Drumbeat Autumn 2025

Skyborne Safa is Taking to the air for a safari offers the chance to leave the ordinary behind and soar over untouched landscapes, reaching places where the rhythms of nature set the pace and luxury comes in the form of space, silence, and superb service. From the vast deserts of Namibia to the private islands of the Seychelles and Madagascar, and the rugged escarpments of Kenya, these flight- access-only safaris redefine what it means to go off-grid. Kenya – Ol Malo Built at the top of a spectacular escarpment with stunning panoramic views, Ol Malo offers a safari that’s as much about the people and the place as it is about the wildlife. For the adventurous, Ol Malo offers tailor-made helicopter safaris over dramatic landscapes and hidden waterfalls. Fly to the flamingo-filled waters of Lake Turkana, explore the remote Suguta Valley, or touch down on the snowy slopes of Mount Kenya for a champagne breakfast. Every moment feels spontaneous and unscripted. In a world that often feels too crowded, too scheduled, and too familiar, these fly-in safaris offer an escape into the wild. 10 11 SOPHIE The adventure expert Get in touch: sophie@aardvarksafaris.com The Seychelles – Blue Safari A salty breeze and the whisper of palm fronds, the outer islands of the Seychelles offer a unique twist and a relaxing addition to your safari in Africa. The remote marine wilderness of Alphonse Island, Astove, and Cosmoledo Atoll, is only accessible by plane and caters to just a handful of guests at a time. The understated yet elegant beachside villas and eco-chic lodges blend seamlessly into the landscape. Wildlife drives are swapped for guided snorkelling, scuba diving, and catch-and-release fishing. You might swim alongside manta rays and sea turtles in coral gardens, kayak through mangrove forests, or watch nesting seabirds with an ornithologist. Conservation is integral to the experience, and guests are invited to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the outer reef ecosystems. This is a safari of a different kind: remote, refined, and wildly romantic. Madagascar – Miavana There are few places on Earth as biodiverse as Madagascar, and there’s nowhere more luxurious or secluded than Miavana. Reached only by helicopter, Miavana sits on Nosy Ankao, a pristine private island off Madagascar’s northeast coast. It’s a place where barefoot luxury meets wild exploration. The exquisite beachfront villas, with floor- to-ceiling glass and private pools, present uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Yet the real treasure lies in the access it offers to both land and sea. Helicopter excursions can take guests to remote parts of northern Madagascar where lemurs leap through treetops, rare orchids bloom, and chameleons in impossible colours cling to jungle branches. Back at Miavana, explore by bike, paddleboard, kitesurf, or dive into coral reefs rich with life. Miavana offers the best of both worlds: exotic discovery and world-class relaxation. Namibia - by air Endless desert, dramatic coastlines, and astonishing geological formations ebb and flow across the landscape. Namibia is a country of extremes and best appreciated from above. Fly north to Serra Cafema on the banks of the Kunene River, that borders with Angola; it is one of southern Africa’s most remote lodges and offers encounters with the semi-nomadic Himba people, river safaris through canyons, and excursions across lunar-like valleys. The thrill of flying from one epic landscape to another, landing on remote airstrips in stunning settings, and staying in wonderfully comfortable lodges creates life-long memories.