Flanked by oceans on either side and a mountainous expanse on the other, there is no doubt that Cape Town offers some of the best aerial views in the world. Locals are cognisant of this fact, and as a result, there are now a variety of ways in which to Explore Cape Town ND experience the Mother City from a bird’s eye view.
Paragliding
Fly with the birds off Lion’s Head or Signal Hill. Professionally certified operators can be found around every corner offering single and tandem jumps for all ages. Fun for the whole family, disabled persons are accommodated, and children are also allowed to jump, provided participants weigh between 20 and 120 kilograms.
Skydiving
Popular along the Cape Peninsula, the southernmost tip of the continent, skydiving grants participants the thrill of jumping from approximately 10000 feet above the ground. Not only is this a fun activity to cross of your bucket list to Explore Cape Town, most operators also provide the public with an opportunity to learn the skill of skydiving.
Enjoy the thrill of free falling towards earth with Mother City Skydiving.
Source: www.mothercityskydiving.com
Helicopter rides
Helicopter rides are a great alternative to Explore Cape Town for those seeking to observe Cape Town from above without an adrenaline rush. There is no shortage of licensed operators and chartered helicopters departing from neighbouring airports and open airfields on the outskirts of the city. Helicopters also depart from the mainland and fly to Robben Island just off the coast. Fly in the infamous Huey helicopter, the only one of its kind certified to carry passengers. Travellers with a City Pass will enjoy a discount on this service offering.
Waterfront Helicopter Tours offers several packages categorised as sport, legendary and extraordinary packages.
Microlight flights
Microlight flights are the cousin to exploring Cape Town by aeroplane or helicopter. A similar concept, a microlight is an open-cockpit plane. Overcome your fear of heights with this aerial experience, as the plane flies relatively closer to the ground than other aerial alternatives. Opportunities for licencing and courses are also available for this activity.
Gyrocopter flights
An activity growing in popularity, gyrocopter operators are few and far apart in Cape Town. However, this provides a wonderful opportunity to do things a little differently. Not exactly a helicopter, nor a microlight, gyrocopters have a distinct appearance and operate similar to planes and helicopters. Explore Cape Town and Ask your pilot for a taste of ‘combat flight’ and put the gyrocopter to the test.
Enjoy the novelty experience of flying in a gyrocopter.
Hot air ballooning
Appreciate the beauty of Cape Town from among the clouds with a cosy hot air balloon ride. Float over the Cape Winelands and observe the picture-perfect vineyards as you glide into the heavens. Rides are more popular in the warmer months (November to May) because of unpredictable weather challenges. Excitement for solo travellers, a romantic getaway for two, or fun for the whole family, packages include breakfast baskets or sundowners depending on the packages available in season.
Most aerial experiences keep tourists in mind and offer pick-up and drop-off options. Transport is usually paid separately depending on the packages available at the time. Aerial experiences are available throughout the year and have grown in popularity over the past decade alone. There is no shortage of operators for an array of travel experiences and bookings can be made online. Keep an eye open for affiliate opportunities and discounts.
