Experience the Eastern Cape from Above

Travelling between destinations, exploring the Eastern Cape from the air or supporting critical wildlife operations. We provide professional helicopter services with safety, reliability and exceptional service at the heart of every flight.

Request a Quote
Services

Ready for Every Mission

From supporting wildlife management, and veterinary operations to unforgettable private charters, scenic flights, aerial photography and executive transfers. Our experienced pilots provide professional helicopter services tailored to each mission.

Whatever the mission, there's a way to fly it with us.

Powerline & Infrastructure Inspections

Powerline & Infrastructure Inspections

Efficient aerial inspections for powerlines, pipelines, and critical infrastructure.

Game Capture & Conservation Support

Game Capture & Conservation Support

Expert aerial support for wildlife capture, relocation, and conservation; including game work, darting, and census operations.

Special Events & Proposals

Special Events & Proposals

Unforgettable airborne experiences for proposals, celebrations, and milestone moments.

Executive & VIP Transport

Executive & VIP Transport

Premium private transport for executives, dignitaries, and high-profile clients.

Aerial Photography & Filming

Aerial Photography & Filming

Stable, low-vibration platforms for professional photography and film production.

Hunting & Safari Support

Hunting & Safari Support

Reliable air support for hunting expeditions and safari logistics across remote terrain.

Airport Transfers

Airport Transfers

Fast, seamless transfers between airports and your final destination.

Private Charters & Scenic Flights

Private Charters & Scenic Flights

Experience the raw beauty of the Eastern Cape from the air and see nature like never before.

Game Counts & Reporting

Game Counts & Reporting

Aerial game census provides reserves and landowners with essential wildlife management numbers.

WHY US?

Reassurance at Every Altitude

As a SACAA certified operator, every flight we run is backed by experienced commercial pilots, modern well-maintained aircraft, and a team that plans each route with your comfort and safety front of mind. We keep our planning flexible and our service personal, so you always know exactly who you're flying with.

View from helicopter cockpit over clouds and mountain range at sunset with instrument panels visible.

SACAA Certified Operator

Experienced Commercial Pilots

Modern, Well-Maintained Aircraft

Flexible Flight Planning

Safety is Our Highest Priority

Personalised Service

Experiences

Explore our skies

From the Wild Coast to the bush, E'scape Airtours crafts each flight around the moment you want, a game lodge transfer, a golden-hour coastline flight, or a proposal above the clouds.

Request a Quote

Filming and Photography

Frame South Africa like never before.

Sunset Flights

An unforgettable close to any day from the sky.

Proposal Flights

Ask the question in style, above it all.

Hunting Transfers

Direct access to your hunting concession.

Fishing Charters

Reach remote waters in record time.

Mountain Adventures

Rise above South Africa's peaks and valleys.

Coastal Scenic Flights

Follow the wild coastline from cliff to shore.

Surveying

Aerial surveys for wildlife, land and infrastructure.

Safari Transfers

Fly directly into the heart of the bush.

Filming and Photography

Frame South Africa like never before.

Sunset Flights

An unforgettable close to any day from the sky.

Proposal Flights

Ask the question in style, above it all.

Hunting Transfers

Direct access to your hunting concession.

Fishing Charters

Reach remote waters in record time.

Mountain Adventures

Rise above South Africa's peaks and valleys.

Coastal Scenic Flights

Follow the wild coastline from cliff to shore.

Surveying

Aerial surveys for wildlife, land and infrastructure.

Safari Transfers

Fly directly into the heart of the bush.

