What makes a helicopter safari different from normal safaris?
There are many ways to explore Africa. The most important difference
between helicopter safaris and other safaris are the versatility,
diversity and flexibility of going where you want to with a helicopter.
The scenes and places visited on a helicopter safari are spectacular
- nothing comes close to it!
The exhiliration of skimming across the ocean, spotting dolphins
in the waves, then floating over the grassy African plains to
touch down in a 'big five' reserve to enjoy a gamedrive, before
setting off to sip sundowners on top of the world, cannot be described
in words. This is the ultimate in travelling - it is truely the
best of the best.
How safe is travelling by helicopter?
A helicopter is the safest aircraft in the world. It is safer
to fly by helicopter than to travel by car! It is also very comfortable
and the ride is much more exhilirating!
How much luggage can we take on a helicopter safari?
After confirmation and payment for the safari, we will send to
you a custom made canvas and leather travel bag a few weeks before
you depart from home. The size of the bag will depend on the number
of passengers in the helicopter. These travel bags are the correct
size that we can carry on the helicopter and can take sufficient
clothes for two days. You will not be limited to this amount of
luggage, as we will transfer your excess luggage (by road or air)
to your next destination to allow for a fresh set of clothes on
the next leg of your safari.
We will send a packing list to you that stipulates the clothes
needed for the first few days on safari. This list will be tailored
to your specific requirements and will include clothes and equipment
needed for activities en route.
How long should we spend on safari?
We suggest a duration of 5 days per region for your helicopter
safari. This will allow enough time to experience the highlights
of that region. Combining different regions work well e.g. link
Cape Town & the Garden Route with the Kruger & Sabi Sands
area. The Eastern Cape and Kwazulu Natal combine very well and
offer interesting culture, spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife.
A good idea is to combine your helicopter safari with a luxury
rail journey or a visit to a private game reserve. The Southern
African countries of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Moçambique
and Zimbabwe have a diversity of attraction to combine with your
helicopter safari. Contact us for more information and suggestions.
We will plan your dream safari for you.
What about the noise factor?
We use some of the most sophisticated commercial helicopters on
the market. One such aircraft is the EC 120.
The EC 120 has a high-tech, enclosed fenestron," or "fan
in fin"(as per image on right), compared to the conventional
tail rotor of other helicopters. This system is safer, quieter
and more efficient. It uses 25% less engine horsepower, which
can now be utilized by the main rotor system. A state-of-the-art
fuel control automatically optimizes the main rotor speed for
the quietest operation and instant power response.
Can we communicate inside the helicopter?
Headsets are provided for each passenger during flights. This
enables you constant communication with each other and the pilot/guide.
Your choice of music are also at hand to be enjoyed while appreciating
the phenomenal sights along the way. Your pilot's knowledgeable,
informative narration will complete the experience.
How many people can go in one helicopter?
The EC 120 seats 1 pilot/guide and 4 passengers. The Bell 407
seats 5 passengers and 1 pilot/guide. For larger groups we use
more than one helicopter or the Bell Longranger.
Do I have to be physically fit to go on a helicopter safari?
We sometimes travel in remote areas with limited medical facilities.
Each helicopter carries a comprehensive medical kit for general
ailments.
What about motion sickness?
If you are particularly prone to motion sickness, Dramamine or
other anti-motion sickness medication is a good idea (if approved
by your doctor). The flying while on safari are very smooth and
turns are slow and gentle. Most people do not experience motion
sickness and do not need medication.
When is the best time to travel in Africa?
We
carefully assess each guests needs and answer accordingly, as
every guest has different requirements. Interests range from Africa’s
spectacular wildlife to the wide variety of birds that occur in
Africa at different times of the year. Other interest are botany,
culture and natural phenomena (such as the sardine run on the
east coast of South Africa or the migration of wildebeest in Serengeti
and Kenya). Many guests use their favourite activity as the foundation
and build their holiday around these activities such as fly-fishing,
diving, kayaking, photography or horse riding.
Botswana:
All
year round. Best birding: Nov-March. Best botanical months: Dec-May.
Peak season: July-October. Middle season: May-June.
Kenya: All year round. Great migration:
June-September.
Moçambique:
Best time: winter (April-Sept). Best fishing months: summer (Oct-March)
Namibia: All year round.
Best birding: summer (Nov-April). Best botanical months: Dec-May.
Peak season: July-October. Middle season: May-June.
South Africa: All year
round. Best game viewing (in north): winter (May-August). Southern
regions: summer destination (Sept-April).
Tanzania: All year round.
Best climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Aug-Oct and Jan-March. Great
migration: April-June and Oct-Dec.
Zambia: Some lodges in
remote areas close Nov-May. Victoria Falls spectacular after rains:
April-May.
Zimbabwe: All year round. Best
white water rafting: Aug-Dec. Best botanical months: Dec-May.
Peak season: July-Oct. Middle season: May-June.
Is there a "best time" to go on safari?
It really depends on the type of animals you wish to see or the
activity you would like to partake in. Certain reserves have good
game viewing all year round but others will have particularly
good elephant sightings or other migratory animals at different
times of the year. It is generally felt that the African winter
is the best time to go on safari, as the grass is dry and vegetation
sparse making game viewing easier. It is also the time when animals
are on the move looking for food and water. In Kenya and Tanzania,
you have the memorable opportunity of witnessing the migration
of over two million wildebeests and zebra.
Temperatures in winter are generally mild but can become considerably
cooler in the evening, so pack multiple layers of clothing to
ensure you stay comfortable on afternoon game drives and walks.
It goes without saying that the standard safari gear must include
a broad brim hat, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
In areas where malaria is prevalent, summer is generally a more
risky time to travel. So, before you go on safari, consult your
doctor for the necessary anti-malaria medication.
Can I take pictures from within the helicopter while flying?
Yes, the helicopters have good visibility and allows for excellent
photographs. If you plan to take photographs we recommend darker
colors to reduce any window reflections.
What camera lens is best to use on the helicopter?
We recommend a lens of around 35mm. This approximates the field
of view of the human eye. You will primarily want to take scenic,
aerial pictures from the helicopter. A wide lens will make the
picture appear further and a telephoto lens narrows the field
of view and is usually not what you want in your aerial photograph.
Bring along your telephoto lens for game drives.
What should I wear in the helicopter?
The
helicopters are temperature controlled so dress comfortably. The
pilot will advise you the previous evening if your flight includes
a landing at higher elevations to bring a sweater in case it’s
chilly.
