3 Finest Helicopter Safaris to Soak up Africa, In keeping with a High Journey Advisor

Shut your eyes and film the scene: Blades whir above you, there’s a cool breeze in your face, you’re excessive above the bottom whereas Africa’s most distant corners fly previous under. 

Safari helicopter excursions supply a novel and unique option to discover distant areas of an already wild continent. With a chopper, nothing is out of attain – and for the intrepid explorer craving for true isolation, that is the stuff of goals. As a journey advisor who focuses on east and southern African safaris, these are the three helicopter safaris I like to recommend time and time once more.

Lake Turkana Flights in Northern Kenya

Arguably one of the epic helicopter safaris, this full day journey into Kenya’s Large North is crammed with placing landscapes. The rolling hills of Laikipia, situated on the equator, give option to the huge, desolate sand dunes of the Suguta Valley under, earlier than lakes flooded with flamingos become visible. Your pilot will discover the very best locations to the touch down to fulfill distant tribes, stroll on dunes, or swim in clear waters earlier than stopping for lunch alongside a collapsed volcano on Lake Turkana’s southern finish. 

The flight again is simply as scenic, hovering over the Matthews mountain vary — a distant and inaccessible landmark crammed with dramatic cliffs, cycad forests, and flowing rivers. This tour is what Kenya’s Large North and helicopter safaris are all about — the prospect to expertise one thing fully uncooked, unfiltered, and faraway from the skin world. 

Miavana Flights to Madagascar 

Madagascar is one other huge and less-traveled nation greatest explored by air. Only a brief flight from Miavana, an ultra-luxurious resort on Nosy Ankao island the place the helicopter is predicated, you’ll discover Madagascar’s northern parks. The land is filled with distinctive gems, like otherworldly rock formations, huge baobab bushes, uncommon lemur species, and dramatic cliffs you’ll be able to absorb from above.

Personal Island Flights in Botswana’s Okavango Delta

Botswana‘s vibrant floodplains are one other pure phenomenon greatest skilled from the vantage of a chopper. Really feel the wind in your face as you’re taking to the skies in a doors-off helicopter, embarking on an journey north towards the supply of the Okavango Delta — an unlimited inland river delta in northern Botswana. 1000’s of individuals flock to Botswana to witness these life-giving waters and the world heritage web site they embody, however solely a handful get to expertise it from the sky. 

From the helicopter, there’s additionally a probability of seeing wildlife of their pure habitat. Nile crocodiles solar themselves on the river banks, whereas pods of hippos and herds of elephants roam by the waters. 

You can even take pleasure in a drink on a personal delta island, with simply you, your organization, and the sounds of true wilderness. Plus, no two flights are the identical, with sightings, routes, and picnic spots continually altering. 

Why It’s Price It

Africa actually is without doubt one of the final wild, great frontiers. Its magnificence lies in its type individuals, mesmerizing wildlife, and distant, hidden landscapes. And, I can attest, helicopter safaris are the easiest way to expertise it in an exciting, deeply private approach. 

Shaun Stanley is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Listing and focuses on east and southern Africa safari journeys. You’ll be able to create a tailored itinerary with Stanley by contacting him at shaun@stanley-safaris.com.