Victoria Falls: Helicopter Flight with Pickup & Panoramic Views

Summary

Helicopter ride over Victoria Falls with local pickup and wild encounters

You’ll ride through Zambezi park with a chance to spot wildlife before boarding a helicopter for a short but unforgettable flight over Victoria Falls. With hotel pickup included and local guides who know every turn in the river, you’ll feel both looked after and amazed by what’s below you. The spray, sunlight, and sudden rainbows stay with you long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

The driver was late — not by much, maybe five minutes, but enough that I’d started to wonder if I’d mixed up my times. Turns out he’d had to slow down for a couple of buffalo crossing just outside our lodge. When we finally got going through the edge of Zambezi park, the windows were down and you could smell the morning dust and something sweet, maybe wildflowers or just wet earth. We actually did see an elephant off in the trees — huge and silent. I almost missed it because I was fussing with my camera.

At the helipad, one of the attendants greeted us with this easygoing grin and handed out hairnets (which looked ridiculous on me). The safety briefing was quick but not rushed. Our pilot, Tendai, asked where we were from and told us to keep an eye out for rainbows once we got close to Victoria Falls — “they’re always hiding in the spray,” he said. The helicopter windows really are bubble-shaped; I pressed my forehead right up against it as we lifted off. It’s only about a minute from helipad to the falls, but that first moment when you see the Zambezi River twisting below...I still think about that view.

The actual orbit over Victoria Falls is loud and kind of dizzying — not scary, just a lot to take in at once. You can see people walking along the trails far below, tiny as ants. The mist rises so high it almost touches the glass sometimes. I caught myself grinning like an idiot when Tendai banked us around and sunlight hit the water just right — there was this perfect arc of color hanging in midair. Afterward, back on solid ground, my hands were shaking a little (not sure if from nerves or excitement). And then it was all over faster than expected; you sort of tumble back into regular life with your hair smelling faintly of aviation fuel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Helicopter flight over Victoria Falls

• Driver picks you up from hotel
• Drive 7-10 minutes to helipad
• Spot buffalo and elephants en route
• Attend safety briefing at helipad
• Fly 1 minute to Victoria Falls
• Orbit over Victoria Falls for 12 minutes

Top questions

How long is the helicopter flight over Victoria Falls?

The flight lasts approximately 12-13 minutes from takeoff to landing.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included before your helicopter flight.

Can you see wildlife on the way to the helipad?

Yes, there are good chances of seeing buffalo or elephants during the drive through Zambezi park.

Are infants or small children allowed on this flight?

Infants and small children can join; specialized infant seats are available if needed.

Is this helicopter tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

How far is the helipad from most hotels near Victoria Falls?

The drive takes about 7-10 minutes from most hotels to the helipad.

Will there be a safety briefing before flying?

Yes, attendants provide a safety briefing before boarding the helicopter.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup directly from your hotel about 15 minutes before your scheduled flight time, comfortable air-conditioned transport to the helipad in Zambezi park (with possible wildlife sightings), all necessary safety briefings, and your scenic 12-13 minute helicopter ride over Victoria Falls before returning by vehicle afterward.