Helicopter and Scenic Flights

A Bird’s Eye View of the Wilderness from a Helicopter

Helicopter and Scenic Flights

Helicopter and scenic flights are among the most thrilling and luxurious ways to experience the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife of Africa. These flights provide an opportunity to view the vast wilderness from above, offering perspectives of parks and reserves that are impossible to achieve on foot or in a vehicle. Whether you’re soaring over the Serengeti’s vast plains, flying above the dramatic cliffs of the Ngorongoro Crater, or gliding over the winding rivers and dense forests of Uganda, helicopter flights allow you to take in the grandeur of the African wilderness in its entirety. The experience is both exhilarating and awe-inspiring, as you witness the scale of the ecosystems and the movement of wildlife from a unique vantage point.

Scenic flights are typically conducted in small aircraft or helicopters, with experienced pilots providing commentary during the journey, pointing out key features, wildlife, and other points of interest below. These flights offer guests the chance to see wildlife from above, such as herds of elephants, lions on the prowl, or flocks of flamingos in vast salt lakes. Helicopter tour flights, in particular, are ideal for reaching remote areas or experiencing once-in-a-lifetime views of specific landmarks, like the mighty Victoria Falls or the Okavango Delta. Whether it’s a short helicopter ride over the savannah or a longer, more immersive scenic flight, the memories made from these aerial experiences are unforgettable.

While scenic and helicopter scenic flights are generally seen as a luxury activity, they offer an unparalleled perspective of Africa’s incredible landscapes and wildlife. For those with a bit of adventure in their heart, these flights also bring the thrill of flying close to mountains, rivers, and valleys, offering spectacular photo opportunities. Some safari lodges and tour companies include these flights as part of their luxury safari packages, allowing guests to combine land-based safari activities with aerial exploration.

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Best Places for Helicopter and Scenic Flights

Several countries across Africa offer scenic and helicopter tour flights, with some destinations being particularly well-known for their aerial views. Below are some of the best places to enjoy these experiences:

Kenya: In Kenya, one of the most iconic scenic flight experiences is over the Masai Mara National Reserve. A helicopter ride provides an unforgettable bird’s-eye view of the Mara’s vast plains, where visitors can see wildlife scattered across the landscape, including wildebeest during the Great Migration. Another popular destination for scenic flights is Amboseli National Park, where the sight of elephants roaming beneath the towering presence of Mount Kilimanjaro makes for a spectacular aerial view. Laikipia Plateau also offers scenic flights with stunning views over the vast, private ranches and wildlife conservation areas, often allowing passengers to see rare wildlife and expansive, untouched landscapes.

Tanzania: Tanzania offers some of the best scenic flight experiences, particularly over the Serengeti National Park, where passengers can appreciate the immensity of the park and the wildlife-rich savannahs from above. The Ngorongoro Crater also offers breathtaking aerial views, with its unique geological formation and rich diversity of wildlife. For a more remote and exclusive scenic flight, the Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park) is an excellent option, where guests can fly over vast river systems, forested areas, and view herds of elephants in the wild. Additionally, flights over Zanzibar’s beaches and islands offer stunning ocean views, combining the wilderness of the African coast with the serenity of tropical waters.

Uganda: In Uganda, Murchison Falls National Park offers one of the most unique scenic flight experiences, where visitors can view the powerful Murchison Falls from above as the Nile River tumbles down to the valley below. Queen Elizabeth National Park offers beautiful aerial views of its diverse ecosystems, from savannah to wetlands, where herds of elephants and buffalo can often be spotted. Bwindi Impenetrable Forest also offers scenic flights for those wishing to see the dense, mist-covered forests from above, giving a fresh perspective on the rugged terrain and wildlife that call the park home.

Botswana: Botswana’s Okavango Delta is a world-renowned destination for scenic flights, where guests can fly over the maze of waterways, lagoons, and floodplains. From above, the delta’s wildlife-rich ecosystem is on full display, with herds of elephants, lions, and various antelope visible in the lush, green landscape. Scenic flights over Makgadikgadi Pans and the Kalahari Desert offer a stark contrast, showing the dramatic beauty of Botswana’s dry, arid landscapes. Chobe National Park, known for its large elephant herds, also offers excellent scenic flight options for an aerial view of the park’s rivers and floodplains.

Zambia: In Zambia, South Luangwa National Park is a top destination for scenic flights, where guests can appreciate the beauty of the Luangwa River and its surrounding wildlife habitats. A flight over the park offers stunning views of the park’s varied landscapes, from open savannahs to lush riverine forests. Lower Zambezi National Park, with its striking views of the Zambezi River, also offers scenic flights that allow passengers to see wildlife along the riverbanks and deep within the park’s wilderness.

Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe offers scenic flights over its iconic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. A helicopter flight over the falls is a truly unforgettable experience, providing panoramic views of the cascading water and surrounding landscape. Hwange National Park, known for its vast elephant populations, is another fantastic option for scenic flights. These flights offer an incredible aerial perspective of the park’s wildlife and vast open spaces, with herds of elephants, buffalo, and predators often visible from the air.

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Charges and Rates for Helicopter and Scenic Flights

The cost of a scenic flight or helicopter ride varies depending on the location, the duration of the flight, and the level of luxury. For example, in Kenya, a short scenic flight over the Masai Mara can cost anywhere between $200 to $500 per person, while a longer, more exclusive private helicopter ride might cost upwards of $1,500 or more. In Tanzania, flights over the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater typically range from $250 to $600 per person, depending on the length of the flight. For Uganda, scenic flights over parks like Murchison Falls and Queen Elizabeth are generally priced between $250 and $500 per person for a short flight, with longer or private tours costing more.

In Botswana, scenic flights over the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park are priced around $300 to $700 per person for a one-hour flight, with private or extended flights costing more. Zambia and Zimbabwe offer similar pricing, with flights over Victoria Falls and South Luangwa costing approximately $200 to $400 for a standard scenic flight. Helicopter rides in remote areas and for exclusive tours typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 per person, depending on the location and flight duration.

Helicopter and scenic flights are a fantastic way to experience Africa’s wild beauty from a whole new perspective. Whether you’re flying over the great savannahs, deltas, or waterfalls, these flights provide breathtaking views and an unforgettable addition to any safari adventure.

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Cheetah Safaris is a serious advocate of sustainable safari practices in Africa. As part of our efforts and initiative, we engage and support schools and children who need knowledge to better their lives. The best gift a child can be given is education, skills, and creativity. 

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