I was finally able to make a big dream come true – I flew in a helicopter! Not only was that experience amazing in and of itself, we flew over Victoria Falls, one of the natural wonders of the world.
Victoria Falls is on the Zambezi River which forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The waterfall is the largest sheet of falling water in the world at 5,603 feet (1,708 meters) wide.
It is also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya which means “the smoke that thunders.” This name comes from the large spray and mist created by the falls: Up to 1,640 feet (500 meters) that can be seen as far as 31 miles (50 km) away.
Flight of Angels
We had a 9:00 AM flight booked with the Zambezi Helicopter Company.
Flight of Angels
2020 Price: $150 per person + $15 park fee per person
The flight was called “Flight of Angels” after Livingstone’s quote when he wrote about the falls – that “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
This was my first helicopter ride ever and I was so excited! I sat in the back facing forward. Mom was lucky enough to get the co-pilot spot.
Once we were all strapped in, the pilot started our 13-minute flight. You can’t truly appreciate how wide the falls are until you see them from the sky!
We were worried because the area had just gone through the worst drought in a century and entire sections of the waterfall had been dry. No worry needed! Because it was green season, the water poured over the edge. The mist was so thick you couldn’t see the bottom of the falls.
We made a figure 8 over the waterfall before heading back to the helipad. On the return, you catch a great view of the Zambezi River.
The windows are bubbled out to give you the best views; however, this can lead to glare and reflections in your photos and videos. Put your camera or phone right up to the glass to reduce these issues.
Mom and I had an amazing time! Knowing this was once-in-a-lifetime, she insisted I take another ride.
Zambezi Spectacular
The next space I could get was for a Zambezi Spectacular flight, which is a longer 25-minute outing.
Zambezi Spectacular
2020 Price: $284 per person + $15 park fee per person
This time I got the co-pilot seat and couldn’t have been happier!
It offers a completely different perspective from the back, a more panoramic view. The floor is clear as well so you can view the falls below your feet.
We started with the same figure 8 over the waterfall.
Another incredible sight are all the rainbows created by sunlight hitting the mist.
Then we zoomed over the gorges which was the first new path on this longer tour. There are eight steep, zig-zagging gorges leading away from the falls.
After the helicopter turned back, I got to experience Victoria Falls from a new angle. Then we moved farther up the Zambezi, above the islands dotting the river.
The last new path for the Zambezi Spectacular was flying over Zambezi National Park. Our pilot was able to spot and point out an elephant and giraffe below!
They film you entering and exiting the helicopter. This is so they can sell you photos and a short video after your flight. Remember to smile and get in and out as cleanly as possible. Even if you don’t buy the package, someone in your group might!
I was fortunate enough to have mom taking photos instead.
I couldn’t recommend this experience enough! While it is a splurge, it’s hard to understand the magnitude from the ground. I am so happy that we took the time to do it! It made us even more excited to walk the footpath in the rainforest along the falls.
Helicopter ride was AMAZING! Your photos really show the experience.
A helicopter ride was on my bucket list! Great information and beautiful photos!
Thanks Alycia! I was worried I was going to get claustrophobic or anxious because I don’t like heights but I loved it!
This looks epic! I love all the photos and videos you included. This has definitely been added to my bucket list!
Thanks Ally! It was totally epic! Let me know if you ever go or if you want more information ?
OMG! I’m so happy you posted this – we are booked to come back next year to Victoria Falls and we were offered a helicopter tour – which I was debating since it’s expensive but these views sold me! What an experience!!!! And that rainbow!!!!
Thanks Sarah! Glad this could help make your decision. You’re going to love it! I can’t wait to hear about your experience next year. It was so fun ?
Your pilot had excellent eyesight, I had to break out the magnifying glass but I too spotted the elephant and giraffe. As usual your enthusiasm is contagious. This isn’t the time to travel but if it were, your blog would have tourists flooding S. Africa
Thank you Liz! I’m so glad that my enthusiasm comes across – I had such a phenomenal time on my entire trip and love to share it!
This looks like so much fun!!!! And your photos are absolutely beautiful :). I’m definitely adding this to my list :).
Thanks Cathy! It was so much fun! If you ever get the chance, definitely take it!