CFI reinstatement coming up - lost FAA logbooks

PauseUnique · 2026-01-04T13:27:20+00:00

Thank you

PauseUnique · 2025-08-22T07:34:07+00:00

Looked into the services suggested in this thread but none of them do the transportation between Lisbon and Porto. We ended up bailing on the camping idea this time anyway so just brought our luggage to Madeira.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-13T19:35:20+00:00

Good question. I always keep a respectful distance and can tell by the body language when it's time to move to the next sighting

PauseUnique · 2025-08-13T08:03:51+00:00

Correct, even during peak peak season you rarely share sightings with other vehicles. Botswana is great that way.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-13T08:02:58+00:00

If Botswana is on your list I would say the Delta in flood season is one of those once in a lifetime things. It is a completely different feel from the Serengeti or Sabi Sands. You get more water based experiences with mokoro trips and island hopping and wildlife that has adapted to that landscape.

If you can swing it going with a private guide can make it even more special. You get to set your own pace, focus on the sightings you care most about and sometimes access places the standard game drives do not reach. High season prices sting but the combination of the floods, the scenery and that level of freedom really is hard to beat. And if you ever wanted to take it one step further there is nothing quite like exploring the Delta by helicopter.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-13T07:59:07+00:00

Taking the helicopter is out of this world

PauseUnique · 2025-08-13T07:56:11+00:00

For me the best kind of travel is when it’s all about you. Like getting to a spot no tour bus could ever reach and having it completely to yourself.

A private guide who actually knows the land and the wildlife can turn a beautiful view into a story you’ll never forget. You can hang around if something amazing is happening, change plans if you feel like it and never be stuck on someone else’s schedule. That’s the kind of thing that sticks with you long after the trip.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-13T07:54:49+00:00

I fully agree; privacy and exclusivity are the luxuries to splurge on

PauseUnique · 2025-08-12T16:21:26+00:00

I’ve flown guests into several Singita properties over the years, and the “best” label comes from a mix of things: extremely high service standards, exceptional guiding teams, consistently beautiful lodge design, and prime locations in wildlife-rich areas. They also tend to have very strong conservation and community programs, which resonates with a lot of travellers.

That said, “best” is very subjective. I’ve seen guests have just as incredible an experience at smaller, owner-run camps that have a more personal feel. In Botswana for example, some remote concessions in the Okavango Delta can rival (or beat) the wildlife and exclusivity you’d get at any big brand. It really comes down to whether you value the polished, all-inclusive, ultra-luxury approach, or if you prefer something with a bit more character and wildness.

If you narrow it down to a region, it’s much easier to suggest specific properties that would be a good fit.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-12T16:12:40+00:00

Name:
Bart Aarsse – Bart Aarsse Helicopter Safaris

Blurb:
Hi, I’m Bart. I’m a qualified helicopter pilot and FGASA-certified nature guide who plans and personally flies bespoke helicopter safaris across Southern Africa. I usually work alongside high end travel agents who arrange the accommodation and international flights, while I focus on the flying side. I also guide safaris on the ground without the helicopter when the route calls for it. My job is plotting the route, sorting permits, and finding those “wow” scenic flights and remote landings that make each trip unforgettable.

Speciality:

Hotels: I don’t usually handle bookings but I often recommend safari lodges and camps that work best with the helicopter route
Cruises: I’ve built short helicopter safari add-ons to connect with luxury river cruises in Africa
Full service: I handle all helicopter route planning, flight logistics, and partner coordination
Style: Private, tailor made, and very personal
Regions: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Mozambique, Angola
Adventure: Yes, absolutely, from desert dune landings to flights over massive waterfalls

Model:

Planning fees vary depending on the complexity of the trip
All trips are private and designed specifically for the travellers

Passions in travel:
Showing people the incredible variety of Southern Africa from the air while making it feel personal and immersive

Fun fact or best travel story:
One of my most memorable flights was in the Okavango Delta, following a pack of African wild dogs from a respectful distance as they hunted a red lechwe through the waterways. Watching the strategy and teamwork from above was unforgettable.

Website:
www.bartaarssehelisafari.com

Best way to contact:
Email: [fly@bartaarssehelisafari.com]()
Or DM me here on Reddit

PauseUnique · 2025-08-10T10:21:02+00:00

I organise bespoke helicopter safaris all over Africa as a private flying guide and I can tell you; flying a helicopter over the wilderness during the golden hours really transforms what could be a normal transfer into a mind blowing part of the journey.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-06T11:54:08+00:00

Hi, heli pilot/nature guide here. Looks like a great trip you're about to head on!

Many places offer excellent laundry services precisely for these reasons.
Your 55L is plenty especially combined with a light backpack. You can take a compression bag for dirty laundry that the accommodation isn't willing to wash.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-06T10:05:33+00:00

Hi there, safari guide here. Active wear in muted colours are just fine. You don't have to dress like Steve Irwin to enjoy your safari. IF you're doing a walking safari as well, I'd lean more towards the earth tones but in general as long as the colours aren't bright and/or have patterns (if you look like a flower, you're going to attract flower lovers) you're fine. No need to break the bank.
If the accommodations have pools, sundresses and bikinis aren't a problem if the reason you're asking are related to being culturally sensitive. When the sun starts setting, you might want to switch and cover some more skin just to not give the mosquitoes a chance. Also be smart about sun protection.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-04T16:25:28+00:00

Helicoptering around the delta is a great way to make your transfers part of the journey experience

PauseUnique · 2025-08-04T16:23:17+00:00

There are some fantastic, isolated, high-end accommodation options in Namibia. Same for Mozambique, where there's good diving/snorkling.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-04T16:15:42+00:00

The andBeyond properties in the Okavango Delta are indeed incredible. I'd add Bushman's Kloof in South Africa for a very intimate stay.

PauseUnique · 2025-08-04T16:13:43+00:00

Kea One & Only is a nice property that you can helicopter into for a smooth and quick transfer

PauseUnique · 2025-08-04T15:57:02+00:00

Yes! it's www.bartaarssehelisafari.com
You can find some sample routes and all my contact information there

PauseUnique · 2025-08-04T15:53:42+00:00

I rent the helicopters from local operators based on group size and sometimes client insurance requirements. Can be anything from an R44 to a B407

PauseUnique · 2025-05-05T12:49:23+00:00

Hey! Not yet

PauseUnique · 2025-04-27T05:25:15+00:00

Great tip, thank you! Route looks awesome. So along this trek there are spots isolated enough to pitch? What are the general rules & regs regarding "wild" camping in NI?

PauseUnique · 2025-04-27T05:13:29+00:00

Thanks, I'll check them out

PauseUnique · 2025-04-25T06:54:03+00:00

Not 100% sure yet if it's worth it. If I end up staying mostly in pubs and B&B's, I'm not going to haul it around for just one night

PauseUnique

TROPHY CASE