Helicopter rides are the best way to enjoy the scenic view of Durban. These rides can give a wide range of landscape views to experience the unique site of Durban.
However, to have a pleasant helicopter ride in Durban, you must consider several facts. So, to keep you informed, we’ve come up with a complete guide on helicopter rides in Durban.
Let’s see.
Top Helicopter Tour Operators in Durban
With many helicopter tour operators, you should choose the best one that suits your preferences. However, the top helicopter tour operators in Durban are given below-
KZN Aviation
To experience the wonders of Durban, KZN Aviation gives you a comfortable flight. You can find a variety of services here that meet your needs.
BAC Helicopters
With a team of highly qualified professionals, BAC Helicopter gives flight services in Durban. They maintain the quality to provide a safe ride for their customers.
King Shaka Aviation
King Shaka Aviation offers pleasurable flight experiences with a large airport space. They provide various services and you can find restaurants, shops, and banks in the airport.
NAC Helicopters
With the largest fleet of helicopters, NAC Helicopters assures you the best helicopter support in Durban. They provide photographic services as well.
JNC Helicopters
JNC Helicopters offers many short tours around the Durban area. You can enjoy the high-rise building along with the coastal area from the sky.
Types of Helicopter and Their Features
Different types of helicopters can be used to operate these rides. Here is a glimpse of these:
Robinson R44
Robinson R44 is a lightweight helicopter with four-seat arrangements. It is the best-selling general aviation helicopter. However, it is safe for 3-4 people with an enclosed cabin.
Bell 206 Jetranger
With five-seat arrangements, the Bell 206 Jetranger is one of the best helicopters for flight tours. It can lift 4-5 people and has a strong structure with a single engine.
Eurocopter EC130
Eurocopter EC130 is designed with safety features, a single-engine helicopter perfect for helicopter rides. 6-7 people can travel in this helicopter.
Popular Helicopter Routes and Attractions
Durban has some beautiful scenery and sights to enjoy from the sky. With lots of popular helicopter routes and attractions, the scenic view of Durban is worthy to visit.
The popular helicopter routes and attractions are given below-
1. Durban City Skyline Tour
You can start your helicopter ride with a view of the Durban city skyline where you must appreciate the man-made beauty and architecture. From the above, the view of these high-rise buildings offers you the modern sight of Durban that can mesmerize you.
2. Golden Mile Beach Flight
Golden Mile is a very popular beach with a promenade that has many restaurants. Beach flights will give you a total view of the beachfront and coastal areas and expand your experience.
3. uShaka Marine World Aerial View
One of the most popular helicopter routes and attractions is uShaka Marine World. It is the largest aquarium in Durban along with a water park that you can enjoy.
4. Moses Mabhida Stadium
Another popular attraction of Durban is Moses Mabhida Stadium which is famous for concerts and games. An aerial view of this gorgeous white structure will make you mesmerized.
5. Durban Harbour Tour
In the southern hemisphere, Durban Harbour is the biggest and there are ships, cargoes, and ports. You can enjoy the view of this Harbour along with the array of birds.
6. Valley of Thousand Hills Tour
If you want to escape from the modern world and want to see the mountains and wildlife, the Valley of Thousand Hills is the perfect attraction of Durban for you. The aerial view of green mountains and villages must soothe your eyes and mind.
7. Customizable Routes
With lots of popular places to visit, you can customize the destination that you want to explore. Many helicopter operators give customers to choose from various attractions including customizable routes.
What to Expect During Your Helicopter Ride
Helicopter rides offer a very different experience than regular airplanes. Here are a few:
- With a bit noisier than airplanes, a helicopter ride can give you a stable and smoother exploration that you can enjoy.
- When the helicopter lifts off, the slight tilt can make you nervous, but not to worry, the pilot and the team take the necessary safety procedures.
- As it flies at a lower altitude, you will appreciate the scenic view of the landscape.
Safety Measures and Regulations of Helicopter Riding
For helicopter rides, most well-known companies take experienced pilots to assure your safety and comfort. The helicopters are regularly checked and if any mechanical problem arises, the experts are ready to deliver their best services to solve the problem. Best-qualified professionals and pilots give you the best experience and thrill in your adventure.
Best Time for Helicopter Rides in Durban
To see the beauty of Durban, you have to pick the perfect time for helicopter rides. Choose the best time for the flight as there are many options. Here are the most considerable facts to helicopter ride in Durban:
Sunrise and Sunset Flights
What can give you the most scenic view than watching the sunrise and sunset from the sky? With a clear sky, you can enjoy your rides and the calm air can give you the thrill.
Seasonal Considerations
Every season gives different scenic views to explore. You can fly around the city in spring or winter when the sky is clear as winter is mostly dry and sunny in Durban.
Weather Conditions Impact
With a humid subtropical climate, Durban has hot summers and snow-free warm winters. That is why it is best for helicopter rides most of the time.
Peak Tourist Season Availability
From May to August, the dry winter is the peak tourist season in Durban. You can also enjoy helicopter rides from September to October when the spring starts.
Weekday vs Weekend flights
Weekend flights are busier than weekday flights. If you dislike waiting and crowds, you have to reserve the flight on weekdays.
Special Event Flyovers
Another best time to fly over Durban is when any special events are going through around the city. You will see from above and enjoy it while you do not have to be in the crowd.
Pricing and Packages for Helicopter Tours
Helicopter operator companies give various price ranges and packages for the customers to choose according to their preferences.
Per-person Rate
Most of the reputed companies charge per-person around R1000 to R9000 for 20 to day long tours. So, you will always find some reasonable prices for your flights.
Group Discounts
For 4 to 5 people, many companies give discounts and group packages can save up some money.
Special Occasion Package
With some packages for special occasions like anniversaries or birthdays, helicopter operators offer different price ranges and time limits for the tour.
