Flying above the landscapes of Africa is possibly one of our most favourite experiences. There are different options for flying safaris though, we'll run through them below.

Several destinations provide the opportunity to take to the skies and see your surroundings from an entirely new vantage point. Sometimes a flight can be an additional activity, sometimes a necessary transfer or sometimes simply the very best way to explore.

1. Hot Air Ballooning

Probably the most well-known and requested of our sky safari selection. Floating in a hot air balloon as the sun creeps up over the horizon is truly magical, so we'd encourage everyone to explore the option if it's appropriate.

Hot air ballooning is only available in a handful of locations, specifically the vast open landscapes of the Masai Mara, the Serengeti and the sand dunes of Sossusvlei.

Due to the African heat, ballooning is generally only available in the early mornings while temperatures are cool. Therefore, its likely you'll have a very early start from your accommodation to reach the take-off zone before sunrise, but the views will soon make the wake-up call a long forgotten necessity.

Flights are usually about an hour in duration, with the final landing site decided by the wind. But, fear not, your balloon will be tracked and followed by a vehicle so when you return to solid ground you'll be met by a friendly face and treated to a sumptuous breakfast. Glass of something sparkling, anyone?

You can read more about what to expect in this blog here on Ballooning in Africa.

2. Helicopter Flips

One for the thrill-seekers and a perfect complement to your trip. Helicopter flights are available in a few destinations and are really worth their price tag. Ranging from a short and sharp 15-minute flip, to an extended all day excursion complete with picnic lunch, or something in between, its a really exciting way to enhance your safari experience.

For keen photographers, the doors can be removed for unobstructed views and true exhilaration. Longer flights can touch down in a scenic spot, a popular choice for those celebrating a special occasion, or perhaps plotting to drop a knee... champagne can be provided!

Some of our favourite places to enjoy a heli flight include the Okavango Delta, soaring above Victoria Falls or cruising around Cape Town.

3. Scenic flights

It is no secret quite how enormous Africa is, an expanse of country so vast it is almost impossible to cover every inch of every country in just one trip (although if you want to try, we're up for the challenge!). When you venture into the bush on safari, it is highly likely that at some point you'll be flown in a small, light aircraft such as a Cessna Caravan. These flights are a fabulous way to show off the territory and give you a taster of the awe-inspiring scenery all around you.

Places like Namibia, for example, have such incredibly diverse landscapes that it's completely understandable to incorporate as many as possible and the most efficient way to do this is flying between locations, like in the itinerary linked below. This does, of course, come at a cost and works out best value for groups of four or more but is a tough-to-beat experience.

If budget doesn't stretch to private charter flights for a couple of weeks, then short scenic flights are also possible to whizz you along the dramatic Skeleton Coast dotted with shipwrecks, marvel at rolling sand dunes or head to lesser-visited areas to see ancient rock art.

4. Other flying options

There's other ways to fly besides the above. On the Zambian side of Victoria Falls you can jump aboard a microlight for a tour above the falls, the Zambezi River and National Park; the microlight has a camera attached to the wing so you can purchase 360^o images from your outing.

Or you can leap off the side of Lions Head in Cape Town, strapped into a tandem paraglider.

Whatever your interests, a sky safari should be a must-have in your planning. We can chat you through the best options to suit you and incorporate a flight of some sort, if its a surprise you're after then Mum's the word!