Anything is Possible
Flying our dream
Like the early aviators discovering wild Africa from the open cockpit of a biplane, we’ve always dreamed of exploring the continent’s expansive wilderness from the air. In 2009, that dream became a reality when we began pioneering cross-border flying safaris throughout East Africa, and from there, Scenic Air Safaris was born.
Through our pioneering sense of adventure in all things aviation and simply loving what we do, here at Scenic Air Safaris we really do live by ‘flying our dream’. Our pioneering adventures are renowned throughout East and southern Africa, adventures that evoke a real sense of wonder, adventure, and luxury, no matter where we fly.
By sharing our ideas and experiences with a creative collection of itinerary ideas, we call this “Fly The Dream’
Fly The Dream is our collection of extraordinary flying adventure experiences, that transcend the ordinary, fulfilling for many, a lifelong aspiration to soar above breathtaking landscapes, witnessing nature's wonders from a vantage point few ever experience.
Our luxury air safaris offer unparalleled access to remote and pristine wilderness areas, combining the thrill of flight with the awe-inspiring beauty of wildlife and natural splendour. "Fly The Dream" promises not just a journey, but the fulfilment of a lifelong aspiration, providing you with memories that will last a lifetime. Discover the world like never before, and let your dreams take flight.
#Flyingthedream is the hashtag that perfectly suits the unique and remarkable flying and safari experiences that we offer.
Delivering The Dream
Together, the team at Scenic Air Safaris is dedicated to making your "Fly The Dream" journey an unforgettable adventure, providing you with the highest level of service, safety, and satisfaction.
Experienced pilots, knowledgeable guides, expert maintenance technicians and a crack customer support team. Scenic Air Safaris prides itself on having a dedicated and experienced team that ensures every aspect of delivering the dream journey is exceptional.
Capt. Torben Rune
Managing Director
Torben is a trailblazer in international tourism—a seasoned adventurer, private pilot, and lifelong conservationist with over 30 years navigating the wild frontiers of luxury travel. Born and raised in Kenya, his love for aviation and Africa’s raw, untamed beauty has fueled a career defined by purpose, passion, and exploration.
After studying Marketing and Business in South Africa, Torben returned to his homeland, where he carved out a legendary path in the safari world as Managing Director and partner at Southern Cross Safaris. For decades, he shaped the gold standard in exclusive, conservation-driven travel-curating experiences where adventure and sustainability go hand in hand.
But his vision stretches far beyond the runway. Torben is Chairman of the George Adamson Wildlife Trust and trustee of the Satao Community and Wildlife Trust, relentlessly advocating for Africa’s iconic wildlife. He also helped launch the East African Whale Shark Trust, diving into marine conservation with the same energy he brings to the skies.
Now leading Scenic Air Safaris, Torben pilots a new chapter—crafting high-flying adventures that soar across Africa’s breathtaking landscapes, all while championing a future where tourism protects the wild places it celebrates.
Simon Penfold
Sales Director
Simon is the driving force behind product development, sales, and marketing at Scenic Air Safaris—and a born adventurer. Raised in Kenya in a family of aviators, his passion for flight runs deep. His father, one of the original ‘Wing Safari’ pilots of the 1960s, sparked Simon’s love for aviation, wild places, and the freedom of the skies.
After studying Tourism in Glasgow with a focus on air travel, Simon set off on globe-spanning adventures, worked for a major international airline, then returned to Kenya to lead a destination management company. But the call of the skies proved irresistible-he joined Scenic Air Safaris at its launch, diving headfirst into a new era of airborne exploration.
A passionate conservationist, Simon thrives outdoors-whether casting flies into remote rivers, tearing up dirt roads on a vintage British motorcycle, or navigating sun-drenched savannahs from the cockpit. He’s also served on the executive committee of the Kenya Association of Air Operators, championing aviation across the region.
Wherever he is—above the clouds, off the beaten path, or knee-deep in a crystal-clear stream—Simon brings energy, vision, and an unshakable love for combining aviation with Africa’s untamed beauty.
Capt. Murtaza Walijee
Operations Director & Chief Pilot
Murtaza “Ice Man” Walijee is the fearless captain at the helm of our aviation crew—a legendary bush pilot with over 9,600 hours logged across the wild skies of East and southern Africa. From dense rainforests and sun-scorched savannahs to remote desert airstrips, he’s flown it all, and then some.
A certified flight instructor and KCAA instrument examiner, Murtaza brings precision and deep aviation wisdom to every journey. But it’s the thrill of bush flying—navigating vast, untamed terrains and guiding epic cross-border flying safaris—that truly fuels his fire.
Born and raised in coastal Mombasa, Murtaza is a natural-born storyteller, explorer, and seeker of the extraordinary. His encyclopedic knowledge of Africa’s hidden corners, combined with a love for wildlife and remote landscapes, makes every safari an adventure unlike any other. With his calm confidence and infectious curiosity, guests are treated not just to scenic flights, but to unforgettable tales stitched together with adrenaline and wonder.
When he's not in the cockpit, you’ll find Murtaza behind a camera or tinkering with his latest tech. A master of the GoPro and a wizard with gadgets, he captures the soul of Africa one breathtaking shot at a time.
Jeni Stow
Flight Operations Manager
With over 28 years of high-octane flight operations experience, Jeni has carved her path across some of Africa’s most remote and challenging frontiers—earning her stripes in Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Zambia, and her beloved homeland, Kenya. From fixed-wing sorties to helicopter missions, she’s commanded humanitarian aviation relief operations in regions where precision, courage, and quick thinking are the keys to survival.
Educated in both Kenya and the UK, Jeni returned to East Africa with a burning passion for aviation and a mission to make a difference. Whether orchestrating aircraft movements, coordinating pilots, or rallying ground crews, she brings calm command and razor-sharp expertise to every operation.
A safari lover and fierce conservation advocate, Jeni is also a dynamic force in the arts. When she’s not directing air ops, she’s chairing the Kenya Amateur Dramatics Society—lighting up stages with her talent for singing, acting, and dance. A fearless leader with a flair for the dramatic—both in the skies and on stage—Jeni embodies the soul of adventure, and we’re proud to have her at the heart of our mission.
Sharlet Tandi
Personal Flight Coordinator
Sharlet is the calm in the storm—the master organiser behind every seamless journey. With years in the aviation industry and a background in Business Management, marketing, and cabin crew operations, she brings precision and flair to every flight. At Execufly Africa, she’s the powerhouse handling sales and operations, ensuring every detail is flawless from ground to sky. Her legendary coordination skills turn complex logistics into smooth adventures. Whether navigating flight plans or fine-tuning guest experiences, Sharlet is the steady hand behind every great safari takeoff. Simply put, when she’s at the helm, you’re in exceptionally capable hands.
Patricia Fawcett
Safari itinerary planner whiz by day, adventure seeker in her spare time. Growing up between the palm fringed Kenyan Coast and in the bush on safari, she has spent considerable time exploring this amazing country than most, developing an unshakable love for the wild. Now, she channels that passion into crafting unforgettable travel experiences—because let’s face it, life’s too short for boring holidays!
With a knack for itinerary design and a flair for graphics, her itineraries bring destinations to life before you even pack your bags. When not fine-tuning the perfect getaway, you’ll find Patricia soaking up the coastal vibes, road-tripping to nowhere in particular, or indulging her love for art—because a safari isn’t just a trip, it’s a masterpiece in the making!
