Is the Flight of the Angels Helicopter Tour Over Victoria Falls Worth It? – Review

Is the Helicopter Ride over the Victoria Falls worth it? Based on my experience, here’s a full breakdown to help you decide along with my favorite highlights.

Intro

Victoria Falls is already one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world but being able to see it from above is another level. The “Flight of the Angels” helicopter tour is one of the most popular activities for visitors in the area. But is a helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls really worth it? After taking the flight myself, here’s everything you can expect, along with my favorite highlight to help you decide if it’s worth it.

Victoria Falls Helicopter Tour Tickets

At Victoria Falls Flight of the Angels Helicopter Flight, you are able to choose from two different flight options. I opted for the 25-minute flight that flies over the Victoria Falls, the Zambezi Gorge, and the Zambezi National Park.

Helicopter Tour Location

Victoria Falls Helicopter Route

On a Victoria Falls Helicopter tour, there are two flight routes you can choose from. The shorter route that takes about 13 minutes flies exclusively over and around the Victoria Falls. The second route adds going over the Batoka Gorge & Zambezi River, as well as over the Zambezi National Park. This route is about 25 minutes long.

Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (3/5)

What to Expect

Check-In

The experience begins at the helicopter base where you check in and receive your ear muffs. There might be a bit of a wait before boarding so there are tables to wait at, and you can also purchase drinks if you need a little refresher.

Once it’s your turn, your group will be called, and you will be directed to follow staff members towards the helicopter where you’ll be assigned a seat. Windows are large, so even if you’re not in the front, you’ll still get excellent views.

Taking Off • photos by Jeanie A

The Flight

The standard flight lasts around 13 minutes, but there’s also a longer 25-minute option if you want to see more of the Zambezi River and surrounding national parks.

Falls From Above

Both flight routes will fly over the Victoria Falls since it is the main sight when here. You circle above them several times so you can get different views from various angles. You’ll be able to see straight down into the gorge, upstream of the falls, and along the zig-zagging Batoka Gorge. The scale is jaw-dropping where you can truly appreciate why Victoria Falls is called “The Smoke That Thunders.”

Victoria Falls from the Helicopter • photos by Jeanie A

Bonus Views

If you opt for the longer route, then you’ll also get bonus views where you follow along the Batoka Gorge and see the rapids below. You’ll also fly upriver over the Zambezi’s channels and the Zambezi National park where you can spot elephants, hippos, or buffalo below.

Batoka Gorge, Zambezi River, & Zambezi National Park • photos by Jeanie A

Landing

The descent is smooth and afterwards you are invited to view (and purchase) a short video of your flight along with photos the staff took. It’s a nice souvenir and you can either buy both the video and photos, or you can buy them separately.

Helicopter Highlights

Aerial Views

Whenever there’s an opportunity to get a bird’s-eye view of a natural wonder, I always opt for it! Seeing natural wonders from above allows me to see it in all its amazing glory. For me, seeing the Victoria Falls from a helicopter really put its sheer size into perspective, especially when I saw the tiny dots of people. We also got to see a beautiful rainbow form too.

When flying over the gorge, I saw the Zambezi River rapids which I white-water-rafted. Then when we got into the Zambezi National Park, I was able to get an incredible aerial view of wildlife roaming the vast lands. including hoards of grazing wildebeests, and herds of elephants seeking shade.

Thrill Ride

Riding in a helicopter is naturally a thrill ride especially since it’s not something I do very often. The helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls is my third helicopter flight I’ve been on but I still find it exciting and something I’m always down to do. Not to mention, going on a helicopter ride over an amazing natural world wonder will immediately get on my bucket list and become a highlight of my travels.

Things to Keep in Mind

1. Expensive

As with any helicopter ride anywhere, prices are pretty high and expensive. They do vary with the operator and flight length but do expect to spend quite a bit, like anywhere between $150 and $300 USD. Even though the longer flights are more expensive, they do give you more value.

2. Short Duration

As mentioned, the shorter flight is about 13 minutes with the longer one being about 25 minutes. It is a thrilling ride but it is over within what feels like minutes. Because of this I do knock off a star because it just felt way too short! That’s not necessarily a bad thing but be prepared for how fast it goes by.

3. Season Matters

The Victoria Falls’ mist levels does change depending on what season you go. During high water from March to May, the mist will be more dramatic with a full flow of water. In low water from September to December (which is when I went), you’ll see less flow and more rock formations. Still amazing though!

Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure

1. Only 7 People Can Fit

The helicopter can fit up to 7 people, where 1 person can sit in the front passenger seat next to the pilot

2. Ride may be Extra Thrilling

Not sure if all helicopter pilots fly the same, but the pilot I was with took very sharp (and quite thrilling) turns so hopefully you’re not afraid of flying!

3. Be Patient

There may be a short wait before boarding your helicopter, so be patient in case this is the case.

4. Take Advantage of Photo Opp

On the property, there is a large yellow frame for a cool picture opportunity

5. Video & Photos Are Available for Purchase

The staff takes photos and also make an edited video that are available for purchase. You’ll be shown both at the end to help you make an informed decision.

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Final Words: Worth It!

The Victoria Falls helicopter tour with Flight of the Angels is a splurge but it’s one that’s completely worth it for most travelers. The combination of awe-inspiring views, thrilling adventure, and unique perspective make it one of the top activities in Victoria Falls. So if you can shell it out, hop on and enjoy the views.

Would you ride a helicopter over the Victoria Falls?
Let me know what you think in the comments below!