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The thought of helicopter rides in Cape Town is terrifying to some and exhilarating to others. Push past any fear you might have and head off for an incredible scenic flight, tour or transfer by helicopter in Cape Town. See Table Mountain from a new perspective once airborne above the V&A Waterfront.
The professional staff and high quality equipment provided by Cape Town helicopter operators help to make this a safe and unforgettable experience. Seating four to six passengers on board, it is the perfect family-friendly activity for your visit to the ‘Mother City’.
Travelling with friends? Looking for fun things to do in Cape Town for couples? Dreaming of romantic helicopter rides for a memorable proposal to your loved one?
Cape Town’s helicopter rides offer affordable flights, ranging from 10 unforgettable minutes in the air to wildlife viewed from above. If you’re wanting to splurge a little, we recommend a tour of the Cape Peninsula for unparalleled views of the Cape Point Nature Reserve.
Read on to find out which scenic flight or tour is best suited to your itinerary and budget.
Scenic Helicopter Flights Cape Town
The Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain meet at white sand beaches with large granite boulders. Travel over natural landscapes with beauty which can be appreciated from the air and up close. Table Mountain is part of the Cape Floral Kingdom which is the smallest and most diverse of the six Floral Kingdoms.
Listen to the sound of the turboshaft engine and two-blade rotors spinning above while soaking in your surroundings. It instantly clears your mind and allows you to absorb the moment. The rotors spin to move air across the blades which creates enough lift for the vehicle to move in the air.
Sport helicopters can reach maximum speeds of 280 km per hour. Your helicopter transfer can reach the winelands or a private game reserve in less than half the time it would take to drive. Saving time is not the only plus side when viewing Cape Town from above. This aerial view of the area can help you to find your bearings in a new city sooner. Spotting the Big 5 from the air over 240 acres of reserve favours slower speeds and is thrilling.
Helicopter Tours Cape Town, South Africa
A helicopter tour in Cape Town is a great way to experience the city from above. The best helicopter rides are offered from the V&A Waterfront. Remember to arrive 30 minutes before your flight. Most operators offer a complimentary transfer service from the CBD, Greenpoint & Sea Point.
NAC Helicopters: Cape Town
Offering flights in Cape Town, the National Airways Corporation has been flying in South Africa since 1946 and continue to provide an excellent safety record. The V&A Waterfront NAC fleet consists of one Robinson 44, two Bell 206 Jet Rangers, two Bell 407s and a H120. Large windows make these epic helicopters for taking photos.
Tip: Wear dark clothing to reduce reflections.
Set off from the V&A Waterfront on a Cape Point Tour following the coastline. Keep an eye out for the open sided tunnel on Chapman’s Peak Drive when passing from Hout Bay to Noordhoek. This scenic road has 114 curves and has featured in many car commercials.
Where you can Fly with Cape Town Helicopters
Cape Town flights offer cultural, historical and natural sites accessible from the air. Visit the winelands on a transfer to the Lourensford, L’Avenir and Delaire Graaff wine estates. Land close to the vineyards and experience wine tasting in the most incredible setting. These are three of the most luxurious estates in the Stellenbosch and Franschhoek winelands.
Looking to get a hole in one on holiday? Travel by air to play a game of golf at one of the country’s best courses. Land on the Pearl Valley’s Jack Nicklaus signature golf course for a round of 9 or 18 holes.
South Africa is well known for game viewing and wildlife. There are a handful of private reserves close to Cape Town. See the Big 5 from the air when visiting the Inverdoorn or Aquila game reserves. These two hour flights leave from the V&A Waterfront or they fly from Cape Town International Airport.
Helicopter Rides Prices
Choosing between Cape Town helicopter tours and rides is easy. Flights from Cape Town are affordable with short flights from $68 (R990) to two hour trips with incredible Big 5 sightings for $1615 (R23500). So you can choose the right scenic route or tour to suit your budget.
See the island and prison where Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 years imprisonment. Fly around Robben Island for $197 (R2500) on a 20 minute flight. Helicopters do not have permission to land on the island.
The best cape aerial tours travel around Cape Point and cost $496 (R6300) per person. Lifting off from the waterfront in Cape Town these flights take approximately 50 minutes. This route is highly recommended and covers the entire Cape Peninsula with scenic views of False Bay on your return route.
Safari helicopters enable you to spot the Big 5 from the air at the Inverdoorn or Aquila game reserves. The reserves offer lodges and luxury cottages which are perfect for a night away from the city. Flights back to Cape Town can be on the following day and cost $1615 (R23500) per person. This is a two hour wildlife experience which you will not forget.
Cheapest Helicopter Rides Cape Town
Experience a ‘City Express’ flight with exceptional views of Table Mountain and Lions Head for only $68 (R990) per person. This express trip is stunning and is approximately 10 minutes in length. This experience is affordable and perfect for a first helicopter ride. The cheapest helicopter price for a private ride is $240 (R3490).
Cape Town Helicopters offers a scenic tour flying past Camps Bay toward Hout Bay and is only $117 (R1700) per person. The flight is approximately 12 minutes and gives you great views of the Twelve Apostles Mountain Range. The route travels alongside Table mountain as helicopters in Cape Town are not allowed to travel above the nature reserve.
Best Weather for a Helicopter Ride in Cape Town
Cape Town has great weather for flying all year round. Flights will not take place in strong wind conditions and thick cloud cover. The pilot will inform you whether your flight will take place or not. The decision made by the pilot is final.
What happens if the weather is bad? If, when you look out of the window on the morning of your adventure, the weather is not ideal it is best to call the operator to confirm the flight before arriving. In the case where a flight cannot take place and a rescheduling is not possible you may receive a full refund. Should you cancel your tour within 48 hours of the flight you will only receive a 50% refund.
Last Thoughts on Helicopter rides in Cape Town
Cape Town’s incredible setting and diversity makes it a great location for a helicopter ride. Taking to the air is a unique way to appreciate the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, Table Mountain and Nature Reserves. Cape Town’s waterfront is the best location to set out on affordable and family friendly helicopter flights and tours.
If the above helicopter trips don’t excite you, try taking to the air in Cape Town on a tandem paragliding experience.
