Where to go for Helicopter safaris in Kenya

Where to go for Helicopter safaris in Kenya :  A safari by helicopter is one of Kenya’s most luxurious safari experiences. Kenya offers some of the most rewarding helipad safaris in Africa, with its abundance of wildlife, varied and attractive vegetation, and breathtaking geological formations. We’ll go over some of the best places to go for an aerial experience that will leave you with lifelong memories in this guide.

Lake Magadi, Lake Natron Maasai Mara and loita flight.
As you go from Nairobi to the larger Mara habitat, this flight passes over Lake Magadi and Lake Natron. Consider going on a heli safari above the larger Mara for an amazing airborne view while in Kenya. This area is well-known for its varied vegetation, stunning topography, and enormous concentrations of wildlife. Large concentrations of lesser flamingos can be seen in the two lakes, which are among the nation’s soda lakes. The Heli Safari Ride in Mara includes

the prehistoric site of Olorgesailie. This ancient site is the first thing you come across on your three-hour flight out of Nairobi. Views of the sedimentary basin are spectacular from this location.

Lake Magadi. The intriguing lake Magadi, tinted pink by flamingos, is located not far from Olorgesailie. One of the most well-liked helicopter stops on the southern heli safari is Lake Magadi Island.

Ngarenaro swamp. The Ngarenaro Swamp, an evergreen delta marshland alongside the semi-arid Shampole Mountains, comes into view immediately after Lake Magadi.

Shampole Mountains. Savannah and sporadic acacia woods envelop this magnificent volcano, which presents an ideal aerial perspective. Zebra herds can be observed grazing across the large reserve that stretches as far west as the Nguruman escarpment and as far south as Lake Natron.

Nguruman escarpment. In the middle of vast stretches of impenetrable rainforest, you can see waterfalls swiftly cascading down the Entasopia River.

Lake Natron. One of the most picturesque views is found at Lake Natron, which shares a border with Tanzania and Kenya. From above, the lake’s distinctive lunar-like water surface appears as a gorgeously patterned red painted surface.

Mt suswa. Travelling towards the northwest via the Mara Plains, you will see the breathtaking caldera of Mount Suswa, a shield volcano featuring an amazing rocky terrain.

The loita plains. They are vast expanses of savannah vegetation interspersed with breathtaking views of settled communities.

The olololo escarpments. The picturesque timber slope known as the Olololo escarpment forms the western boundary of the broader Mara region.

Mara north conservancy. With boundless savannah plains to the east and a journey through riverine forests to the west, the conservancies present a fantastic opportunity to catch a peek of the vegetations in the larger Mara ecosystem.

Mara triangle and Maasai Mara Game Reserve. Showcases the captivating vistas of the Mara River’s breathtaking twists and turns, as well as the plains teeming with migratory wildlife. The breathtaking, more than 70% savannah terrain is primarily made up of plains, with breathtakingly rocky and steep terrain towards the south.

Amboseli Tsavo flight.
Due to its location along important migration paths for the exotic wintering species that travel through Kenya from November to April, this flight path is very desirable for bird enthusiasts. The journey takes passengers to some of the most captivating formations and wildlife regions in the Amboseli-Tsavo environment, which is renowned for having the largest number of jumbos in Kenya as well as a vast range of vegetation. Among the aerial encounters are the following:

Galana River. As you drive inside Tsavo East National Park, these are the first notable sights you’ll see. The meandering river creates a lovely riverine basin with portions of doum palms and amazing forests.

Mzima springs. Several glistening fresh water springs called Mzima Springs are nestled near the foot of the Chyulu Hills in the heavily forested Tsavo West region. Seeing hippos swimming in the clear waters is one of the most captivating airborne views.

Shetani lava flow. This is a little outcrop next to the springs that has an enticing balsatic lava flow.

Chyulu hills. This geographical landmark, which is a relatively new volcano, provides an amazing aerial perspective due to its intriguing cones and black lava soil. The Chyulu hills are a popular safari destination for migratory birds. The world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Kilimanjaro, is seen from the mountain.
Plains of Amboseli. After that, Amboseli appears in its distinctive reddish-bare wilderness, which abruptly transforms into some enticing marshlands as you go south towards the park’s southernmost point, the foot of Kilimanjaro. It’s possible that you’ll see enormous jumbos here, travelling in big herds to new pastures. The best view of Kilimanjaro’s cone-shaped peak is available from the Amboseli lowlands.

