5 Planes, 4 Countries, 1 Unforgettable Horizon
May 5, 2026
Powering the Safari Where Pumps Don’t Exist
When you’re navigating the vast expanses of the African wilderness, the luxury of a traditional fuel station or bowser is not to be found everywhere. To keep our fleet of aircraft moving across South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, we have to master the logistics of remote refueling. Here is how we turn a dusty bush strip into a functional filling station.
Strategic Logistics: Barrels in the Bush
Because some of the airstrips we visit lack permanent infrastructure, the preparation for our tour begins weeks in advance. We arrange for the transport of 200-liter AVGAS barrels to be delivered at strategic positions along our route. This ensures that even in the most isolated corners of the Kalahari or the Namib, our fuel is waiting for us when we touch down.
Barrel-supplied AVGAS at Karios Airfield in Namibia.
Siphon hose
Jerrycan
Refueling Equipment & Process
For multi-aircraft refueling, our preferred method is using a barrel-mounted pump with an integrated fuel filter. This setup offers the best balance of speed and efficiency when managing several planes at once.
Fuel Tracking & Measurement
To ensure precise tracking of AVGAS consumption per aircraft, we utilize a manual counting method:
-
Fuel is pumped from the drum into jerrycans.
-
The total volume is recorded by counting the number of cans filled for each specific aircraft.
Alternative Portable Option
While the barrel pump is our primary choice, its weight and bulk can be a drawback. In scenarios where portability is a priority, we opt for a siphon hose and jerrycan. This alternative is significantly easier to transport, making it the ideal solution when gear space is limited.
Refueling of the R66 helicopter with JetA1
Why This Matters
This “off-the-grid” refueling method is what grants us the freedom of flight. It allows us to land at places like Karios Airfield near Fish River Canyon or remote strips along the Skeleton Coast, where we can refuel while enjoying the dramatic scenery far from civilization.
It is a testament to the adventurous spirit of our tours—navigating not just the skies, but the logistical challenges that make an African flying safari so unique.
