For the more serious photographers among us, taking a few selfies while on safari is just not going to cut it. But travelling by air with camera equipment can often have its challenges. Karin Murray, marketing and sales manager of Airlink, breaks down some of the rules.
Airlink customers who are travelling with photographic equipment, such as lenses and cameras, are allowed to carry the equipment on board so long as it meets the current hand baggage regulations. These are total dimensions of 115cm and a maximum weight of 8kg, says Murray.
“Any other photographic equipment, such as lighting, tripods, props etc. must be packed in cases or boxes as checked baggage. All passengers travelling with Airlink must advise the airline at least three business days prior to departure that they will have photographic equipment, so that the necessary arrangements can be made.”
Murray adds that, for Airlink’s Lodge Link service, operated by Grand Cessna Caravans with capacity for 12 passengers and two pilots, guests may carry 20kg of soft-bag checked luggage, and 8kg of soft-bag cabin luggage. “Soft bags are available upon request on arrival in Nelspruit KMIA, and Skukuza Airport, as are free baggage storage facilities at Nelspruit and Skukuza, and free baggage transfers between the two airports for guests using a minimum of two consecutive Lodge Link flights.” These exclusive services are restricted to applicable lodges and their guests, Murray says.
Airlink flies direct from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Nelspruit KMIA and Skukuza Airport. A unique 20-minute airside transfer connects guests onward to the doorstep of more than 25 exclusive and luxurious Big Five private lodges in world-renowned private game reserves in the Kruger National Park, Sabi Sands Game Reserve, and Phinda Private Game Reserve situated between the Mkuze Game Reserve and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park in KwaZulu Natal.
Airlink also provides scheduled services to popular safari destinations including: Maun, in the Okavango; Kasane, in Chobe; Hoedspruit and Phalaborwa, in Limpopo; and from Cape Town to Victoria Falls.
Airlink’s Lodge Link Service connects travellers from Nelspruit KMIA and Skukuza Airport to the Ulusaba, Arathusa, Londolozi, Ngala and Phinda airstrips, where guests have access to adjoining private game lodges such as Inyati, Leopard Hills, Dulini Collection, Savanna and Idube, Djuma, Cheetah Plains, Simbambili, Nkorho, Chitwa Chitwa, Elephant Plains, Jaci’s Sabi House, Silvan Safari, Thanda and Rocktail Bay, Ngala Safari Lodge and Ngala Tented Camp.
