Four amazing ways to feel Africa’s magic from the air

There is no better way to see and explore Africa by its width and breadth other than taking to the skies.

The dramatic landscapes of the continent are intriguing as much as they are fascinating and the biodiversity is incredibly astounding. The vast grasslands, strewn wetlands, rolling hills, arid land, snow-capped peaks and amazing desert life to the north and southern parts of the continent adds to the beauty of Africa.

And the good news is that it is possible to soak in all this with the best aerial tours there is across the continent. Here they are:

1. Huey helicopter flights at Victoria Falls (Zambia) US$330

The 20-minute Huey helicopter ride across the Victoria Falls which straddles between Zambia and Zimbabwe is quite an experience. The United Air Charters is based in Livingstone Town in Zambia and uses military choppers with two open door sides for maximum viewing of the scenery around Victoria Falls. The ride with 13 passengers in board soars above the 125-meter-high rock walls of Batoka Gorge and edges closer to the rapids that are the world’s most popular for whitewater rafting.

An adventurous ending is at the falls themselves where you get soaked by water particles popularly referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.

Upon reaching the violent clash of water and rock called Oblivion, the chopper rapidly rises up and over Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke that Thunders”) at the falls.

United Air Charters Huey tours over the falls with an open door are US$175 per person for 15 minutes and US$330 per person for 20 minutes.

2. Private flying safari (Namibia, Botswana) US$5,770

It is all about a splendid flight across the Kalahari Desert that in southern Africa and the famous Okavango Delta in Botswana. An aerial view of the ground reveals the glamour of very expensive safari camps.
African Profile Safaris offers 13-day fly-in safaris in Namibia, Botswana, Zambia from US$5,770 per person.

3. Nile High Uganda US$115

Located in Uganda’s Jinja town, the Nile High Bungee is adventurous as it sounds. This is the point where Lake Victoria’s joins the Nile, the world’s longest river but it the bedevilling jump of 144 ft that has made it so popular among adrenaline-driven fans. bungee jumping is offered at night to further animate the experience.
Nile High Bungee jumps start at US$115 per person

4. Sky Diving (Kenya) US$350

In the popular tourist zone of southcoast in Mombasa is Diani where beaches are pristine but awash with fun-filled activities. Besides snorkelling, swimming and diving, sky diving is a popular spot in Diani Beach.
Each year in March and November, Skydive Diani and Skydivers Association run a week-long skydiving escapade in Diani Beach which is dotted by white sands.

Skydive Diani offers skydives from US$350 per person

Source: See Africa Today