Whether you want to circle Table Mountain, soar over the Drakensberg or see the Blyde River Canyon from above, South Africa is home to several operators offering scenic helicopter flights for every kind of traveller.
Photo: Unsplash
From quick city flips to luxury wine estate landings and bush adventures, these are some of the companies worth booking with.
Cape Town Helicopters
Based: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
One of South Africa’s best-known helicopter operators, Cape Town Helicopters has been introducing visitors to the Mother City’s spectacular scenery for years. Flights depart from the V&A Waterfront and range from short introductory trips to longer adventures around the Cape Peninsula.
Popular routes showcase Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, Camps Bay, the Twelve Apostles, Chapman’s Peak and Cape Point, while luxury packages include wine estate landings, gourmet lunches and private picnics.
Best for: First-time visitors to Cape Town, proposals and special occasions.
NAC Helicopters
Based: V&A Waterfront, Cape Town
If you’re after a premium helicopter experience, NAC Helicopters delivers. Their fleet offers scenic flights over the Atlantic Seaboard and Cape Peninsula, alongside bespoke charter experiences.
The company also offers helicopter transfers to safari lodges, wine farms and private destinations across Southern Africa, making it a favourite for luxury travellers.
Best for: Luxury experiences, private charters and photography flights.
JNC Helicopters
Based: Virginia Airport, Durban
Durban’s warm coastline takes on a whole new look from above. JNC Helicopters offers scenic flights over the Golden Mile, Umhlanga, Moses Mabhida Stadium and the Indian Ocean.
The company also operates longer flights into the Valley of a Thousand Hills, the Drakensberg and nearby game reserves, with options for romantic picnic packages and custom charters.
Best for: Coastal views and scenic KwaZulu-Natal adventures.
Flight Helicopter Tours
Based: Durban
Flight Helicopter Tours focuses on tailor-made aerial experiences throughout KwaZulu-Natal. Depending on your itinerary, you can combine helicopter flights with luxury lodge stays, beach landings or wildlife encounters.
Popular destinations include the Wild Coast, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the Drakensberg and private reserves.
Best for: Luxury travel and customised helicopter experiences.
Helivate Helicopter Services
Based: Krugersdorp, Gauteng
You don’t have to leave Gauteng to enjoy an unforgettable helicopter ride. Helivate offers scenic flights over Hartbeespoort Dam, the Magaliesberg and the Cradle of Humankind, making it an easy day trip from Johannesburg or Pretoria.
The company also specialises in proposal flights, romantic picnics and aerial photography.
Best for: Weekend adventures near Johannesburg and Pretoria.
Henley Air
Based: Rand Airport, Germiston
One of Gauteng’s longest-established aviation companies, Henley Air offers scenic helicopter flights alongside charter services and pilot training.
Routes include Johannesburg’s skyline, Pretoria, the Magaliesberg and Hartbeespoort Dam, with custom itineraries available for those looking to celebrate a special occasion.
Best for: Scenic city flights and private charters.
Kriek Helicopters
Based: Mbombela (Nelspruit), with operations across South Africa
Kriek Helicopters is one of the country’s most versatile helicopter operators, offering scenic flights, charters and transfers across several provinces.
Their Mpumalanga flights are particularly memorable, taking passengers over the Blyde River Canyon, the Three Rondavels and sections of the Panorama Route. They also provide helicopter experiences around Kruger National Park, Hoedspruit and other safari destinations.
Best for: Blyde River Canyon, Panorama Route and Greater Kruger adventures.
CIVAIR
Based: Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town
CIVAIR operates helicopter services in several of South Africa’s major cities, offering everything from scenic sightseeing flights to luxury charter experiences.
Whether you want to admire Durban’s coastline, Johannesburg’s skyline or Cape Town’s famous mountains, CIVAIR can tailor a flight to suit your itinerary.
Best for: Travellers wanting flexible charter options across multiple provinces.
What to know before booking a helicopter flight
Before choosing an operator, it’s worth comparing more than just the price. Keep the following in mind:
- Flight duration: Scenic flights typically range from 10 to 60 minutes.
- Departure point: Some operators fly from city heliports, while others depart from airports.
- Weight limits: Helicopters have strict passenger weight restrictions for safety.
- Weather: Flights may be delayed or rescheduled if conditions aren’t suitable.
- Private vs shared flights: Shared flights are generally more affordable, while private charters offer greater flexibility.
- Add-on experiences: Many companies offer wine farm landings, picnic packages, safari transfers and proposal flights.
ALSO SEE: Cape Town by rail: A scenic journey to Simon’s Town
