Discover Southern Africa’s Finest Safari Lodges with FedAir Lodge Hops

The real journey begins long before the first game drive. It starts the moment you leave the city behind, and with federal Airlines (FedAir), we make it possible to reach the wilderness sooner with flights to safari lodges in South Africa.

Our short shuttle flights, known as “Lodge Hops”, redefine how travellers reach Africa’s most iconic safari lodges. What was once a long, exhausting drive is now a smooth, scenic flight that lands you right where the wilderness begins.

FedAir connects travellers from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport and Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport to private bush airstrips inside Southern Africa’s premier game reserves. These are not ordinary flights; they are seamless transitions from runway to riverbed, from city skyline to open savannah, designed to make every part of your safari effortless.

What Are Lodge Hops?

Lodge Hops are federal Airline's shuttle flights, our signature shared service. They are designed to make reaching Southern Africa’s top safari lodges faster, smoother, and far more enjoyable. In short, they are effortless flights to safari lodges in South Africa. Guests simply purchase a seat on a shared flight, often alongside others heading to different lodges within the same region or nearby reserves. Each route may include one or two scenic stopovers en route to the final destination, giving travellers a connected and efficient safari experience.

Every journey is carefully coordinated with our lodge partners so that flight times align perfectly with lodge transfers and game drives. They make the handover from aircraft to open vehicle completely seamless, especially on routes from OR Tambo to safari lodges.

Each flight begins at one of FedAir’s private departure lounges, where guests are welcomed by our dedicated team, enjoy refreshments, and check in at a relaxed pace.

Once airborne, the flight itself becomes part of the adventure. These short, scenic hops offer sweeping views of South Africa’s wilderness. Rivers winding through bushveld, elephants crossing open plains, and untouched reserves stretching to the horizon.

Upon arrival at the bush airstrip, your lodge guide is already waiting beside the aircraft. There are no crowded terminals, no queues, just a smooth, quiet transition into the wild. Before you pack, take a quick look at federal Airlines’ baggage guidelines to keep everything simple.

Inter-Lodge Connectivity

FedAir’s Lodge Hops can save two to four hours of driving time between lodges. This gives you more time to explore multiple reserves with ease via flights to safari lodges in South Africa. It’s the ideal solution for travellers looking to experience more of Southern Africa’s diverse landscapes without the fatigue of long road transfers.

FedAir Routes: Your Gateway to the Wild

With daily departures from OR Tambo and Kruger Mpumalanga, guests can easily combine regions through FedAir’s inter-lodge connectivity.

FedAir’s network connects travellers to Southern Africa’s most exceptional safari regions, including:

• Kruger National Park & Greater Kruger Private Reserves (Sabi Sands, Timbavati, Thornybush, Manyeleti, Klaserie, Makalali)
• Madikwe Game Reserve
• Phinda Private Game Reserve
• Marakele / Marataba National Park
• Hoedspruit Region

Safari Highlights by Region

Every FedAir route leads to a destination with its own signature magic.

Kruger National Park & Sabi Sands Private Game Reserve

The classic safari destination. Home to the Big Five, dramatic landscapes, and a legacy of conservation. Sabi Sands is particularly renowned for close-up leopard encounters and luxury lodges that blend seamlessly into the wild.

Timbavati Private Nature Reserve & Thornybush Game Reserve

Wild and unspoiled, these reserves are prime big-cat territory. Timbavati’s white lions add an element of rarity, while Thornybush offers photographic perfection with its mix of open savannah and dense woodland.

Hoedspruit

As one of the busiest safari hubs in the Greater Kruger region, Hoedspruit offers effortless access to neighbouring reserves such as Klaserie, Balule, and Kapama. FedAir flights to Hoedspruit provide travellers with a gateway to a wide network of lodges and wildlife experiences, from private bush villas to family-friendly safari stays. It’s an ideal base for travellers seeking both accessibility and authentic wilderness immersion.

Madikwe Game Reserve

Malaria-free and ideal for families, Madikwe offers wide horizons, abundant wildlife, and thriving packs of endangered wild dogs. It’s a top choice for travellers seeking both exclusivity and convenience.

Marakele / Marataba National Park

Cradled in the Waterberg Mountains, Marakele delivers a dramatic safari setting with cliffside views, ancient baobabs, and soaring raptors, including one of the world’s largest Cape vulture colonies.

Phinda Private Game Reserve

A shining example of conservation success, Phinda blends luxury with purpose. Its seven unique ecosystems provide a rich variety of wildlife: from cheetahs on open plains to rare forest antelope, and it’s perfectly positioned for guests combining bush and beach itineraries.

Why Choose FedAir?

Because every minute counts.

With FedAir’s Lodge Hops, travellers can:

• Reach remote lodges faster and easier than by road with networked flights to safari lodges in South Africa
• Connect multiple safari regions without returning to major airports
• Enjoy scenic flights that turn travel into part of the adventure
• Experience a seamless handover from plane to lodge, coordinated in advance

FedAir isn’t just a flight service. We’re an extension of our trusted lodge partners, ensuring the luxury experience starts long before you arrive

Ready to Takeoff?

Design your dream safari itinerary with FedAir. Get airborne with Johannesburg to Kruger flights, or travel across multiple reserves like Madikwe, Phinda and Timbavati, using federal Airlines’ shuttle flights..

When planning your trip, simply ask your lodge or travel planner to include FedAir’s shuttle flights in your itinerary, or visit fedair.com to explore more