Exploring Africa by air offers a whole new perspective on a safari and is not to be overlooked when planning a trip. Swapping out an afternoon siesta for a journey in the air is a great addition to your holiday adventures. Experiencing vast landscapes and wildlife from above offers a thrill like no other and is a playground for photographers with unique angles and perspectives resulting in incredibly powerful shots and memories.

Helicopter flights

Among the benefits of a scenic helicopter flight over a fixed wing is that you can descend and fly low over areas inaccessible by vehicles, providing a close-up view of wildlife and diverse landscapes. A helicopter also offers photographers a more stable photographic platform than a fixed wing. Equipped with headsets, passengers can talk and share stories with the highly experienced guide and pilot. There is also no need to land on an airstrip, allowing for unique, exclusive and off-the-beaten-track experiences.

Zimbabwe

Witness the spectacular Victoria Falls and soak in the power and beauty from above. Known as the ‘Flight of Angles’, the sheer magnitude of this natural wonder is best seen from the air. We offer a daily 25 minute Zambezi Spectacular flight that takes in Victoria Falls from both directions and follows the mighty Zambezi River as it carves its way through the steep sided gorge.

Victoria Falls – Zimbabwe

Botswana

Taking to the air gives you a unique perspective of Botswana’s wilderness, from the seasonal floodplains and the permanent lagoons of the Okavango Delta, the water channels of the Linyanti region, the plains of the Kalahari Game Reserve, and the salt pans of the Makgadikgadi unfolding below. Helicopter Horizons ‘Doors Off’ scenic flights offer an exhilarating safari experience, with unrestricted views that offer great photographic opportunities.

North Island, Okavango Delta – Botswana

South Africa

Elevate your wine-tasting experience with a helicopter ride over South Africa’s beautiful wine region, combining scenic views with exquisite wines. Robyn from our sales team recently embarked on a full day of wine tasting, hopping from vineyard to vineyard and enjoying a delightful lunch at the Muratie Wine Estate with the owners. This was one of the highlights of her 10-day trip to South Africa in October and something she will be recommending to her clients.

Boschendal Wine Estate, Franschhoek – South Africa

Scenic flights and microlight flights

Light aircraft flights to safari areas are an experience in themselves but upgrading them to a longer flight provides a more rounded understanding and appreciation for the incredibly diverse, and vast landscapes of Africa.

Kenya

Lewa Wilderness offer an incredible 1 hour Mount Kenya scenic flight, offering the clearest views of the snowcapped peaks, as well as flights up the Rift Valley or further into the spectacular Mathews range. Or why not channel the spirit of ‘Out of Africa’ and take to the skies in a Tiger Moth biplane from Segera Retreat and explore the dramatic landscape and surroundings that will leave you thinking you have stepped back in time to 1930’s East Africa.

Air Wilderness, Lewa – Kenya

Zambia

In addition to being just plain fun, a microlight is a great way to see wildlife because it flies much lower than a plane or hot air balloon. The 30 minute microlight flight flies over the Zambezi River and circles the Victoria Falls before a low level swoops over the Mosi-oa Tunya National Park to spot river wildlife and birds.

Microlight, Victoria Falls – Zambia

The Seychelles and beyond

Go further afield and experience the Seychelles from a bird’s eye view, spotting the landmarks of Mahe and the stunning beaches and rolling hills of the national park, framed by the expansive Indian Ocean. Take to the air and experience the outer island retreats of Alphonse Island, Cosmoledo Atoll and Astove Atoll.

Astove Atoll, the outer islands – Seychelles

Hot air balloon flights

There’s nothing more peaceful and tranquil than floating above the world in a hot air balloon. There is something magical about watching the sun light up the sky and the wildlife below basking in the warm orange morning glow. Waking up at the crack of dawn is well worth the effort and is an experience everyone should try at least once.

Kenya

If you choose to visit the Masai Mara between July and October, you have the chance to view the Great Migration. Flying above the huge herds of wildebeest, zebra and gazelles really highlights the enormity of this incredible journey. The flight usually lasts an hour and after descending, you can sit back and enjoy a bush breakfast with a celebratory glass of bubbly.

Governors Balloon Safaris, Masai Mara – Kenya

Tanzania

Ruaha is the meeting point for the wildlife of southern and eastern Africa and is a serene and breathtakingly beautiful reserve. This remote and exclusive wilderness is known for its excellent wildlife sightings. Your early morning start will be welcomed with bird song as you will fly over the golden savannah dotted with baobabs and acacias, eyes wide and poised to spot big cats on the move. It’s not uncommon to find prides of up to 20 lions in the park.

Serengeti Balloon Safari , Ruaha – Tanzania

Namibia

Namibia is impressive from all angles, especially from a hot air balloon which is an incredible way to see the landscape. Launching at sunrise, you soar high above the deep red dunes of Sossusvlei, the sun casting endless shadows over the ocean of amber peaks below. Floating at a gentle speed, with plenty of scenic photographic opportunities, of the scenery. This is Alice’s (the owner of Aardvark Safaris) favourite balloon experience.

Namib Sky, Sossusvlei – Namibia

Incorporating a scenic flight or hot air balloon experience is something that will take your holiday to the next level. This birds-eye view gives you a better understanding of the unique landscape and make- up of this incredible continent.

What next?

We would be delighted to help you plan a safari encompassing any of the exclusive stays and trips mentioned here. Our team of experts has travelled widely throughout Africa and can offer expert advice on every type of safari from family and beach holidays to riding and primate safaris. Do get in touch – chatting to people by phone or email is what we do best. We listen, we explain, we answer all sorts of questions even those you didn’t know to ask, and finally, we make suggestions. If this is your first time in Africa or your twenty first, we have a team standing by to help make the planning easy and the journey the best ever. Please get in touch whatever stage you’re at.

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