Airline luggage requirements for internal African flights
SOUTHERN AFRICA
Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
In Southern Africa, the general rule for luggage weight is a total of 20 kg / 44 lbs, including a maximum of 5 kg allocated for hand luggage. Soft-sided duffels are mandatory on small aircraft flights. If you are visiting only South Africa, the luggage requirements may be more relaxed. In this case, please confirm with us what bags are allowed.
Any excess luggage needs to be pre-booked and pre-advised. Namibia enforces this rule strictly, allowing no exceptions. In Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, a duffel with one rigid side is sometimes permitted, but this depends on the flight’s capacity. YPA strongly advises against taking this risk to avoid the inconvenience of buying a soft-sided duffel at the airport or having your luggage left behind.
If your itinerary includes multiple countries, you must adhere to the luggage requirements of the strictest airline for the duration of the entire journey. Therefore, it is recommended to use an entirely soft-sided duffel bag weighing no more than 20 kg, which includes hand luggage not exceeding 5 kg, to ensure compliance throughout Southern Africa.
EAST AFRICA
Kenya, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda.
East Africa has more stringent luggage requirements compared to Southern Africa due to smaller aircraft and airport sizes. The total allowable luggage weight per person is 15 kg / 33 Ibs, including a maximum of 5 kg / 11 lbs for hand luggage. Only entirely soft-sided duffel bags are accepted, and any luggage not meeting this criterion cannot be loaded onto the plane.
Excess luggage can be booked and paid for in advance, with fees ranging from $5 to $250 or more depending on weight, though this is subject to the specific flight’s capacity. Wilson airport in Kenya offers storage facilities for passengers who wish to store additional luggage at the airport. For clients flying in AND out of Arusha airport, we can arrange luggage storage with your guide.
Once again, if your itinerary includes multiple countries, you must adhere to the luggage requirements of the strictest airline for the duration of your entire journey. Therefore, to ensure compliance throughout East Africa, YPA recommends to use an entirely soft-sided duffel bag weighing no more than 15 kg, including hand luggage, not exceeding 5 kg.
