Helicopter safaris in Botswana

A helicopter safari in Botswana offers a truly unforgettable way to experience the scale and beauty of the Okavango Delta, Linyanti Wildlife Reserve and Mababe Depression from above. Available as an optional extra to your safari, helicopter flights can be arranged as lodge-to-lodge transfers, to visit surrounding communities and cultural projects, or simply as a scenic flip and thrilling perspective on wildlife viewing.

Botswana helicopter tours are typically private chartered experiences, with some routes or schedules allowing shared arrangements depending on availability. Scenic safari flights are typically 30, 45, or 60 minutes long, or can be extended into half-day cultural or conservation-focused excursions. An optional champagne stop can also be arranged for guests looking to elevate their safari even further. Whether used as a transfer or a standalone safari experience, Wilderness takes care of all the logistics, carefully co-ordinating with our local aviation partner on the ground so all you have to do is sit back and enjoy the view.

What is a helicopter safari?

From the air, a Botswana helicopter safari provides uninterrupted views of sinuous waterways, palm-dotted islands, floodplains, and the ever-changing safari landscape. Though sightings are never guaranteed, wildlife can include elephants moving through channels, hippos in lagoons, buffalo herds in open grasslands, and giraffe and antelope scattered across the floodplains. Beyond just a scenic safari helicopter flight, Wilderness can also arrange a trip to the Tsodilo Hills UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can enjoy a guided exploration of the ancient San rock art that boasts over 4,500 paintings, while other helicopter tours on offer include community-focused visits to nearby villages and conservation initiatives, providing insight into traditional life and our Impact projects in Botswana.

When is the best time for a helicopter safari in Botswana?

A helicopter safari in Botswana is rewarding year-round, although the seasonal inundation in the Okavango Delta, which peaks around June and July, can affect the availability of helicopter landing sites. Flights are occasionally also affected in green season (November to April) due to sporadic thunderstorms. Whether booking a scenic flight or a lodge-to-lodge transfer by helicopter your Travel Designer will ensure constant communication depending on live safari and weather conditions on the ground at your time of travel.

Can I combine a helicopter safari with a ground safari?

Yes, combining a helicopter safari with a traditional game-drive or boating safari in Botswana is possible, and is in fact one of the most rewarding ways to experience the wilderness. Helicopter flights can be booked in two ways: as scenic experiences in their own right, or as lodge-to-lodge transfers between camps in the Okavango Delta, Mababe Depression and Linyanti Wildlife Reserve or, from certain camps, as a connection to Maun or Kasane International Airports. Your Travel Designer will be able to advise on the options for ground transfers, helicopter safaris and light aircraft transfers in a fixed-wing plane, crafting a safari that is personalised around what you want to see and where in Botswana you want to go.