Seasonal Promotion
For different seasons, many helicopter operators give different packages with discounts. They promote the best deal for that particular time which will be perfect for you.
Corporate Event Rates
Most of the well-known helicopter companies provide various services for corporate events. You can enjoy a flight and picnic with your colleagues from above.
Extended Flight Options
If you want to extend your journey to make it more memorable, you will find some extended flight options to choose from various packages.
Combo Deals with other Durban Attractions
There are many combo deals with different Durban attractions, you can choose to watch the skyline along with the coastal areas and also add mountains if you want to.
How to Book Your Helicopter Experience
Here are the steps to follow to book a helicopter ride in Durban.
- First, browse and find the best deal for you from different packages.
- Then select your companions and reserve your flight through online booking.
- Make sure to confirm the passenger number to your helicopter operator and pay them according to their rules.
- Most of the companies take online payment so that you can easily take advanced reservations.
- Arrive at the airport at an arranged time and take necessary precautions and briefing from the pilot.
- Listen to your pilot and enjoy your helicopter rides over Durban.
Photography Tips for Aerial Sightseeing
Aerial photography gives you the chance to capture the beauty of skylines and landscapes from above. Here are the core photography tips during helicopter riding:
- Choose the helicopter ride company that has services like aerial photography and contact with them for planning your tour.
- Try to wear your darkest coloured clothing so that the reflections can be minimized.
- Wide-angle lenses are best for landscape images. As the helicopter always moves around, set the fast shutter speed to get clear images.
- Try to capture the landscape with different compositions that can give you various images of different perspectives.
- In photography, light has the most crucial role to play. To get warm and calm light, early morning is the best time to capture images.
- While trying to capture images, do not forget to appreciate the scenic views of Durban and enjoy your experiences of aerial photography.
Durban’s Landmarks from Above
If you want to watch the landmarks of Durban from a bird’s eye view, helicopter tour operators are ready to serve you. They offer you various destinations which you can explore.
The high-rise buildings of Durban stand to show the art of modern architecture. Where one side has man-made beauty, the other side has the breathtaking beauty of the sea.
Helicopter Rides for Special Occasions
For special occasions, many helicopter operators offer various packages for their customers.
Birthday Flights
To make a memorable birthday, what can be more thrilling than a helicopter ride? Give your special one a special birthday experience by taking them to fly over the landmarks of Durban.
Anniversary Flights
If you want to experience something different on your anniversary, you can try the anniversary flights. You can also take the day-long packages to enjoy your flight fully.
Group Tours vs. Private Charters
Helicopter operators offer various packages for group tours and you can also hire private charters.
| Group Tours | Private Charters |
| If you want to enjoy the flight with some companions, try to choose the best option. | If you want to enjoy your flight comfortably and privately, you can hire private charters. |
| Normally, you can not take too many people for a helicopter ride. | It can be more costly than group tours but it can give you enough comfort you need. |
| 4-5 people can ride a helicopter and many companies give you discounts on your group package. |
Duration Options for Helicopter Flights
There are some short-trip options and day-long options for helicopter rides. The short trip option has 20 20-minute to 1-hour time duration so that you can enjoy the view within a short time.
On the other hand, half-day helicopter rides give you enough time to explore the landmarks of Durban. You will fly to your destination and enjoy lunch or a picnic.
Day helicopter ride offers you a full day to enjoy the beauty of Durban. You can fly over the city and visit museums then return to explore the mountains.
What to Wear on Your Helicopter Ride
For your helicopter ride, long sleeves can save you from direct sunlight as Durban is mostly sunny. Hence, To get protection from the sunlight, hats and sunglasses are recommended.
Try to wear darker-colored clothing as lighter-colored clothing reflects more. If you want to take photos, the reflection can be an obstacle to clear photos.
Wear sturdy shoes like sneakers, do not wear high heels or slippers which can be uncomfortable for your journey.
Weather Considerations for Aerial Tours
Weather plays a vital role in helicopter rides. Bad weather can cancel or delay your flight. For aerial tours, you need a sunny day to explore around the city.
With a subtropical climate, Durban has hot and rainy summers then dry and sunny winters. December to March is the summer when the weather is hot, and rain must occur now and then. So this time aerial tours can be delayed.
The weather in winter is normally dry and sunny with a temperature of 15°-23°C. It is the best time for a helicopter ride where you can enjoy your ride without worries.
Accessibility and Age Restrictions
Most of the helicopter operators have some basic accessibility and age restrictions. However, as different helicopters have different weight limits, the experts can advise on whether you can ride or not.
Many companies do not allow children younger than 3 years old as the sound can scare them. They also give discounts on children under 7 years old.
Combining Helicopter Rides with Other Activities
Most of the helicopter operators offer helicopter rides combined with other activities. You can ride through the mountains or the city and also take some breaks for lunch or a picnic.
You can explore the mountain and track some hills to enjoy. Day-long trips have these activities to make your trip more enjoyable.
Consider Customer Reviews and Testimonials
To choose the best deal for your helicopter ride, you have to research those companies. Read thoroughly on customer reviews and testimonials to get an idea about their services.
If the reviews are good, you can contact them to book your ride.
FAQs on Helicopter Rides in Durban
Can I book the front seat?
No, seats are reserved according to your weight
What time do we need to arrive?
You have to arrive at least 45-1 hour before the flight.
Why Choose a Helicopter Tour in Durban
To experience the unbelievable journey, a helicopter tour can give you the best scenic and stunning view you can never forget. It can give you a wide-range tour around the city and mountains within a short time other than a helicopter ride.
However, KZN Aviation can give the best ride where the breathtaking beauty of Durban meets with comfort. So, to enjoy your ride fully, contact us and choose our aviation.