RH44

  • Seats up to 3 passengers
  • Agile, efficient and exceptionally versatile
  • Ideal for wildlife operations, scenic flights, aerial photography and private charters
Request a Quote

Bell 407

  • Seats up to 6 passengers
  • Fast, smooth and comfortable
  • Ideal for executive travel, safaris and scenic flights
Request a Quote

AS350 B3

  • Seats up to 5 passengers
  • Powerful, versatile and proven in demanding environments
  • Ideal for game capture, conservation, charters and epic aerial photography
Request a Quote

Bell 505

  • Seats up to 4 passengers
  • Quiet, comfortable cabin and excellent performance
  • Designed for private charters, conservation operations, game work and bespoke aerial experiences
Request a Quote

RH44

  • Seats up to 3 passengers
  • Agile, efficient and exceptionally versatile
  • Ideal for wildlife operations, scenic flights, aerial photography and private charters
Request a Quote

Bell 407

  • Seats up to 6 passengers
  • Fast, smooth and comfortable
  • Ideal for executive travel, safaris and scenic flights
Request a Quote

AS350 B3

  • Seats up to 5 passengers
  • Powerful, versatile and proven in demanding environments
  • Ideal for game capture, conservation, charters and epic aerial photography
Request a Quote

Bell 505

  • Seats up to 4 passengers
  • Quiet, comfortable cabin and excellent performance
  • Designed for private charters, conservation operations, game work and bespoke aerial experiences
Request a Quote
Charter Process

Four Steps to Takeoff

Booking with us is designed to be simple from the first message to the moment you land. Tell us where you'd like to go, and we'll take care of the planning, pricing and logistics. All that's left for you to do is show up and enjoy the flight.

1. Tell us where you'd like to fly.

Share your departure point, destination and preferred dates, no request too specific.

2. Receive a customised quote.

We'll price the route, aircraft and any extras, and send it straight back to you.

3. Confirm your booking.

Lock in your flight with a simple confirmation with no paperwork headaches.

4. Fly with confidence.

Board knowing every detail has been planned around your safety and comfort.

Safety

Your Safety, Our Standard

Safety is the foundation of every flight we operate. Our aircraft follow rigorous maintenance schedules overseen by certified engineers, and our pilots bring thousands of hours of commercial experience across the Eastern Cape's diverse terrain. We're a fully compliant SACAA operator with comprehensive aviation insurance, and if weather conditions fall below our strict thresholds, we'll reschedule at no extra cost, no exceptions.

Safety Philosophy

1/6

Safety isn't a checklist for us, it's the foundation everything else is built on. Every decision, from how we plan a route to how we maintain our aircraft, starts with one question: is this the safest way to do it? We would rather delay or reschedule a flight than compromise on that standard, and every pilot in our team is trained to make that same call without hesitation.

1/6

Aircraft maintenance

2/6

Every helicopter in our fleet follows a rigorous maintenance schedule that goes beyond what's required. Our aircraft are inspected before and after each flight, with full servicing carried out by certified engineers. We believe a well-maintained aircraft isn't just safer but it also delivers a smoother, more comfortable experience for every passenger on board.

2/6

Pilot experience

3/6

Our pilots aren't just qualified, they're seasoned professionals with thousands of hours across South Africa's diverse terrain. Their experience means you're always in steady, confident hands. Every flight benefits from the kind of calm judgment that only comes with years in the air.

3/6

Regulatory compliance

4/6

We operate as a fully certified SACAA Air Operator, meeting every standard set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority. Our operations are regularly audited, our documentation is always current, and our procedures are built around the latest industry regulations. Compliance isn't a box we tick, it's how we run every aspect of the business.

4/6

Insurance

5/6

Every charter we operate is backed by comprehensive aviation insurance covering passengers, crew, and aircraft. We work with leading aviation underwriters to ensure our coverage meets the highest industry benchmarks. It's one of those things you hope you never need, but we want you to fly knowing that every detail, including this one, has been taken care of.

5/6

Weather policy

6/6

We never compromise on weather. If conditions fall below our strict safety thresholds, we'll delay or reschedule your flight at no additional cost. Our pilots assess real-time weather data before every departure, and we'd always rather wait for clear skies than take an unnecessary risk. Your safety and comfort come first, the views are worth the wait.

