Wondering whether to splash out on a helicopter ride and tour in Victoria Falls? Well I’m so glad you’re here, because we explain it all AND share an honest review of our flight!
We brainstormed a whole bunch of questions and queries about taking a helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. This post is dedicated to answering all those questions that you may have. Trust me, my dad was a helicopter pilot, so I know a good helicopter experience when I take one.
Our post explains the costs of a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, as well as information like how long it takes. Perhaps you want to know about what to wear, or the best time of day to go on a helicopter flight. I cover all of this and more in my review below.
There are a select handful of really special places and bucket list destinations in the world. Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, is that place for us – a natural beauty, mixed with wildlife, a little adventure and amazing people. These combined, just make it stand out that little bit more than other destinations we have travelled. Our helicopter tour of the majestic Victoria Falls amplified it ALL!
Fortunately for us, our best friends live in Victoria Falls. As such we were shown all the highlights firsthand from a locals perspective. Following their advice, we booked a helicopter tour experience and were so grateful we did. But I urge you to read on for all the answers and our smashing review!
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A Couple of Key Facts about Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls has the world’s largest sheet of water passing over it, at just over 1.7 km, or 5,604 ft in width. Dropping from heights of 80 m to a maximum height of 108 m or 360 ft.
The impressive waterfalls were originally called, and are still known locally as Mosi oa-Tunya. This translates to the smoke that thunders. It’s also, the name given to the 66 km2 national park on the Zambia side of the falls.
The European name Victoria Falls originates from the British explorer David Livingstone. He was the first European to lay eyes on the falls, and who subsequently named it after Queen Victoria.
The falls and river forms a natural border between, Zimbabwe on its southern banks, and Zambia on its northern.
What’s the Best Time of Year to See the Victoria Falls
The best time to visit the Victoria Falls is between March and May. This is when the falls are at their most impressive.
February generally marks the end of the rainy season. So this is when the falls are expected to be at their peak in regard to water flow, and when the land is green and lush. It’s also not uncommon to see rainbows form over the falls, making those already impressive pictures, that bit more spectacular.
We visited in July, on the back of a couple of poor rainy seasons, so the falls were lower than normal. However we were still filled with a sense of awe during our visit. At no point did we feel underwhelmed by the size and energy of the Victoria Falls.
Best Time of the Day For Taking a Helicopter Ride
Like most photographers, we prefer the late afternoons or early mornings, also known as the golden hours. This is when the lighting throws gentle, warm hues over its subject.
And the same goes for visiting the Victoria Falls by helicopter. Towards the end of day, the light on the falls, river and cliffs, up the Zambezi River and down the Batoka Gorge are picture perfect.
However, others have said that mid-morning and mid-afternoon are best. They claim this is the best time to see the rainbows that form along the falls, as a result of the sun’s angle. We also saw rainbows, but of course it’s difficult to compare with what others have seen.
Is It Best To See the Falls From Zambia or Zimbabwe
The big question! Is it best to see the Victoria Falls from the Zimbabwe or Zambia side?
If visiting the falls on foot, then the Zimbabwe side is definitely the best. This is because the walking path covers around 75% of the falls area. This allows for a long walk along the ledge, that looks onto the falls as the water cascades down into the ravine.
It also means you can get close to the Devil’s Cataract, which you can see labelled on the map above. From this perspective you can look straight down the length of the falls.
However, if you’re wanting to venture out onto Livingstone Island, or to take a visit to Devil’s or Angel’s pools, then you’ll need to do so from the Zambian side.
As for helicopter tours, naturally you can see the Victoria Falls from either. But there are far more operators flying from Zimbabwe.
How Long Are the Helicopter Flights
Most companies offer 12 to 15 minute, or 22 to 25 minute flights over the Victoria Falls.
