Looking for a unique and thrilling way to experience Cape Town? Consider taking a helicopter tour of Cape Town! With breathtaking views of the Mother City and surrounding areas, a helicopter tour is an experience you won’t soon forget. A helicopter tour can provide breathtaking views of many popular sights that are difficult to see from the ground.
One of the greatest joys of a helicopter tour of Cape Town is the freedom and flexibility it offers. You can fly above attractions and landmarks that are tough to reach by foot or even by car, allowing you to see Cape Town and surrounding areas from a unique perspective. You will also enjoy the thrill of zooming through the air like a bird and feeling weightless as you enter a sharp turn or ascend quickly.
Places to See
The specific sights you will see will depend on the tour you choose, but you are sure to be amazed by the beauty of the city and its surroundings from the air. Here are some of the places you can see when you go on a helicopter tour of Cape Town:
Table Mountain
One of the most iconic landmarks in South Africa, Table Mountain rises over 3,500 feet above the city of Cape Town. This helicopter tour of Cape Town provides the perfect vantage point to take in the majestic views of the mountains and the city below. On this tour, you’ll see the famous Lion’s Head formation, Signal Hill, and the Cape Town Stadium as you fly around the mountain before descending back down to sea level.
Robben Island
Robben Island holds an important place in South African history and was once a prison where Nelson Mandela was held for 18 of his 27 years in captivity. This helicopter tour of Cape Town offers a unique perspective on the prison and its surroundings. From the air, you will see the stunning views of Table Mountain, the Atlantic Ocean, and the surrounding coastline. You will also get a sense of the size of the island and the history that it holds.
Cape Point
Located at the southernmost tip of the Cape Peninsula, Cape Point is a must-see natural attraction that offers spectacular views of the meeting of two oceans – the Atlantic and the Indian. From the air, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the rugged coastline, its rocky cliffs, and the iconic lighthouse that stands at Cape Point. This tour captures the breathtaking raw natural beauty of South Africa, and it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular sights on a helicopter tour.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Nestled at the foot of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens are renowned for their vast array of indigenous plants. This helicopter tour of Cape Town provides a unique vantage point to take in the beauty of the gardens’ intricate design and beautiful natural features. From the air, you’ll see the gardens’ highlights, including the Conservatory, along with an opportunity to see beautiful birds and other wildlife.
Vineyards and Wineries
South Africa’s wine region is famous for its beautiful vistas, expertly crafted wines, and historic estates. This helicopter tour of Cape Town offers a unique opportunity to see all this from above. From vineyards sprawling across the rolling hills of Stellenbosch to the breathtaking Franschhoek Valley, you’ll experience the beauty of this region in a way that few others can. You can take in the rich colours of the vines, the various shapes and sizes of the estate houses, and the unique shapes of the landscapes that have grown them over so many years.
Boulders Beach
Located just outside the city of Simon’s Town, Boulders Beach is home to an adorable colony of African penguins. These penguins are a delight to see from the air, and a helicopter tour provides a unique perspective on their habitat. You’ll be able to see the rocky coastline and turquoise waters of False Bay as you fly over this beautiful natural habitat.
False Bay
A helicopter tour over False Bay provides stunning views of this large bay on the coast of Cape Town. You’ll see sandy beaches, turquoise waters, rugged cliffs, and the fascinating marine life that lives in the bay. You might spot dolphins, seals, and sometimes even whales from the air.
The Twelve Apostles
The Twelve Apostles is a range of mountains that stretch along the Atlantic coast, just before you get to the Cape of Good Hope. This helicopter tour of Cape Town over this range provides breathtaking views of the steep cliffs, ridges, and valleys. You will also get a glimpse of the stunning beaches that lie at the foot of these mountains, such as Camps Bay and Llandudno.
Hout Bay and Seal Island
Fly over one of the most beautiful coastal towns in Cape Town, Hout Bay, before continuing to Seal Island, a protected area where over 60,000 Cape Fur seals have made their home. Admire the view of the stunning mountains and coastline around the bay, and then land on a nearby beach for a short break to get up close and personal with the seals.
V&A Waterfront
A helicopter tour over the V&A Waterfront offers a unique perspective on one of Cape Town’s most visited attractions. See the harbour, the towering buildings, the many restaurants and shops, and the iconic Wheel of Excellence that provides a panoramic view of the city. You will also be able to look back and marvel at the stunning views of Table Mountain from the air.
Signal Hill
Signal Hill is known for its sweeping views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. This helicopter tour of Cape Town over this historic hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of Cape Town, its harbour, the surrounding mountains, and the ocean. From this vantage point, you can appreciate how the city centre and the suburbs blend into the natural landscape around them.
Businesses Offering Helicopter Tours
There are several businesses that offer a helicopter tour of Cape Town, each with its own unique offerings and features:
Cape Town Helicopters
They offer a diverse selection of tours, ranging from short scenic flights over Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront to extended excursions to the Cape Peninsula and the Winelands.
Sport Helicopter Rides Cape Town
They specialise in shorter scenic tours showcasing the iconic sights of Cape Town, including Camps Bay, Hout Bay, and Robben Island.
NAC Helicopters
They offer a wide range of tours, including scenic flights, private charters, and landings at exclusive locations like wine estates and game reserves.
Waterfront Helicopter Tours
Conveniently located at the V&A Waterfront, offering easy access for tourists exploring the area. Primarily offers scenic flights over Cape Town, showcasing the city’s iconic landmarks and coastline.
Conclusion
The cost of a helicopter tour of Cape Town can vary between R 2,200 – R 20,000 per person depending on the tour operator, the duration of the tour, and the type of helicopter used. However, a helicopter tour of Cape Town is worth the cost. So the next time, you need to take a vacation or you want to go on a date, look no further than a helicopter tour of Cape Town.