6/6

Gallery

A Glimpse of Life Above South Africa

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out and we'll get back to you personally.

Request a Quote

How much does a charter cost?

Keyboard arrow up

Our charter rates vary depending on the helicopter selected, the number of passengers, and the duration of the flight. Our most affordable option, which seats up to 3 passengers, starts from R11,500 per flight hour (excluding VAT).

Charters are flexible and can be tailored to your needs, whether you’re looking for a 20-minute scenic flight, an airport transfer, or a full-day charter. Simply let us know where you’d like to fly, and we’ll provide a personalised quotation based on your requirements.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Keyboard arrow up

Safety is always our highest priority. If weather conditions are unsuitable for flying, your flight may be delayed, rescheduled, or, if necessary, cancelled. Our experienced pilots continuously monitor the weather and will keep you informed of any changes as early as possible. If a flight cannot proceed due to weather, we’ll work with you to arrange the next available suitable departure or discuss alternative options.

This approach ensures that every flight is conducted safely and in accordance with aviation regulations.

Are children allowed?

Keyboard arrow up

Absolutely, they are!

Can I bring pets?

Keyboard arrow up

Small pets are welcome on board, provided they can sit comfortably on your lap for the duration of the flight.

Where do you fly?

Keyboard arrow up

Our flights operate predominantly across the Eastern Cape. Other regions can be arranged with advanced notice or for special occasions.

How far in advance should I book?

Keyboard arrow up

Same-day bookings are sometimes possible, but we recommend booking at least a few days ahead to allow for weather-related adjustments.

What should I wear?

Keyboard arrow up

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is best. We recommend wearing flat, closed-toe shoes and avoiding loose items such as scarves or anything that could blow away in the rotor wash.

A cap is highly recommended, especially on sunny days, as it can be worn comfortably under your aviation headset and helps protect you from the sun before and after your flight. Wide-brimmed hats are not recommended, as they do not fit comfortably under the headset.

If you’re flying for a game viewing experience or in the bush, neutral-coloured clothing is ideal. Sunglasses are also recommended, and don’t forget your camera to capture the incredible views.

Should you have any questions about what to wear for your specific flight, our team will be happy to advise you before departure.

Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

Don't just take our word for it. From first-time scenic flyers to regular executive clients, here's what people who've flown with E'scape Airtours have to say about their experience in the air and on the ground.

Star Icon

Shamwari Private Game Reserve has been in operation since the early 1990s. Our wildlife management truly came into its own when we started using Escape Airtours. For over 20 years, we have been extremely happy with their professional service and expertise.

Our relationship has evolved into a true partnership, growing and developing together over the years. We confidently recommend Escape Airtours for any helicopter operations, whether for wildlife management or any other aerial work.

Star Icon

Working with ESCAPE AIRTOURS over many years has been a pleasure. They are a trusted partner, consistently delivering exceptional professionalism, reliability, and service.

Safety is always their top priority, giving our team and clients complete confidence on every flight, supported by well-maintained aircraft and highly skilled pilots.

Beyond simple transfers, they greatly enhance the experience by engaging guests with insights into the landscape, wildlife, and local history, turning each flight into a memorable scenic journey.

We highly recommend them as a professional, safety-focused operator that consistently goes above and beyond, and we look forward to continuing our long-standing relationship.

Star Icon

“E’scape Airtours helicopter transfers provide our guests with an unforgettable arrival experience. From airport pickup to landing at our lodge, every detail is handled flawlessly.”

contact

Get in touch today

Ready to plan your flight? Tell us where you'd like to go, how many passengers are travelling, and any special requests you have in mind.

Send Message
Please complete all required fields to continue.
Success! A confirmation email has been sent to your inbox.
Success! A confirmation email has been sent to your inbox.
Please complete all required fields to continue.
Two people sitting in an open helicopter door wearing iNyathi Game Services clothes in a grassy area.