Federal Air Launches New Safari Flight Route

South African charter flight provider Federal Airlines will introduce a new shuttle route connecting Marakele National Park to Madikwe Game Reserve. The route will start operating on 23 March. Departure and landing times at Thabazimbi Airport for Marataba Luxury Lodges have been synced to maximise wildlife viewing, according to safari lodge operator MORE Family Collection, who has collaborated with the airline to launch the new shuttle service.

“Guests headed to Madikwe can now experience early morning and late afternoon game drives without interruption,” a MORE spokesperson said. Marataba Luxury Lodges are set across 23,000 hectares of privately managed wilderness, offering a choice between Marataba Safari Lodge with 15 luxury tents and Marataba Mountain Lodge, featuring five private luxury rooms.

Federal Airlines offers daily shuttles to South Africa’s most popular Big Five game reserves and luxury safari lodges, including Sabi, Kruger, Timbavati, Phinda, Madikwe, and Marakele. The airline also offers private charters direct to flight strips of top safari locations across Africa.

Written by Micky Baker

• Travel Writer

Micky is an experienced writer and photographer with a fiery passion for conservation, ecology, and human rights. He's also an avid safari-goer.

Verified by Chrizaan Troch

• Africa Safari Expert

Chrizaan combines her passion for wildlife with extensive experience to create perfectly tailored itineraries for her clients.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Blog List Start Planning

Keep discovering...

Your Guide to Going on a Safari Near Cape...

Cape Town is on many “must-visit” lists in the travel world. Whether...

10 Apr 2025

Kruger National Park Cape Town

FlySafair Announces New Direct Flight from Cape Town to...

One of South Africa’s premier low-cost airline, FlySafair, is launching a pivotal...

3 Apr 2024

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

"Excellent trip -- tour operators were professional and on time. Safari lodge choices excellent. Adelle communicated issues that cropped up in a timely manner and the whole process was a pleasure."

Jake Sanderson, United States•29 May 2026•

"I used Discover Africa services for organizing our South African safari. Justin was our organizer, he did an excellent job. He was very communicative, responsive and very helpful. He helped us all the way and kept in contact also during the Safari. I will d..."

Shahin Shahkarami, South Africa•14 Feb 2026•

"We have just returned from the most incredible 2 week trip in Africa, travelling to Kruger National Park, Cape Town and Victoria Falls - it was made all the more special by the incredible guidance, planning and organisation of Discover Africa, specifically ..."

Anita Panikkar, Australia•10 Jan 2026•

"I started planning my Africa safari/vacation about two years ago with the help of Diane, and was transitioned to Chrizaan about halfway through my timeline. There was zero issues with changing my guide, and both ladies were SUPER lovely to work with. I was ..."

Kaleigh Gray, United States•02 Oct 2025•

"We had a wonderful experience with Discover Africa and, specifically, Dev Panaino. Dev helped us plan a dream vacation to South Africa and Zimbabwe and made the planning from our end effortless. We met with Dev via Zoom calls for the initial trip planning, ..."

Sally, United States•28 Aug 2025•

"Our Africa Safari trip will forever be one of the most memorable and wonderful trips we have taken. Words cannot begin to explain the amazing wildlife we got to see and experience up close. Experiencing these beautiful animals in their natural habitat was b..."

Helen G, United States•08 Jun 2025•

View All Testimonials