Helicopter Safari
It’s no secret: the landscapes you’ll discover with Extraordinary Journeys are nothing short of incredible, whether in Africa or in other destinations around the world. What better way to take in the sights on your trip than with a helicopter safari? Get a true bird’s-eye view of hard-to-reach locations, eye-popping geography, and a vast array of wildlife. Costs will vary by destination, but you can expect to pay between $1,000-$2,000 per hour for private helicopter travel. Other experiences, like a heli flip over Victoria Falls, can be quite reasonable for a quick spin!
East Africa helicopter vacation
Visit the beautiful, otherworldly Danakil Depression in the Afar region of Northern Ethiopia. Fly fish in Lake Alice, the largest of Mt. Kenya’s great lakes. Soak in the blissful solitude and crisp, clear air at an altitude of 8,600 feet. Take in the dazzling jade-green waters of Lake Turkana from the air. Read EJ co-founder Elizabeth Gordon’s firsthand account of her experience here: Helicopter Safaris: My New Favorite Way to See Kenya.
Feel the thrill of skimming above the vast wilderness on a heli ride from Chem Chem. A selection of flights can be booked: view flamingos from the air, discover the awesome Ngorongoro Crater from above, or cut your transfer time from Lake Manyara or Arusha to the property by chopper.
Southern Africa
Add a helicopter transfer instead of the light aircraft transfer in Botswana‘s, Okavango Delta for a private view of the lush waterways. Soar over stunning Victoria Falls along the border between Livingstone, Zambia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. You might even get the chance for some game viewing as you pass over Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on a helicopter safari! Skip the lines for the Table Mountain Cableway and soak in an aerial view of the city by air. After, touch down for lunch in the winelands. The vineyards and mountains here are spectacular. Discover one local’s guide to the Cape’s best wineries.
Australia helicopter travel
Helicopter travel over the majestic, rust-red landscapes of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and stay at Longitude 131°, a luxury, eco-sensitive desert oasis in the heart of the outback. Fly over Western Australia’s magnificent Bungle Bungle Range, one of the most extensive sandstone karst terrains in the world. The alternating orange and black bands of these incredible beehive-shaped towers are a sight to behold. Then touch down at El Questro Homestead, in the heart of the Kimberley. This 700,000 acre property is as chock-full of adventure as it is vast. And it offers plenty of privacy and laid-back luxury. Take a morning helicopter tour of the Great Barrier Reef before landing on a pristine tropical beach for a picnic lunch. Fly along the Queensland coast before cutting inland to the astounding rainforests of Mossman Gorge. You’ll feel like you’re in a scene from Jurassic Park. This route is only accessible by helicopter, so don’t miss out!
New Zealand
Experience the massive Fox or Franz Josef Glaciers before they disappear (yes, they’re receding). Sure, you could choose the 8-hour hike in. But for those feeling less fit or lacking the time, we recommend you helicopter to these must-see gems in New Zealand’s Southern Alps. For even more access to New Zealand’s dizzying array of scenic landscapes, take advantage of extended flying time with a private helicopter charter from Queenstown. Buzz around the Maori’s sacred mountain Aoraki (Mt. Cook), land on a glacier overlooking the Tasman Sea, or fly out to the volcanoes dotting the coast of the North Island.
Chile & Peru helicopter vacation
Splurge on a truly once-in-a-lifetime trek across the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Fly in from Chile’s Torres del Paine to spend 2-3 hours on the glacier, exploring cracks, rivers, lagoons, and tunnels. The pristine views, helicopter overflight, and celebratory whiskey toast in the middle of nowhere simply can’t be beaten. If your budget allows, do not miss this opportunity. The landscape is melting and changing dramatically all the time. See it before it’s gone.
Bypass the crowds at Machu Picchu, and helicopter to fly over Choqueriquirao or the Cradle of Gold. This lesser-known ruin is estimated to be three times the size of Machu Picchu, yet it sees only a fraction of the visitors per day. The trek there on foot is said to be twice as difficult as the Inca Trail. Intrepid hikers should plan for two to four days of hiking from Cusco – the payoff is in the views!
