Up in the Air in Cape Town

Phew! It sure is high up here!

Not to be too corny, but R Kelly is crooning, ‘I believe I can Fly’ whilst I drive to Cape Town International Airport.  I am privileged to be going up in the air on a helicopter flight with AD, one of the Silvercross pilots.

It’s so easy – I watch a quick, 3 minute safety video and then we set off to the vehicle that will take us to the helicopter. We are flying in a European helicopter from one of the largest aerospace groups in the world  - a sizeable chunk of luxury awaits. AD is very proud to present the ‘heli’, which is similar to a luxury car and with plenty of room for luggage. This bird of aerospace prey costs a cool R14 million. Respect. Respect is also due for how quickly the ‘heli’ is catapulted up into the air.

‘I believe I can fly’? Well, yes I do…

With big headphones strapped to my ears, I’m listening to Pilot AD communicating with air traffic controllers to make sure that we’re safe and comfortable up there.

Jet setting on the Atlantic Coastline

From the airport we fly straight towards the sea, and what a view! It’s a perfect day and the sea sparkles in all its colourful glory. Cape Town is a beautiful city, but is even more beautiful from up in the sky. The townships, the stadium and Hout Bay appear more vivid from above and I’m realizing how well I actually know the geography of the Mother City. We swoop from False Bay to Muizenberg; over the mountains into Hout Bay; along the Atlantic Coastline to Camps Bay, passing the Waterfront and the City Bowl on the way; and finally, back to the airport.

“Can you see it?” AD asks excitedly as he spots a shipwreck. “Not really,” I reply, at which point we fly down at break-neck speed for closer inspection. We’re also waving to tourists who are picnicking at Chapman’s Peak.

“You name it. We’ll give it wings”

One of the Silvercross slogans, this means that they offer a broad selection of scenic and customized charters. You can also choose you activity or destination, which include Peninsula tours, Winelands tours, golfing, whale watching, shark spotting or a VIP scenic City flight.

Four people and the pilot fit comfortably into the helicopter and it is necessary to book the entire helicopter, rather than per person. At Silvercross, it’s the owners that fly you: they ensure that the helicopters are maintained to the highest standard and safety is of paramount importance.

Why not take to the skies in style? Whether you want to experience the breathtaking vistas of Table Mountain or the Peninsula, venture to Cape Point, dine at a wine farm or spoil your loved one with a memorable and unique experience, the sky shouldn’t be your limit. Experiencing Cape Town from a birds eye view is worth the climb.

By Antonia Heil

For more information, contact Silvercross +27 (0) 21 – 9342556 / info@silvercross.co.za

Silvercross is based at the Eurocopter offices of Cape Town International Airport in South Africa.

Fancy abseiling from Table Mountain or diving with the Great White shark off Gansbaai. Be sure to check out our Overview of Adventure Day Tours