On the 13 minute flights, the pilot concentrates this time over the main section of the falls. They make several fly-overs, doing both left and right hand circuits, giving all passengers a great panoramic view. After which, they head up the Zambezi River and over the National Park. At this point, passengers are encouraged to keep an eye out for signs of wildlife, while admiring the width and size of the Zambezi river, before it flows over the Victoria Falls.
To begin with, the 25 minute helicopter flight runs the same route as the 13 minute experience. Then the flight continues down the Batoka gorge, following the Zambezi as it zig zags away from the falls. It’s just mind blowing to see how the river has cut through the landscape over millennia, and consequently created deep canyons and formations in the earth.
How Much Does a Victoria Falls Helicopter Flight Cost
Obviously, the prices of helicopter flights over the Victoria Falls vary somewhat. It largely depends on the duration of the flight, the experience you are wanting, and the time of year.
Generally speaking, a 12 to 15 minute flight will cost around $135 – $190 USD per person. While the 25 minute flight costs $250 – $300 USD per person. These prices DO include pick up and drop off to your accommodation.
NOTE: We recommend that you check when making your booking, if other additional fees such as Fuel Levies and Government Fees are included or excluded. If they are not included you can expect to pay an extra – $15 USD pp for government fees and $10-15 USD pp for fuel levies.
Best Tour Options for a Helicopter Flight
Following are the best helicopter tours over Victoria Falls, from both the Zimbabwe side and Zambia side. These are based on reviews and frequency of bookings. All options do require additional fees, which are listed within the What’s Included / Not Included section of the booking.
Click each one to read more about what to expect from your tour, and details about the hotel pickup and drop off.
It’s also relevant to note, that the helicopter tours we have listed below, will also do a pickup from both Zimbabwe and Zambia. For example if you are in Zambia, but want to book a flight from the Zimbabwe side, a pick up can be arranged from the border at the Victoria Falls Bridge. Alternatively, for an extra fee, they can ALSO pick you up from your hotel in Zambia. Though for convenience sake, it would be easier to simply book a tour on the side you are staying on.
From Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Coincidently, the three best tours we have found from the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls are listed with Viator.
From Livingstone, Zambia
As you can see, there are less options in the way of helicopter rides from the Zambia side. But this one listed with Get Your Guide is certainly the best.
Do You Need to Book in Advance
Yes and No. Ultimately there are various companies offering helicopter flights, and in general they all offer similar experiences.
I would say, if you’re visiting Victoria Falls for multiple days, then you could get away with booking a flight on your arrival.
However, if you only have a short time, a specific company in mind, or a preferred time of day to fly, then yes booking in advance would be advisable. It also takes away the hassle, of figuring it all out when you’re there.
What to Wear & Bring
The great thing with choppers, is that you can wear whatever suits the season. What ever is comfortable for you based on the weather conditions. So shorts, t-shirt and sunglasses in the summer, or long pants and a jumper if it’s a little cold out.
You may be wondering about whether or not you’ll need air sickness tablets. Coming from me, having grown up in and around choppers with my Dad, I was constantly getting airsick! I know so random. But a short 15 minute to 30 minute flight wasn’t a problem for me. Perhaps if you are extremely prone to airsickness, then you might want to consider something, but otherwise I wouldn’t worry.
Be sure to bring a good camera! Keep in mind, that because you’re taking photos through the window, you can get a glare. But take enough pictures and no doubt you’ll get enough to capture the experience.
Can Kids Go on A Helicopter Tour
Yes, kids can fly in helicopters too!
Even better, most companies will allow children under the age of three to fly for free, providing they sit on an adult’s lap.
Kids over three may be charged full fare as they are occupying a seat. But do your homework as this will depend on the company and may also be dictated by the helicopters that they fly.
Is it worth taking the kids you might be wondering. Well our girls absolutely loved the experience and it wouldn’t have been the same without them. Seeing the joy on their faces was priceless.
What to Expect – Our Review & Experience
Pre-Flight
All the operations are very professional. And as mentioned most operate similar experiences unless you have booked something a little extra.
