My blog and love of travel have given me some once-in-a-lifetime experiences – but a city tour with Cape Town Helicopters now ranks number one.
In this photo essay, I share a few personal thoughts on this incredible experience, while also providing some quickfire facts and need-to-know information.
Taking to the Cape Town Skies
For someone with a fear of manmade heights (and who has never previously flown before) booking a spur-of-the-moment, belated birthday helicopter flight may seem like a crazy choice.
But then, if travel has taught me anything about myself, it is that I am always braver than I think. And sometimes, the best decisions are the ones you say yes to before you have a chance to back out.
No point after contacting and booking a tour with Cape Town Helicopters did I wish to back out, though.
But I almost couldn’t bring myself to get excited before The Day. Purely in case bad weather conditions or some other calamity struck. I kept telling myself, “I will still have a great day at the V&A Waterfront, even if I don’t get to do my helicopter flight today.”
Luckily, I struck gold, as the day dawned still and hot. In fact, as our pilot, Willem, commented, we actually had the perfect morning for a trip.
Cape Town Helicopters: Propelling You into Adventure
2023 Update: Since writing my review, Cape Town Helicopters has moved to a new premises at Unit no. 03, V&A Waterfront Helistop, 36 East Pier Road. They have also expanded their fleet offerings.
After arriving in Cape Town bright and early on a baking summer’s day, I went straight to the Cape Town Helicopters office. It is located just past the main V&A parking areas, overlooking the seawall and Atlantic Ocean.
From the outside, the office looks simple enough but once you step inside, the excitement builds. Helicopter-related photography and fast facts on Cape Town and Cape Town Helicopters adorn the walls. Even the portable outside loo, which is spotless, screams “breathtaking helicopter flights here”.
Outside, past the main indoor waiting room area (where you have your safety briefing), you find the outdoor space that overlooks the main helipads.
The white picket fence and relaxed picnic benches give no indication of the excitement, noise and adrenaline put into motion mere metres away.
You pose for a selfie next to the Cape Town Helicopters frame, trying to act nonchalant about being moments away from upgrading from ‘everyday citizen’ to ‘one of the elite who flies in helicopters at leisure’ but it’s impossible to contain your excitement.
As you watch the ground control crew push the helicopters out or wash the fleet, prepping them for the day’s flights, minutes feel like hours. Then, suddenly, your group is called: it’s time for the safety briefing – and the fun to begin!
Safety First
Once you have booked and paid, you are discreetly weighed on a scale. This is necessary for the flight as passenger seating is assigned according to weight. No, it’s not to guilt you for being under- or overweight. Rather, it is vital for ensuring a safe flight as equal weight distribution is crucial. Also, if the load is a bit heavier than expected, you might be placed in a bigger helicopter.
Once that practicality is out the way, you watch a quick, informative safety briefing. This teaches you about things like the fact the helicopters have utility floats (good to know because if you need to make an emergency landing on the ocean, this enables you to do that); to lower your head when disembarking (to keep out of the helicopter’s rotors way) ; and to ensure you know how to safely secure your safety belt.
From there, it is time to make your way out onto the helipad and climb into your helicopter.
Flying with the Robinson R44 Raven II
Because I was part of a shared flight for Cape Town Helicopter’s affordable, +/- eight-minute City Express tour, it was just two of us and the pilot for this particular flight. I actually loved the intimacy of this and how we got to enjoy such a memorable experience with only one other person present.
I only booked for myself so don’t worry if you have no one to go with. Shared flights are just as much fun as booking with a friend, partner or family member. In fact, this is the perfect solo activity and one which you will thank yourself for later.
As we were a small group, we ended up flying in the Robinson R44 Raven II. If you are a small group of three or less, you will most likely fly with this helicopter. Ironically, this was the first helicopter I set eyes on upon arriving at the venue so it was quite special.
This particular helicopter is a high-performing, reliable model. It has a two-bladed rotor system, T-bar cyclic and offers the latest Robinson technology. (Including crashworthy bladder fuel tanks.) It looks diminutive next to the Airbus helicopters but don’t be fooled by its size. It is as luxurious and thrilling as any besides.
Inside, you find luxurious leather seating and a rather spacious helicopter cabin. Best of all, it offers windows all around so you get to enjoy amazing views no matter where you are seated. 🙂
Ready for Takeoff like a BOSE
Once we were safely guided into the cabin and secured in our seats, we put on our noise-cancelling Aviation-grade BOSE headsets. These are amazing – there is no other word for them! If you know how a helicopter sounds even flying overhead in the sky, then you know how loud they are. Now, imagine that noise being all but silenced the moment you put these babies on!
They cost approximately $1000 each so they are the real deal. This is another reason why Cape Town Helicopters is so much better than any other local tour operator. They don’t cut any corners or skimp on the experience. Everything about their tours is designed to be more eco-friendly and luxurious for their customers.
We Have Lift Off
As a first-time flyer, I wasn’t sure what to expect, as we slowly lifted off of the ground. But honestly, apart from the occasional sensation of rocking backwards slightly at times (that is the only way I can explain it), you don’t even notice you are moving. Which is quite incredible when you think that this helicopter’s average cruising speed is 100 knots or 185km per hour.
When our pilot casually told us we were doing about 200 km p/h, my jaw fell open. Honestly, you feel nothing – the only thing you feel is wonder. Sheer, unimaginable wonder.
