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Best time of day for helicopter over Victoria Falls?
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Jun 28, 2017 08:21:32   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
Yahoo! Leave one week from today for our safari - Victoria Falls, Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and Moremi Reserve in Botswana, then Cape Town.

What time of day is best for a helicopter flight for photographing Victoria Falls? I have already arranged with a helicopter company for a "doors off" flight. Is it worth it to pay the extra for the longer flight that might include aerial views of elephants and other game along the river?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Greg

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Jun 28, 2017 08:27:05   #
Mark W Loc: Camden, Maine
 
I would ask the guy flying the helicopter.

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Jun 28, 2017 08:40:31   #
insman1132 Loc: Southwest Florida
 
Have never been there and would love to! I envy you. Just a hint? My rule of thumb is "if it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, always do the extra!"

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Jun 28, 2017 15:23:44   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
insman1132 wrote:
Have never been there and would love to! I envy you. Just a hint? My rule of thumb is "if it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, always do the extra!"


Good advice.

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Jun 29, 2017 06:35:42   #
John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK
 
I would have thought early morning or late afternoon might be best. As the sun climbs toward midday you might not get the rainbows etc. Use TPE to determine times and angles etc.

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Jun 29, 2017 07:02:23   #
ron1012
 
Granted I was there at the end of the rainy season this spring
but my 8:00 am flight was canceled due to weather and the copters could not fly until later in the day. Friends who took the later flight did the longer trip and found it to be worth it.

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Jun 29, 2017 07:49:33   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
I went back and searched the forums on TripAdvisor. Seems the consensus was mid to late afternoon. Mornings can be plagued by fog (caused from the mist of the falls). Thanks everyone.

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Jun 29, 2017 07:51:34   #
shagbat Loc: London
 
GregWCIL wrote:
Yahoo! Leave one week from today for our safari - Victoria Falls, Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and Moremi Reserve in Botswana, then Cape Town.

What time of day is best for a helicopter flight for photographing Victoria Falls? I have already arranged with a helicopter company for a "doors off" flight. Is it worth it to pay the extra for the longer flight that might include aerial views of elephants and other game along the river?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Greg
Yahoo! Leave one week from today for our safari - ... (show quote)


Lucky you Greg, I see you have a veritable arsenal of splendid lenses, on this trip you will undoubtedly find good use for them all.
I can't answer your main question, but I flew over in a light aircraft in 1981. I so envy you the open door view and suggest you take the longer option. Presumably you will spend time at ground level too, you are in the 'dry' season, this is to your advantage, as at the end of wet season and with the quantity of water flowing, you will see little except mist. Look after your kit, it will still be very, very, damp. This mist throws up 'rainbows', use a polariser with caution as it may eliminate them. Early morning, or late afternoon would be my choice. Are you staying Zambia or Zimbabwe? I walked across the bridge. Enjoy, you will not regret it. An evening 'sundowner' trip on a boat is most worthwhile if you can fit it in. Hope this is of help, regards, S.

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Jun 29, 2017 08:29:47   #
Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL
 
Ask your tour guide. They know it all; they get paid for that.

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Jun 29, 2017 08:37:54   #
big-guy Loc: Peterborough Ontario Canada
 
The golden hour whether morning or evening.

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Jun 29, 2017 09:32:19   #
genesampson
 
I did a Microlight flight and there were elephants raiding a garden we flew over on its regular route. Can't help on times to fly as we were on a tour and times were set.

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Jun 29, 2017 09:52:22   #
VladNYC
 
There is another option - Microlight Flight. Much better. Your can ask a pilot some extra things... Actually, to bring a camera is not allowed but.. nothing is impossible.

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Jun 29, 2017 10:19:11   #
windshoppe Loc: Arizona
 
GregWCIL wrote:
Yahoo! Leave one week from today for our safari - Victoria Falls, Chobe River, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and Moremi Reserve in Botswana, then Cape Town.

What time of day is best for a helicopter flight for photographing Victoria Falls? I have already arranged with a helicopter company for a "doors off" flight. Is it worth it to pay the extra for the longer flight that might include aerial views of elephants and other game along the river?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

Greg
Yahoo! Leave one week from today for our safari - ... (show quote)


Congratulations! May I ask which company you're using? I was unable to find any doors off offerings.

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Jun 29, 2017 10:38:23   #
tennis2618
 
My wife and I were there in January--rainy season, which you will learn is not really the wettest period. That is caused by a flooding river. We did our flight during rain and it was wonderful (although the doors were not open so pictures were sometimes difficult). Used several lenses, but primarily f/2.8 24-70 as wide views capture the assume size of the falls. Took two hikes and did cross the bridge-one from Zambia entrance and one from Zimbabwe. I would recommend both if you are offered. Very different views. You are into dry season and hopefully will still get all the activity from the falls others have mentioned.

By the way, when you are in Botswana be prepared for a wonderful experience. I had two Nikon DSLR bodies and 5 lenses, but found myself using the Nikon 200-500 quite a bit, especially for birds. Great lens for animals also although you will often be too close to lions and others. Have a great trip!

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Jun 29, 2017 10:47:00   #
chasgroh Loc: Buena Park, CA
 
...*any* time of day is good for a helo ride! LOL...couldn't resist...

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