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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Richard Holmes

Cape Town stretches out along a dramatic peninsula, fringed by the Atlantic Ocean and rising up to towering mountain peaks. A helicopter tour offers an unforgettable perspective on ‘the Fairest Cape’. Itineraries include flights over Table Mountain and the city, or out to the Winelands.

A variety of flight paths and themed tours are available, usually lasting from 15-60 minutes (flight times are dictated by the route).

For a memorable start (or end) to your trip, turn your flight into an airport transfer. You can alight at the V&A Waterfront, Winelands and other landing points.

Price from: £80
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 10+
When: All year around
Duration: 15-30 mins

Getting there & doing it

There are two options for starting points: either the V&A Waterfront (best value for city flips) or Cape Town airport (best value for Winelands and Hermanus because the helipad is closer). Children are permitted, but it’s probably best for age 10 and upwards.

When to do it

Flights run all year round, seven days a week, subject to favourable weather conditions. Departure times by arrangement.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Cape Town 6-day Itinerary

South Africa

Where to go and what to see in Cape Town to get the most from your trip – a 6-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Richard Holmes.

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Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Cape Town Hopper Helicopter Tour

Cape Town Hopper Helicopter Tour

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Fly around the beautiful city of Cape Town and get a birds eye view of our beautiful coastline and mountain range. On this trip you will get...

Z2,200 | Rating 4.82 / 5 [86 ratings]

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Camps Bay and Hout Bay Helicopter Tour from Cape Town

Camps Bay and Hout Bay Helicopter Tour from Cape Town

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Fly around the beautiful city of Cape Town and get a birds eye view of our beautiful coastline and mountain range. On this trip you will get...

Z2,460 | Rating 4.82 / 5 [50 ratings]

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Cape Town Helicopter Tour: Atlantic Coast

Cape Town Helicopter Tour: Atlantic Coast

Cape Town

Head to the skies on a 20-minute helicopter tour from Cape Town, and soar above the Atlantic coast, known locally as the Atlantic Seaboard. ...

Z3,000 | Rating 4.91 / 5 [203 ratings]

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Two Oceans Scenic Helicopter Flight from Cape Town

Two Oceans Scenic Helicopter Flight from Cape Town

Cape Town

See two oceans in one helicopter trip on a scenic flight from Cape Town! On a route around beautiful Table Mountain, glide along the Atlanti...

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

The Silo Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.6 miles]

Art, architecture and contemporary luxury combine seamlessly at one of Africa’s most striking design hotels.

Official star rating:

One&Only Cape Town

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.8 miles]

Glamorous multi-faceted urban resort, centrally located in the buzzing V&A Waterfront.

Official star rating:

Radisson Blu Hotel Waterfront

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[1 miles]

Families and repeat visitors will love this breezy, resort-style seafront hotel with a superb range of rooms and facilities.

Official star rating:

Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[3.4 miles]

The ‘Nellie’ is the grande dame of Cape Town hotels and a much-loved local landmark, offering upscale dining and a plant-based spa.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Cape Town

Western Cape, South Africa

Vibrant, multicultural city with dramatic scenery, adrenaline adventure galore, Africa’s best art’s scene and golden beaches and outstanding gastronomy.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Hike up the Lion’s Head

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[4.6 miles]

A stunning 5.5km (3.4m) hike up the iconic Lion’s Head, for spectacular views of the Cape’s dramatic Atlantic coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-4 hours

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Hike up Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[5.9 miles]

Lace up your boots and tackle one of the myriad hiking trails going up to the summit of the iconic Table Mountain, a challenging but rewarding 2- to 3-hour scenic hike.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2-3 hours

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Abseil down Table Mountain

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[6.7 miles]

One of the world’s great abseils – a one-hour descent down the iconic Table Mountain. Comes with unforgettable views of the city and Atlantic coastline.

Best for ages: 13+ | £23 | 1 hour

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Woman Selling Fresh Local Vegetable at Farmers Market
Experience

Oranjezicht City Farm Market

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.6 miles]

A bustling food, wine and design market situated overlooking the ocean. Wonderful fresh produce and dozens of food stalls. Open weekends, 9am-2pm.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Entrance to an aquarium on a sunny day
Experience

Two Oceans Aquarium

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[0.7 miles]

In the V&A Waterfront, this world-class aquarium offers three large tanks for pelagic fish alongside dozens of smaller exhibits. The hands-on ‘Touch Pool’ is always a hit with kids.

Best for ages: 4+ | £10

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Art work on display in the District Six museum in Cape Town.
Experience

District 6 Museum

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.8 miles]

Delve into the lived experience of forced removals at this moving small Museum, which chronicles the diversity of District Six and its later destruction by the Apartheid government.

Best for ages: 18+ | £2

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Exterior of white, colonial building at dusk
Experience

South African Museum

Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa[2.9 miles]

Stop by the South African Museum to see the famous Linton Panel, one of the world’s foremost examples of rock art, extracted from a shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains. Open daily.

Best for ages: 13+ | £2

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