Although not a city short on places to go for magnificent views (Table Mountain, Lion’s Head and Signal Hill to name a few) seeing Cape Town from a helicopter is an experience in its own class. Thanks to Signature Life Hotels and NAC Makana Aviation, Travelstart was fortunate enough to be invited to go for a short helicopter flight over the Mother City last week Thursday.
Viewed from above the streets of Cape Town appeared so calm; cars, buses and taxis all moving and stopping in unison along the wide open roads. As we climbed higher and the city opened up around us I struggled to decide what deserved the most attention: the gleaming Cape Town Stadium, the endless blue ocean or Table Mountain. The city bowl rapidly disappeared behind us as we swung south past Signal Hill and towards Sea Point. The view of the Atlantic Seaboard from north to south was the most surprising and interesting as it is a view that one rarely gets, the Pavilion swimming pool looked particularly impressive.
NAC Makana is located at the heliport in the V&A Waterfront, perfect for a post flight drink and meal.
Why is flying in a helicopter so much fun?
1. They are loud, really loud.
2. You get to wear headphones with a voice activated microphone.
3. Instant cool factor, being in a helicopter automatically turns you into a minor celebrity as people on the ground wonder who could be so important that they get to fly around like that.
4. Traffic, what traffic? These bad boys can do up to 224km/h (139 mph) and don’t have to stop at lights (I suppose you could just take a taxi).
5. Their names. If you think driving a Tazz or Wrangler is cool then you have obviously not been for a ride in the Jetranger!
Image Credits: Aaron Brodovcky