES, RATES AND BOOKINGS

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +254 725 857 225

COPYRIGHT © 2023 SCENIC WILDERNESS | POWERED BY MODIC

COPYRIGHT © 2023 SCENIC WILDERNESS | POWERED BY MODIC

WILLIAM CRAIG
Founder & Director

Will was born on Lewa and has spent his life involved in tourism and conservation in the north of Kenya. Will and his family own and run Lewa Wilderness within the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. Will’s passion for aviation started at a young age when he flew as a Crop Duster pilot for many years. He held a commercial pilots license until recently, within the region of 10,000 hours of flying experience. Now he only flies privately but you can still find Will buzzing around Lewa in the beautiful Waco Bi-Plane or at the airstrip sharing his wealth of knowledge with the pilots in the team. Will’s passion for aviation and tourism sparked the need to have a premium flight service into Lewa and through this spark Scenic Wilderness was born.

SIMON PENFOLD
Sales Director

Simon has aviation in his blood. His father, an East African Airways pilot in the 1960s led the way for Simon’s passion in all things aviation. Having studied Airline & Tourism management in Glasgow, Scotland, he then worked in a management role for KLM / Kenya Airways based in the UK, before heading home to Kenya where he served as General Manager of Southern Cross Safaris (Nairobi). Moving onto Scenic Air Safaris to join Torben and Murtaza, Simon oversees sales and marketing for both Scenic Wilderness and Scenic Air Safaris.

Simon also sits on the executive committee of the Kenya Association of Air Operators.

TORBEN RUNE
Founder & Chairman

A committed wildlife conservationist and private pilot for the past 30 years, Torben has vast experience within International Tourism. He studied Marketing and Business Studies in South Africa, returning to Kenya where he managed Southern Cross Safaris as a partner and Managing Director for over 20yrs. Now the Managing Director of Scenic Air Safaris of which Torben is a founding partner to one of Kenya’s most iconic aviation companies.

Torben is also a trustee of the Satao Community and WildlifeTrust, the Chairman of the George Adamson Wildlife Trust, and a past founder trustee of the East African Whale Shark Trust.

HILDA WANJALA
Scenic Wilderness Sales & Operations

Hilda is our main point of contact for the Scenic Wilderness shared charter flight between Lewa and the Masai Mara. Hilda’s love of African wildlife, culture and adventure, coupled with her experience in aviation has enabled her to realise a dream; of being able to explore the wild from the skies, being able to share her experiences with others and of living on the coast.

ASLAM KHAN
Founder & Director

The Kenya Airforce is where Aslam first trained to fly in 1970. Seven years later he embarked on an adventurous and illustrious aviation career flying for Kenya Airways. Airline goals achieved; Aslam started Aircraft Leasing Services (ALS) becoming the first air operator to introduce Cessna Caravans to Kenyan Skies. Today ALS operates 40 aircraft ranging from jets to turboprops.

A founding partner of Scenic Air Safaris, now the leading executive air charter company in Kenya. His latest venture, Fly ALS is Kenya’s newest domestic tourism airline.

CAPT. MURTAZA WALIJEE
Chief Pilot

Our chief pilot and director of operations is credited with over 9000hrs of bush flying experience across East and southern Africa. He is Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL) qualified as well as a certified flight training instructor with an instrument rating. Responsible for the advancement of our inflight experiences, Murtaza knows very well indeed what it takes to fly notable people, celebrities and executive passengers, being the pilot of choice for many. A great story-teller with a trove of incredible experiences, he relishes the challenges of ‘bush flying’ and in particular, flying and guiding wing safaris with Scenic Air Safaris.

DARRYL VAN DYK
Founder & Director

Darryl was born and raised in Swaziland, he did his studies in South Africa and worked in the tech sector for many years before deciding to change careers and pursue a lifestyle in tourism and aviation. In 2009 he got his private pilot’s licence and in 2011 he arrived in Kenya, the place he decided to call home. He now has a Kenya commercial pilot’s license with over 2,000 hours of bush flying experience. Darryl lives on Lewa and his passion for aviation and tourism makes him very knowledgeable about the flying conditions as well as the landscape, different cultures, wildlife, and the many facets that make Africa a fascinating continent to visit.
FRED MBUGUA
Commercial Pilot

From a young age, Fred dreamed of becoming a pilot. This passion led him to train in Kenya, where he honed his skills in navigating the vast and diverse landscapes of East Africa. With over 10 years of flying experience, he has worked extensively with the World Food Programme (WFP), flying missions across East, West, and Central Africa.

Known for creating unforgettable safari experiences, Fred caters to a wide range of clients, from families to adventure seekers, ensuring each flight is both safe and memorable. His deep knowledge of Kenya’s geography and wildlife enhances every journey, allowing passengers to appreciate the stunning beauty of the region.

When not in the cockpit, Fred enjoys sharing stories of his adventures and the breathtaking sights he’s encountered, inspiring the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

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