Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls

Everyone knows that the best vantage point of something can be gained from up above. So naturally, we took to the skies for a grand view of the World’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls. Oh, what a view it was.

After arriving at the helipad, we entered the building and began the process of registering for our helicopter ride over Victoria Falls. Anyone that has ever taken a helicopter ride before will know how long the check-in process can take before you are allowed in the helicopter.

First, we signed our lives away. Then we stepped on the scale one by one to have our weight recorded and our place in the helicopter assigned. Because of the nature of the way a helicopter flies, people are seated inside it to make sure the weight is balanced.

Waiting in the lounge for what seemed like a lifetime, we were finally called to queue for our time slot. When the helicopter landed on the helipad the people inside exited and made their way into the building. At this point, we were instructed to make our way to the helicopter for boarding.

This wasn’t our first time in a helicopter, so this process went fairly smoothly. Luckily we were able to sit opposite each other meaning we both had a window and a clear view of the landscape that would be below us after we took off. The doors were closed and the roar of the propeller increased as we lifted off from the ground.

Devil's pools - Victoria Falls

Why is Victoria Falls Special?

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Although it is considered the largest waterfall in the world, it does not hold the title of being the tallest nor the widest. It earns its status as the largest based on its width and height causing the world’s largest sheet of falling water.

Victoria Falls is twice the height of Niagara Falls and over twice the width of Horseshoe Falls. The only waterfall that rivals this natural wonder is the famed Iguazu Falls that sits between Argentina and Brazil in South America.

Even at a trickle, Victoria Falls is said to be magnificent. When the falls is at full water force, the mist is so heavy you cannot see the falls and getting close results in a good soaking.

We visited the Falls at the perfect time of year which is when the falls have slowed down from the heaviest water flow. The water was low but at the perfect amount to still show the beauty of the falls and we even had a chance to visit Devils Pool.

Looking down at Victoria Falls

This time of year made it the perfect time to take a helicopter flight. The area surrounding the falls was clear and we were able to see deep into the gorge at the bottom of the falls. Had it been the raging heavy season, this view would have been obstructed by the massive cloud of mist.

Our day was beautiful sunny with clear views and even produced rainbows when viewing the falls. The helicopter that we flew in had large, clean windows with an option to use a small opening to get clear shots of the falls.

They just slip open with a hole big enough for a camera lens. I loaded a filter onto my lens for protection and took most of my photos through that opening.

Victoria Falls from the sky.

What to Expect During a Flight over Victoria Falls

Flight Duration

Helicopter flights over Victoria Falls last 15 minutes starting when you lift off over the helipad and ending when you land back where you started. The location of the helipad is close enough to the falls and en-route you will get a spectacular view of the Batoka Gorge and Zambezi River.

Flight Route

The actual flight over the falls will be the highlight of your flight and the helicopter will spend the time doing two big figure eights in each direction over Victoria Falls. The flight duration may seem short, but this is ample time to take several stunning photos of the falls.

Helicopter Flight Over Victoria Falls

Cost

On par with other parts of the world, the cost will run you $150USD per person for your 15-minute flight. It seems steep but let me tell you, it’s worth every penny for that view. This also includes a return pick up from your accommodation.

How to Book

We booked our flight with Backpackers Bazaar, located in Vic Falls on the Zimbabwe side, in person when we arrived. They can also book you into just about any other thing you might want to do in Vic Falls during your stay.

I can’t express enough how worth it this flight is. The view you get of this natural wonder can be found nowhere else on the planet.

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