Cape Town must be one of the best cities in the world to fly around. The view as you take off from the Waterfront is utterly breathtaking. Below you, the ocean alternates from aqua to deeper blue hues, as Table Mountain and the city sprawl out before you.
Up in the Clouds and We’re Not Coming Down
Flying over huge cargo ships that suddenly look tiny is a really humbling experience. As is seeing other helicopters and smaller planes flying below you. Even the Cape Town Stadium looks minute from up there. It is a bit like being a giant in a little man’s world – and I have to say, you cannot buy a feeling that good.
We flew to near the Sea Point pools and and then turned back around, bound once more for the Waterfront. Now, with Cape Town on my right and the vast expanse of ocean to my left, I put my camera and phone down and just tried to be present in the moment.
With everything stretched out before me like that in crystal clear clarity, I don’t think I have ever been more in love with our Mother City. Or more proudly South African: this was our land, mountain and sea.
There are some experiences that not even writers can fully put into words. And even though I came home with some pretty incredible photos – dream shots, you could say – not even they do this experience justice.
Our flight felt short and yet, magically unending all at once. If I had endless money, I would book one every weekend. It’s that simple… because there is no feeling or experience like it on earth.
A Classy Experience from Start to Finish
Soon enough, our flight was over and, after profusely thanking Willem – our excellent, cool, calm and collected pilot – we disembarked.
Back on the ground, I could feel the adrenaline and wonder fizzing through my veins, as the roar of the rotors drowned out everything else. It was hard to say good-bye – although I know I will be back again the first chance I get.
This is arguably the best travel experience of my life – and as an adventurer and travel blogger, I have had my fair share of amazing experiences. So all I will say is this: if you can save up and book a tour, do it. Don’t even give it another moment’s thought: just do it.
And please, do yourself a favour: only book with Cape Town Helicopters. Truthfully, while scouting around for available shared flights, I enquired after tours with a few local tour operators – and even the efficient, helpful correspondence Cape Town Helicopters provided me with was incredible.
They went out of their way to assist me in booking a flight; patiently answered all my emails (and promptly too); and made me feel like a treasured guest from the first interaction.
Cape Town Helicopters: World-class Tours in the Mother City and Surrounds
Cape Town Helicopters offers a host of incredible tour experiences. Everything from scenic city flights to winelands tours, adventure flights and unique experiences too.
Aside from offering a more eco-friendly service – which sees them utilising quieter, safer and more efficient helicopters and truly promoting responsible tourism – they offer an excellent team of female- and male-pilots, managers, receptionists and ground control crew.
In fact, it is the staff and the friendly pilots that make you feel most welcome and ready for adventure. Everyone you encounter is incredibly friendly, professional and fun to deal with. That is one of the things that impressed most upon me.
Our pilot, Willem, ensured our flight was insightful, educational and interesting from start to finish. As we flew, he patiently endured our endless stream of questions, exclamations and photos. It was so fascinating listening to him share insight into how the weather, flights and air traffic works and sharing that aviation world with us, if only briefly.
For this flight experience, I booked the scenic City Express flight. At the time of booking, this cost R1100 per person and offered incredible views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Signal Hill and more.
This particular flight is +/- eight minutes in duration, although flights are more dependent on route than time.
Need-to-Know Information
- While flying, you may take photos and videos. You can also purchase an HD recording of your inflight experience.
- There is no age limit so children can fly too. However, children over one must sit in their own seat.
- You can fly alone in selected single-seat flights or you can book a shared flight and fit in with other solo travellers.
- Always call ahead or try check the weather on the day of your flight. If you cannot fly on your chosen day, flights can be rescheduled or you can claim a full refund.
- You can book and pay online or by contacting Cape Town Helicopters directly. (I booked via email and paid upon arrival at their office.)
- You should arrive at least 30 minutes before your flight slot. You don’t want to be late and end up missing or delaying your flight! (My flight left at 10:00 am but I waited from 09:15 am and strongly recommend something like this. You will feel calmer and less rushed.)
- If you would like to purchase some of their in-store merchandise and goodies, remember to bring along extra cash.
- If you are taking photos, try wear darker clothing that doesn’t reflect as much.
- You cannot choose your seat in the helicopter. Seating is assigned according to weight at the team and/or pilot’s discretion.
For more information on pricing, tour offerings and other inflight information, please visit the Cape Town Helicopters website or contact them directly.
How It Rated Overall
Overall, my booking and flight experience with Cape Town Helicopters was faultless and amazing.
I have nothing but praise for their operation, services and excellent staff. They deserve a 12/10 rating!
Special Thanks
Although I was a normal paying customer, I would like to thank the whole Cape Town Helicopters team and our pilot, Willem, for making my flight experience so perfect and memorable.
Also, if she reads this: thank you to my excellent shared flight companion. You made my first flight very special and I am so glad that I could share this bucket list trip with you. 🙂
Contact Information
For more information on Cape Town Helicopters and their offerings, please contact: +27 (021) 418 9462, (084) 766 7777 (Whatsapp chat) or email them at adventure@helicopterscapetown.co.za.
You can also visit their website or find them for yourself.
Cape Town Helicopters is also on all leading social media platforms, so be sure to connect with and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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