Stories · Good to Know

Luggage Allowance for Domestic Flights

Bush flights, explained · 5 min read

Safaris often hop between camps on small bush planes — and those aircraft have strict, non-negotiable luggage limits. Here’s how to pack smart so you’re never caught out at the airstrip.

Soft bags only — no hard cases. ~15 kg (33 lb) per person, incl. hand luggage & camera bag. Check your itinerary — some allow 20 kg, a few just 12 kg.

What counts toward your allowance

✓ Your main soft duffel
✓ Hand luggage or daypack
✓ Camera bag & equipment
✓ Anything worn or carried aboard

Smart packing tips

✓ Choose a soft, frameless duffel
✓ Wear your heaviest items to fly
✓ Use lodge laundry — pack for 3–4 days
✓ Decant toiletries into small bottles
✓ Keep camera gear in a soft case
✓ Weigh your bag before you fly

Weight limits at a glance

Standard bush flight — 15 kg (33 lb), soft bag
Scheduled light aircraft — up to 20 kg
Smallest planes / full flights — as low as 12 kg
Excess baggage — sometimes by booking an extra seat

Good to know: limits include hand luggage and camera gear — it’s one total, not per bag. Weights are strictly enforced for safety, and many hotels store spare bags free while you’re on safari.

Not sure of the exact allowance for your trip? Send us your itinerary and we’ll confirm the limit for every flight. See also our safari packing checklist.