We were a group of five, consisting of three adults and two kids under the age of 10. We were picked up from our accommodation and driven to the operators hangers and helipad, which was about a 15 minute ride.
Upon arrival we were guided to the reception, then out to a shaded waiting area. From here we were shown a quick safety video and run through the proceedings. At the same time, we were able to watch another flight come in and land. With our helicopter sitting on the helipad next to it, prepared and ready awaiting us.
We were then lead out and loaded into the helicopter. Kindly giving Granny the front seat, our family of four took the back seats. Our seat belts were then checked, headsets adjusted, with the pilot then doing a final check before takeoff.
We could talk to each other during the flight through our headsets. As you could imagine, this was a very fun concept for our kids, to the point where I needed to pull the mouthpiece away!
Flight
Takeoff!!
For those of you who have never been in a helicopter before, then this part is an experience all on its own. Slowly lifting off the ground, hovering in place, then turning before setting flight is quite a feeling. Our 7 year old went through a roller coaster of emotions, from complete panic, to total elation, as we lifted off the ground.
From here the helicopter headed out towards the falls. On the way the pilot was quick to point out a herd of wild giraffe grazing not far from the airfield. Watching the majestic giraffe from above, was definitely one of the highlights of our flight.
At the falls we began our passes, doing several circular spirals down in a clockwise direction, then the same in an anti-clockwise direction. This way, we all had an equal view of the falls out our respective windows. At the same time, we had great views from here down towards the Batoka gorge.
Then when we had finished our passes, the pilot took us over the Zambezi River and National park back towards the heli-pad.
Post-Flight
Excitedly, as we bundled out of the helicopter the emotions were high as we each recounted our favourite part of the trip.
We were guided towards the reception, and shown a quick video and photos taken by the operator. This was available for purchase, and makes for a great memento of the adventure. We were then shown to our vehicle and returned to our accommodation.
All and all, it was about an hour and a half from pick up to drop off, but that 15 minutes in flight over the falls, will definitely be one to remember.
Is a Helicopter Ride at Victoria Falls Worth the Money?
Is a helicopter ride in Victoria Falls worth the money? This is such a tough question to answer as there are so many factors that may influence someones answer.
However, for us as a family of four it was a definite yes. Victoria Falls was part of a larger African holiday, and was one of those once in a life time destinations.
We had not planned on doing this in advance, infact the thought hadn’t even crossed our minds until we were there. Of course, it was a significant expense and wasn’t a decision taken lightly. But seeing the falls and the Zambezi river from the air, put it all into perspective. The experience just provided something else, which we just couldn’t have got from the walk through the National Park, and the Zambezi boat tour.
I think you ultimately need to ask yourself the question, will I regret not having done it. And possibly also, is the money spent going to use up ALL my travel budget.
At this point, I guess I look at it this way… a couple years on, and we no longer remember the money it cost. Instead we remember the special family memories and the emotion we felt, during and after our magical Victoria Falls helicopter ride.
Other Activities to Do at the Victoria Falls & Zambezi River
There is so, so, so much to see and do in and around the Victoria Falls. So if you’ve decided that a helicopter ride isn’t for you this time, then don’t worry!
Below we list a few other Victoria Falls activity related ideas, that are also easier on the budget. And for our full list of recommendations, then you must absolutely click the link to our Victoria Falls Guide below.
Other Top Things to Do in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe –
- Don’t miss the National Park Walk alongside the Victoria Falls. Follow the trail along the edge of the gorge, and get up close to the falls so that you can experience them in all their force.
- Enjoy a river cruise along the Zambezi river at the top of the falls.
- Walk across the Victoria Falls bridge to Zambia. Stand over the gorge in order to appreciate its depth, while watching those more adrenaline fuelled tourists take the Bungi plunge. Don’t forget to take your passport, as you will need it to cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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