Victoria Falls: Helicopter Flight & Zambezi Wildlife Views

Summary

Soar above Victoria Falls then sweep over Zambezi’s wild herds

You’ll fly right above Victoria Falls with nothing but glass between you and all that spray, circle over Batoka Gorge, then sweep low over the upper Zambezi to spot elephants or hippos below. With hotel pickup included and a local pilot guiding you through every jaw-drop moment, this is one of those days you’ll replay in your head long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

The moment we lifted off from the helipad near Victoria Falls, I realized I’d never really understood how loud a waterfall could be — even from up in a helicopter. Our pilot, Tinashe, grinned back at us and pointed out the “smoke” rising where the Zambezi River just drops away. My window was curved and clear, so there wasn’t a single thing between me and that huge curtain of water. I kept pressing my forehead to the glass like a little kid (probably left smudges, sorry). The spray almost looked like it could reach us if the wind changed.

Circling over the falls didn’t feel real at first. You see postcards and all that, but actually watching the water tumble down into Batoka Gorge — it’s dizzying. Tinashe slowed so we could snap photos, but honestly I just stared. There was this rainbow arcing right through the mist. The flight path took us upriver toward Long Island and then out over patches of green where you could spot animals — elephants looked like grey pebbles from up high. Someone behind me gasped when we passed over a herd moving along the banks; I nearly missed it because I was still stuck on that view of the gorge.

On our way back across the upper Zambezi, Tinashe pointed out hippos lounging by a sandbar and what he said were kudu (I’d never have guessed). The air smelled faintly earthy — not sure if that was river mud or just adrenaline making everything sharper. We’d only been flying about 25 minutes but it felt longer in a good way. When we landed, one of the ground crew laughed at my hair (windblown disaster) and handed me some water. I keep thinking about that moment in the sky when everything below seemed both wild and tiny — you know?

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 25 minutes
• Fly over Batoka Gorge and Zambezi River
• View wildlife in Zambezi National Park
• Return flight to helipad

Top questions

How long does the Victoria Falls helicopter flight last?

The flight lasts approximately 25 to 27 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this helicopter tour?

Yes, pickup from your hotel is included before your scheduled flight time.

Will I see wildlife during the helicopter ride?

You have great chances to spot elephants, hippos, buffalo, giraffes, kudu, and more along the upper Zambezi River.

Are infants or small children allowed on this helicopter flight?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap; specialized infant seats are available.

Is this tour accessible for wheelchairs or strollers?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible; prams or strollers can be used for small children.

How far is the helipad from Victoria Falls hotels?

The helipad is about a 7–10 minute drive from most hotels near Victoria Falls.

What should I bring for my scenic flight over Victoria Falls?

You don’t need much — just your camera or phone for photos; water is provided after landing.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel about 15 minutes before your scheduled flight time in an air-conditioned vehicle. After a quick safety briefing at the helipad near Victoria Falls, you’ll board a bubble-window helicopter for around 25 minutes in the air — circling above Victoria Falls itself and following the upper Zambezi to look for wildlife before returning to land.