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

"We had an amazing safari experience in Botswana thanks to Chrizaan! She planned everything perfectly and was very professional, honest, and helpful throughout the entire trip. She supported us every step of the way and was always available whenever we ne..."

Mojgan Owliaey, Germany•18 May 2026•

"This was my 6th trip to South Africa and Botswana and, as always, Matthys van Aswegen made it a happy, safe, and exciting experience! My roommate, Glenna, and I thoroughly enjoyed the trip to South Africa's Boulders Beach to visit the African Penguin Reserv..."

JJ Towler, United States•02 Apr 2026•

"Justin helped me book my camp experience with short notice, he made the whole process very easy, took care of everything, was easy to contact and my trip was perfect."

Jen Flack, Australia•09 Sep 2025•

"We did a 3-week bespoke tour with Discover Africa and specifically Devryn Panaino. South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana game parks. Our group of 6 had a fantastic time, as the itinerary was top notch, transfers smooth and now we can’t wait to go back. We were n..."

Vicki, Australia•08 Sep 2025•

"An absolutely incredible safari! My wife and I went on a two-week safari through Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Susan listened to what we hoped to see and do and then put together a great itinerary, with some fantastic accommodations. Highly recommend Susan a..."

Chris Shaw, United States•09 Aug 2025•

"We had an absolutely amazing experience with this travel agency! Cayleigh was incredibly professional, friendly, and organized every detail of our trip flawlessly. All the transfers were perfectly arranged — we didn’t have to worry or struggle with anything..."

Alex Kohli, United Arab Emirates•21 Jul 2025•

View All Testimonials