Helicopter Rides in Cape Town, South Africa: Prices and Experiences

Nov 06, 2025 0

When looking back at the long history pertaining to the very first vertical flight designs in around 400 BC, it would be hard for earlier designers to think ahead of their time to the potential uses that such machinery could have today. Helicopters have a variety of uses and it is such a common aircraft that very few people would notice should one pass the airspace above them, but it is hard to argue their absolute convenience and the various tasks they perform that other aircraft cannot. One of the overlooked uses which is becoming increasingly popular all over the world is the use of helicopters in tourism. It has become an integral part of the tourism industry and holds its own against other conventional conduits such as Safaris, Cruises, and more.

Cape Town, otherwise referred to as the Mother City of South Africa, hosts an array of helicopter rides which have been described as helicopter’s paradise and one of the best ways in which to experience the stunning landscape and breath-taking sights.

Here's why helicopter rides have become increasingly popular:

Helicopter rides suit any occasion: Helicopter rides can be used for a variety of reasons, whether it is for a marriage proposal, celebrating momentous dates such as anniversaries, educating people of all age groups, or to experience the great African landscape, its fauna and flora.
Photo opportunities: Helicopter rides offer an unrestricted view of breath-taking places from a bird’s eye view which can be captured in a photograph. It offers aerial photo opportunities of a landscape and it provides tourists with access to areas where vehicles could never travel.
Spectacular views: Helicopter rides provide tourists with access to remote areas otherwise inaccessible on foot or in a vehicle, and these areas which have infrequently been disturbed by mankind offer the absolute best views.
Offering a new perspective: It is quite difficult to truly appreciate the stunning expanse of the continent merely in a vehicle, or from an aeroplane, whereas helicopter rides offer a close-up view which can be taken in and appreciated while suspended in the air for a moment in time.
There is great variety to choose from: Helicopter rides offer a variety of opportunities to explore the African continent, from sunrise and sunset tours, tours over cities, mountains, forests, and some of the most impressive canyons, valleys, waterfalls, and more.

Destinations and Helicopter Ride Options in Cape Town

Some of the best destinations in and around Cape Town which can be enjoyed from the cabin of a helicopter include:

City Express: Allows tourists to experience exceptional views of Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and more.
The Hopper flight: Takes off from the V&A Waterfront and includes a scenic flight along the magnificent Atlantic Coast where tourists can view Table Mountain, The Cape Town Stadium, Lion’s Head, and so much more.
12 Apostles: A very popular experience in Cape Town that offers tourists with spectacular views and a unique experience in addition to being quite budget-friendly.
The Full Peninsula Scenic Flight: Includes a full trip from Cape Town to the Cape of Good Hope where tourists can view the Peninsula from all angles and is bound to leave tourists speechless.
Two Oceans Scenic Flight: Starts from the V&A Waterfront and allows for a scenic flight along the Atlantic Coast over to False Bay, passing Fish Hoek and Muizenberg, with a variety of sights to see along the way. A world-renowned helicopter flight route which flies you along the beautiful shores of Cape Town and shares the same name as the ever-popular Two Ocean’s Marathon.
Robben Island Scenic Flight: This provides tourists with a tour of one of South Africa’s World Heritage Sights and offers an unrivalled experience in viewing the island in a way that is not possible from the ground. Fly around Robben Island and over the sandy shores of the Atlantic Seaboard, passing by landmarks such as Cape Town Stadium and Lion's Head. Experience a world-famous helicopter flight path that takes you over the picturesque Cape Town coastline to Robben Island.
Atlantico Scenic Flight: Is along the Atlantic Coast and allows tourists to view numerous scenic spots including that of the Cape Town Stadium, 4 Beaches of Clifton, and more.
Atlantico and Marine Big 5 Ocean Safari: Includes flights to five of the most famous spots in Cape Town namely The Cape Town Stadium, 4 Beaches of Clifton, Camps Bay, and the Twelve Apostles with the swing-around at Karbonkelberg.
Cape Point Tour: This spectacular journey takes you around the entire Cape Peninsula, starting from the V&A Waterfront. You'll fly past Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, continue over the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, and then sweep across Hout Bay and Noordhoek.
Table Mountain 360° / Three Bays Tour: You will fly along the iconic Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, soaring over the stunning Atlantic beaches of Clifton, Camps Bay, and Llandudno.

These are but a few opportunities for tourists to experience the magical Mother City with prices which range from between ZAR 990.00 to ZAR 5,800.00 per person for a Cape Town helicopter ride.

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Cape Town Helicopter Rides: The Most Exhilarating Way to See the Mother City

Additional Helicopter Tour Options in South Africa

Here are some additional options for helicopter rides in other parts of South Africa:

Mpumalanga Helicopter Co.: Offers exhilarating views of deep gorges, meandering rivers, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, and sheer cliffs. Tours include the Cascades Scenic Flight and Canyon Delight.
Kruger National Park: Provides a new angle to appreciate the natural beauty of the Park and its surrounding areas, with flights along the boundaries or over the greater parts of the park.
Johannesburg: NAC offers tours over the City of Johannesburg towards Pretoria East, showcasing landmarks such as the Union Buildings and Loftus Stadium.
Durban: JNC Helicopters offers scenic tours along the KwaZulu-Natal coast, including the Sun Coast Casino and Moses Madiba Stadium.

Pricing and Booking Conditions

When booking a helicopter ride, consider the following:

Sharing Flights: Prices are per person, and you may be matched with others to fill the helicopter. Seating positions are allocated to balance the helicopter.
Private Flights: Prices are set per helicopter for private use.
Minimum Passengers: A minimum of two people is typically required for a flight to commence.
Flight Times: All flight times are approximate and subject to weather conditions.
Weight Restrictions: Weight and balance checks are mandatory before confirming flights. Overweight helicopters may require an upgrade at an additional cost.

Important Considerations:

Meeting/Arrival time is strictly 30 min prior to your booked time.
Scenic tours are based on specific routing and not on flying time as this can vary due to ever changing weather conditions and differentiating helicopter performance.
Infants and disabled passengers cannot be scheduled on sharing tours.
Upon arrival every passenger will be weighed together with baggage.

Clothing and Items to Bring:

Sunglasses and sunscreen are always essential.
Spring and fall months may require layers.
Winter months may require thicker clothing.
Cameras and video cameras are welcome, secured with straps.

Items to Avoid:

Read also: Planning Your Trip to Cape Town

Avoid bringing unnecessary items like bags, purses, backpacks, and loose keys.
Enquire about weight limits on carry-on items.

Cape Town Helicopter Flight Details

Here are some details about popular helicopter flights in Cape Town:

Flight Name	Approximate Length	Description
12 Apostles / Hopper Tour	Approx. 12 min	Soar past the City Bowl, the Atlantic Ocean, the iconic Table Mountain, and the Twelve Apostles mountain range.
FlightChampans 'Peek' / Atlantico Tour	Approx. 18 min	Fly along the Atlantic Coast and view numerous scenic spots including that of the Cape Town Stadium, 4 Beaches of Clifton.
Table Mountain 360° / Three Bays Tour	Approx. 24 min	Fly along the iconic Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, soaring over the stunning Atlantic beaches of Clifton, Camps Bay, and Llandudno.
Cape Point Tour	Approx. 42 min	Journey around the entire Cape Peninsula, starting from the V&A Waterfront. Fly past Table Mountain and the Twelve Apostles mountain range, continue over the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, and then sweep across Hout Bay and Noordhoek.

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