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Yoliswa Dube Showbiz Reporter
WHEN David Livingstone, the famous Scottish missionary and explorer described the Victoria Falls as “a sight so wonderful that angels must have gazed down on it in flight” — it was no exaggeration. Mosi-Oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders, is indeed a marvel and the most calming scenery one can set their eyes on, on any given day.

A tour of the Victoria Falls on land is a breathtaking experience but the view from up in the sky is a whole new ball game. The aerial view of the gorges, vegetation and wildlife from above make the Zimbabwean tourism encounter a majestic one.

Get on board a Zambezi Helicopter Company chopper for a once in a lifetime sight of the Victoria Falls, National Parks and the mighty Zambezi River.

I did, and the experience will remain tucked away in a special spot in my heart for years to come.

Before the flight, a guide explains the route the pilot will take and your weight is measured as you prepare to get on board. The helicopter can only lift a certain combined weight at a time so necessary measures to avoid over loading have to be taken before the flight.

Thereafter, you buckle up and prepare for some of the world’s most spectacular scenery. The “Flight of Angels”, which takes approximately 13 minutes and costs $162, flies in circuits over the Victoria Falls.

After takeoff, the helicopter turns towards the magnificent Victoria Falls and the pilot will fly left and right hand circuits over the Victoria Falls in both directions giving you the best viewing, photographic and filming opportunities.

A trip up the Zambezi River and back over the Zambezi National Park completes the flight.

The Zambezi Spectacular, which lasts longer – up to 27 minutes and costs $284, is an unbelievable once-in-a-lifetime flight where you will truly appreciate the magnificent Victoria Falls and the surrounding area.

After a gentle take off from the helipad, the helicopter flies over the Victoria Falls where the pilot provides the most incredible viewing and photographic opportunities of this World Heritage site.

Continuing the flight downstream over the Batoka Gorge, one experiences the natural beauty of this awe-inspiring dramatic feature, following the mighty Zambezi River as it carves its way between steep cliffs.

As the chopper heads back from the Batoka Gorges, taking a last glimpse of the falls, it flies over Long Island on the upper Zambezi River towards the National Park, home to a wide variety of wildlife species.

This is an amazing opportunity to view game from the air in this vast National Park, as well as along the banks of the upper Zambezi River. There are great chances of spotting elephants, hippos, crocodiles, buffaloes, giraffes, kudus and many more as the helicopter heads back to the helipad.

It’s probably the shortest flight you’ll ever experience but definitely the most worthwhile, exciting and fulfilling.

The Zambezi Helicopter Company is the largest private helicopter company in Zimbabwe and has been operating scenic tours over Victoria Falls for the last 15 years.

The company has customised helicopters with specifically designed “bubble shaped” windows perfect for panoramic viewing purposes which provide unrivalled views and visibility from all seats.

These windows provide the ultimate photographic opportunities. The Zambezi Helicopter Company also provides transport to and from hotels and lodges in Victoria Falls town.

Photos and videos of the flight are available for purchase as soon as you disembark from the helicopter.