Fly over the Delta
The Okavango Delta is an oasis in the Kalahari, but it can be difficult to appreciate its sheer extent from the ground. A helicopter tour gives you the rare opportunity to see the boundless open floodplains from up high, with their galaxy of termite mounds and islands, and the crystalline channels winding through it all.
This flight offers enough time to see every landscape that the delta has to offer, from grassy plains and palm-studded islands to stunning white sandbanks dotted with crocodiles sunning themselves in the day’s heat. Keep an eye out for groups of hippo lounging in waterways, elephants cooling off in the midday sun, and much more. Depending on your itinerary, you might have the opportunity to stop off to enjoy a drink and a picnic on a carefully selected island.
Explore Rock Art at Tsodilo Hills
A half-day helicopter excursion offers a unique opportunity to explore the Tsodilo Hills by air and on foot. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is located in the remote north-west of Botswana and is home to fascinating historical sites.
The hills have over 4,500 ancient rock paintings, some of which date back an estimated 26,000 years. The San Bushmen called these quartzite hills and caves home centuries ago, and there’s evidence of human activity dating back around 100,000 years.
On arrival, you’ll be met by a rock art expert, who will guide you through the extraordinary tapestry of fascinating artwork found here. It’s a welcome addition for those seeking something more than wildlife on their Botswana safari. For a unique, specialist experience, Nxamaseri Island Lodge offers an immersive Tsodilo Hills Sleep-Out Camp experience, which is an overnight expedition to the Tsodilo Hills.
Experience the Magic of the Makgadikgadi Pans
The Makgadikgadi Pans offer dramatic scenes and endless horizons from ground level, but seeing them from the air provides an unforgettable perspective of some of the biggest salt pans in the world. While seeing the Pans from above is a year-round activity, there are two times of year that we’d particularly recommend.
The first of these is from January through to April. This is when thousands of wildebeest and zebra pass through the area on their annual migration. It’s simply incredible seeing wildlife in such numbers as they traverse the terrain below.
If you’re after something truly spectacular, take a helicopter flight any time from March until June. Approximately 500,000 greater flamingos accumulate here, creating a kaleidoscopic explosion of colour, a veritable sea of pink in an otherwise stark landscape. A helicopter tour is an unforgettable experience to add to your safari in Botswana, which can elevate your holiday into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.