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Best time of day for helicopter over Victoria Falls?
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Jun 29, 2017 11:45:51   #
Peterff Loc: O'er The Hills and Far Away, in Themyscira.
 
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)


I would buy the "perfect weather and light" option.

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Jun 29, 2017 14:05:08   #
charles tabb Loc: Richmond VA.
 
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)

=====================================================
I'm sorry that I can't give you an exact answer but, I did take a ride over Hawaii and was given a time to fly in advance.
It turned out to be 8AM and it turned out to be too early in the morning. There was ground fog everywhere.
If I were you, I would try to find others which you are doing, to find the facts first.

Happy flying....

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Jun 29, 2017 15:02:52   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
shagbat wrote:
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.
Lucky you Greg, I see you have a veritable arsenal... (show quote)


We are staying in Zimbabwe. After Vic Falls we start our real safari of almost 3 weeks mainly in Botswana. The first three days is based from a houseboat on the Chobe River. And luckily, unlimited sundowners are included. Of course I will only drink them for health reasons since the gin and quinine is said to repel mosquitoes. ;-)

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Jun 29, 2017 15:09:44   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
windshoppe wrote:
Congratulations! May I ask which company you're using? I was unable to find any doors off offerings.


Bonisair Helicopters. We specified using the Robinson 44 since it seats 3 + pilot so everyone has a window seat. We flew in one of those in Hawaii and loved it. It's powered by a Lycoming engine.

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Jun 29, 2017 15:13:11   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
VladNYC wrote:
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.


No way. Those don't have the inspection requirements of a commercial machine. I go up with my neighbor in his powered parachute. Fun but really subject to wind gusts and thermals. The reason they don't allow cameras on them is if something comes off, the propeller is right behind you and very subject to damage.

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Jun 29, 2017 15:14:50   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
tennis2618 wrote:
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!
My wife and I were there in January--rainy season,... (show quote)


I'll have the 200-500 and the 70-200; D500 and D800 bodies so I should cover all the options.

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Jun 29, 2017 15:45:52   #
shagbat Loc: London
 
GregWCIL wrote:
We are staying in Zimbabwe. After Vic Falls we start our real safari of almost 3 weeks mainly in Botswana. The first three days is based from a houseboat on the Chobe River. And luckily, unlimited sundowners are included. Of course I will only drink them for health reasons since the gin and quinine is said to repel mosquitoes. ;-)


You will have a wonderful time, Africa is just such a fascinating place, much more than just it's wildlife. I do recommend much mosquito repellent to supplement your tonic, especially near water. The morning sunrise usually arrives thro' a mist, superb photo opportunities. Good health!

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Jun 29, 2017 17:32:13   #
Johanna Loc: Albuquerque, NM
 
[quote=GregWCIL]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.

Did that trip in Nov '06. I rode in a ultra light with no side windows, the piolet and me. Well strapped in but was able to lean outside the windshield and click away with little Panasonic DMC F27 camera. This is a ground pix in the afternoon. The falls drop into a narrow canyon, pick your time carefully. The other also shows the road between countries. There was a bungee jump station on the bridge!


(Download)


(Download)

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Jun 29, 2017 17:39:38   #
genesampson
 
That bungi did break a few years ago and a woman went into the crock infested river. She was quite athletic and was ok. My guess is it is safer than most in the world now.

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Jun 29, 2017 17:40:15   #
Johanna Loc: Albuquerque, NM
 
GregWCIL wrote:
I'll have the 200-500 and the 70-200; D500 and D800 bodies so I should cover all the options.


You will absolutely need much shorter focal length lenses and hopefully fast ones for your night life, TRUST me on this!

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Jun 29, 2017 17:43:09   #
Johanna Loc: Albuquerque, NM
 
GregWCIL wrote:
No way. Those don't have the inspection requirements of a commercial machine. I go up with my neighbor in his powered parachute. Fun but really subject to wind gusts and thermals. The reason they don't allow cameras on them is if something comes off, the propeller is right behind you and very subject to damage.


Here is the ultra-light I rode on my trip.


(Download)

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Jun 29, 2017 18:00:48   #
NickT
 
Dawn or dusk works best . Lived in Livingstone for a year in the 1950's , just seven miles away . In addition to the fabulous Falls don't forget the bridge that crosses the gorge .... an amazing feat of construction in the 1890's. The railroad arrived at the gorge , a rocket carrying string was fired to the opposite side . The string became rope and then chain etc. Eventually rails were transported across the gorge and were laid on the other side . Then a train was disassembled , swung across the gorge , and reassembled on the other side ....and so it went on !

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Jun 29, 2017 18:52:06   #
bigd7200
 
If the water level allows it, take a dip in the Devil's Pool.

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Jun 29, 2017 20:18:18   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
Johanna wrote:
You will absolutely need much shorter focal length lenses and hopefully fast ones for your night life, TRUST me on this!


Taking my 20mm f 1.8, leaving the 16 - 35 home.

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Jun 29, 2017 20:19:59   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
bigd7200 wrote:
If the water level allows it, take a dip in the Devil's Pool.

Its probably safer than it looks, but videos of it give me the chills.

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