About

“If we could live happy and healthy lives without harming others, why wouldn’t we? ”

Edgar's Mission
MY Story

Discover the journey behind Air Safaris 269

When Covid-19 struck in 2020, we sensed that everything was changing in terms of traveling needs, eating habits and people wanting to make a difference.

This was our cue to explore a new destiny for ourselves and be a part of the change. We want to serve conscious minded travellers, to explore Africa in a conscious way.

We felt that travellers like us would want be part of the solution. I now operate as a pilot-guide on all my trips.

I look forward to hosting you as I accompany you to all my favourite destinations around Southern Africa.

FOUNDER

Meet: 
JC De Klerk

I am a former ex-airline pilot. I have had an amazing 25 year career doing what I love which is flying around Africa and South East Asia.

In parallel to my airline career while living in the east I managed a safari consultancy introducing people from Asia to Africa. I have always had a dream of returning to Africa, where I started my career.

I was born in Namibia where I also started my career, flying tourists to some of the most amazing destinations around Southern Africa.

Today, I specialize in helping vegan travelers to go on a safari holiday stress free.

If you want to know more about vegan safaris, find out how it’s possible to go on Safari as a vegan, or if you want to know someone is out there to help you with your safari itinerary then I can help you. The dream was to have my own operation with the vision and opportunity to serve conscious travellers.

“I look forward to welcoming you on African shores to tick off that bucket list item to come on an African Safari. ”

JC De Klerk, Founder

A few words from JC

THAT VEGAN SAFARI GUY

The Podcast

Come and listen to me interviewing some of the most interesting destinations.

Select your preferred streaming platform:

Frequently asked questions

Does Air Safaris 269 only do Vegan Safaris?

No, not at all. 

While our primary focus is on providing vegan-friendly safari experiences, we also cater to non-vegans who share our commitment to conscious travel. We believe in inclusivity and welcome all travellers to join us on our safaris. Whether you adhere to a plant-based lifestyle or not, our itineraries are thoughtfully crafted to ensure minimal environmental impact and respect for wildlife. We collaborate with accommodations and local suppliers who share our values of sustainability and ethical practices.

So while our safaris celebrate veganism, they also embrace anyone seeking an eco-conscious and responsible way to explore Africa's stunning wilderness.

What is the difference between Flying Safaris and Road Safaris?

Flying Safaris and Road Safaris offer distinct experiences, each with its own set of advantages and charm.

Flying Safaris typically involve traveling between safari destinations by light aircraft charter, offering a bird's eye view of Africa's breathtaking landscapes. Light aircraft charters in Africa provide a unique opportunity to cover vast distances quickly, allowing travelers to maximize their time spent on safari. These flights often offer panoramic views of the savannas, mountains, and waterways below, providing an unparalleled perspective of the wilderness. Flying Safaris are ideal for those looking to explore remote and inaccessible areas efficiently, without spending significant time on road transfers.

On the other hand, Road Safaris involve traveling between destinations by road, either in safari vehicles or other modes of transportation. Road Safaris offer a more immersive experience, allowing travelers to connect with the landscape and local communities along the way. This mode of travel provides opportunities for close encounters with wildlife, scenic drives through national parks, and stops at cultural landmarks. Road Safaris are well-suited for travelers who prefer a slower pace, seeking to soak in the sights, sounds, and nuances of each destination.

At Air Safaris 269 we do a bit of both. We fly between the destinations and then while at the destinations we engage in road safaris by immersing ourselves in the land and wild life at a leisurely pace for the time we are visiting the destination.

Our flying safaris we visit a few destinations in one itinerary.

Will you see the Big five on every safari to Africa?

While encountering the Big Five—leopard, lion, elephant, rhino, and buffalo—is often a highlight of many safaris, it's important to understand that sightings can never be guaranteed.

Nature operates on its own terms, and factors such as weather, time of year, and animal behavior all play a role in wildlife sightings. However, even if the Big Five aren't spotted on every safari, the value for money extends far beyond these iconic species.The true essence of a safari lies in experiencing Africa's awe-inspiring landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and the rich tapestry of life that thrives within them. From the vibrant hues of a sunset over the savanna to the intricate interactions between different species, every moment spent in the wild offers its own form of magic. Additionally, engaging with local communities, learning about their cultures, and witnessing lesser-known animals in their natural habitats contribute immensely to the overall safari experience.

Therefore, while the Big Five hold a special allure, the true value of a safari lies in the holistic experience—immersion in nature's beauty, encounters with a variety of wildlife, interactions with local communities, and the opportunity for personal growth and connection with the natural world.

What does the “269” in Air Safaris 269 mean?

Calf 269 is a bull who was rescued as a calf by anonymous activists, days before his planned slaughter.

He was born at an Israel facility in the vicinity of Azor, a town on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. The slaughter was scheduled for June 2013. He is described as sweet-tempered and white-headed, and his ear carried a tag numbered 269, indicating he was destined for slaughter. The Israeli protests regarding the calf were followed by protests in the U.K. and other places across the world. The protests aimed at conveying that animal parts eaten as food by humans once belonged to a living individual, who lived a tortured life and faced a brutal death, after which his or her carcass was processed into human food.  

The significance of the event led to the creation of "269 life", an animal liberation movement founded in October 2012.

What does a Safari cost on average?

If you have very limited time ie short holiday available and you would like to include flying with a light aircraft as described in the FAQ regarding flying Safaris, and staying at 4-5 star rated accommodation and venues, then the average cost would be between USD5000-8000 per person for 7-10 day safari staying at 3 to 4 different locasions for two people travelling. You can combine it with 3 star rated accommodation, that offers 4 star rated service and the cost will drop slightly. Do the same amount of locations on guided road safari and the cost could be between USD 3000-4000 pp, for two people traveling

The bigger the group, usually the cost decreases because you will be sharing the cost for the transport either via road or air. However do take note, the bigger the group the longer in advance you should book because of availability during the high season between late June - September. Best to visit during the shoulder seasons from late February - to early June and October to early November. Late November to early February are summer hot season but best time for availability.