Victoria Falls Helicopter Tours: The Complete Guide
Everything you need to know about helicopter scenic flights at Victoria Falls. Operators, routes, safety, pricing, and practical advice.
The Aerial View of Mosi-oa-Tunya
Victoria Falls sits on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Kololo people called it Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders," and when you see the spray cloud from a helicopter at 500 feet, you understand why. The falls are 108 metres tall and 1,708 metres wide, making them the largest curtain of falling water on Earth.
Helicopter flights have been running at Victoria Falls since the 1990s. Today, multiple operators fly from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides, offering short scenic flights (12–15 minutes), gorge flights (18–22 minutes), and extended game-viewing flights (25–30 minutes). You can also book specialist experiences including gorge picnics, rafting lift-outs, and champagne flights.
This guide covers every operator, route, price, and practical detail you need to make a confident booking. All information is independently compiled from published operator sources and verified for the 2026 season.
Zimbabwe Side vs Zambia Side
Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls Town)
- Operators: Zambezi Helicopter Company, Bonisair, Shearwater
- Helipad: Near Victoria Falls town and the Masuwe area
- Pricing: From USD 150 (Bonisair) to USD 385 (Zambezi Heli Co)
- Transfers: Included within Victoria Falls municipal area
- Aircraft: Bell 206 JetRanger, LongRanger
- Regulator: Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ)
Zambia (Livingstone)
- Operators: United Air Charter, Batoka Sky, Livingstone's Adventure
- Helipad: Baobab Ridge (United Air Charter) and surrounds
- Pricing: From USD 205 (Batoka Sky) to USD 399 (United Air Charter)
- Transfers: Included within Livingstone and Victoria Falls area
- Aircraft: Eurocopter EC130B4, EC120B
- Regulator: Zambia Civil Aviation Authority
Both sides fly over the same falls. The main difference is the departure point and transfer logistics. If you are staying in Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe), fly from the Zimbabwe side to avoid a border crossing. Same logic for Livingstone (Zambia). The views from both sides are comparable.
Operator Comparison
Zambezi Helicopter Company
Operating since 1996, Zambezi Helicopter Company is the longest-established helicopter operator at Victoria Falls. They fly Bell 206 JetRanger and LongRanger helicopters with panoramic bubble windows. Associated with the Shearwater portfolio.
Aircraft: Bell 206 JetRanger & LongRanger
Bonisair
Bonisair operates from the Masuwe Helipad on the Zimbabwe side and is known for transparent pricing with a clearly stated USD 12 government levy. They offer three flight durations covering falls, gorge and game-viewing territory.
Aircraft: Helicopter fleet
United Air Charter
Based at Baobab Ridge in Livingstone, United Air Charter operates seven days a week from 07:30 to 17:15. Licensed by Zambia's aviation authority, they fly EC130B4 and EC120B helicopters and include transfers within Livingstone and Victoria Falls.
Aircraft: Eurocopter EC130B4 & EC120B
Batoka Sky
Batoka Sky provides a wide range of Zambia-side aerial experiences including scenic flights, gorge picnics, lift-out flights and rafting combinations. Associated with Livingstone's Adventure.
Aircraft: Helicopter fleet
Shearwater Adventures
Shearwater is a major Victoria Falls activities company that distributes helicopter flights operated by Zambezi Helicopter Company. They offer booking through their own platform and third-party channels.
Aircraft: Via Zambezi Helicopter Company
Getting to the Helipad
Most operators include complimentary hotel transfers within their local area. On the Zimbabwe side, this typically means any hotel or lodge in the Victoria Falls municipal area. You will be collected 25 to 30 minutes before your scheduled flight.
On the Zambia side, United Air Charter includes transfers within both the Livingstone and Victoria Falls areas using air-conditioned buses or open game-drive vehicles. Transfers outside the standard pickup zone may incur an extra charge.
If you are staying on one side and want to fly from the other, you will need to cross the border yourself. This requires a valid passport and appropriate visa. Plan extra time for border formalities.
What to Wear
- Dark, close-fitting clothing (reduces window reflections)
- Secured sunglasses with a strap
- Closed-toe shoes (no flip-flops)
- Light waterproof layer during high-water months
- No loose hats, scarves, or flowing garments
- No items that could blow away or get caught in rotors
Safety & Licensing
All helicopter operators at Victoria Falls are licensed by their respective national aviation authority. Zimbabwe-side operators fall under the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ), which oversees operator certification, aircraft airworthiness, pilot licensing, and operational compliance.
Aircraft are maintained according to manufacturer standards (Bell Textron, Airbus Helicopters). Pilots hold commercial helicopter licenses with extensive local flying experience.
Victoria Falls helicopter scenic flights have an excellent safety record. Every passenger receives a pre-flight safety briefing covering seatbelts, emergency exits, and in-flight procedures.
Helicopter Tours FAQ
Common questions about Victoria Falls helicopter tours.