Samburu and Laikipia helicopter flight.
Mount Kenya and the northern Kenyan region are reached by this aircraft. The breathtaking flight passes over a varied range of plants, from thick rainforest to vast stretches of semi-arid wilderness. Along the route, there are various natural formations, including rivers, rocky outcrops, waterfalls, and mountains. Among the notable attributes are:

Aberdare ranges. The first thing you’ll notice as you quickly leave Nairobi is a chain of mountain ranges that are primarily shrouded in thick forest. Some of the water catchment areas include the mountains, which offer breathtaking views of rivers meandering through verdant trees. There will be some volcanic rocks and waterfalls as well.

Laikipia plains. With views of the magnificent Mount Kenya, the Laikipia plains come into view as you move away from the Aberdares. The confident sight of the black rhinos grazing in the wide savannah is proof that these plains are home to one of the most effective rhino conservation initiatives. The majority of tourists would rather make a stop in a conservancy.

Ngare Ndare forest. A charming natural forest that encircles a little foothill emerges from the northwest corner of the mountains. You will be treated to a sweeping vista of the hazy Ngare Ndare waterfalls, which are nestled within the forest and drop into a huge blue pool.

Mt Ololokwe. A picture-perfect, beautiful monolith appears out of nowhere in the nearly barren, semi-arid plains as it whizzes towards Samburu.
River Ewaso Ngiro. The flight follows the path of the wildlife-rich Ewaso Ngiro River, which crosses the park’s centre, as you reach the Samburu Reserve.

Where to go for Helicopter safaris in Kenya
Flights to Samburu

Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha flight.
This is one of the most picturesque rift valleys, with savannah plains abundant with wildlife, escarpments, bird-tinged fresh and saltwater lakes, and captivating volcanic mountains. Among the most notable characteristics are:

Mt Suswa. The helicopter points west as you soar above the sky, towards the erupting Suswa volcano that rises at the bottom of the Great Rift Valley amid plains rich in animals.

Mt longonot. The Longonot Mountain then rises, revealing its exquisitely carved crater.

Lake Naivasha. The vast freshwater lake is situated amidst an endless acacia forest. On the southwest side of the lake is a little saltwater lagoon where you may see some flamingos and an amazing view of the ducks. You can also take in views of the amazing Mau escarpments from here.

Lake Elementaita. The flamingo-tinged Lake Elaita and the abundantly wildlife-rich Samburu Conservancy may be seen as you cruise northward.

Lake Nakuru. Impressive views of undulating hills, waterfalls, dead forests immersed in water, and water birds can be seen from above the somewhat forested landscape of the lake park.

Menengai crater. The Menengai Crater, a 19 km broad caldera with breathtakingly magnificent flora on its floor and cliffs, is where you will arrive when you diverge.

Lake Turkana desert helicopter flight.
The flight takes in the stunningly beautiful river, waterfalls, mountains, and incredibly arid environment of the northern Rift Valley region before arriving to the jade lake on Kenya’s extreme northern border with Ethiopia. Among these characteristics are:

Matthew ranges. From the scenic charred plains of northern Kenya, mountain peaks may be seen as you move north from Nairobi. The vast expanses of grassland that surround it offer amazing views of various species, primarily zebras.

Mt Ng’iro and nyiro forest. That’s Mount Ng’iro as you speed further north. The heavily covered peak has picture-perfect rocks and views of the Suguta Valley beyond, hidden in the middle of a barren, parched environment.

Suguta valley. The valley, also known as Suguta Mad Flat, is among the hottest spots on Earth. With its amazing volcanic cones and erratic lava field situated in the middle of a desert, Suguta provides one of Kenya’s most gorgeous aerial views.

Lake Turkana. Drifting further north emerges Lake Turkana, commonly referred to as jade sea for its picturesque turquoise view when seen from the sky. The lake is renowned for being the world’s largest desert lake. Additionally, Lake Turkana has Africa’s greatest alkalinity. You will soar above the breathtaking basaltic surface of the expansive Volcano Islands during your journey. The majority of heli safari passengers spend some time relaxing on the lake’s sandy shores, which are home to the Ol Molo people, who have one of the most distinctive indigenous cultures.

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