Aerial photography
Another must-do activity is to take to the skies and enjoy the thrill of low level flight over this water wonderland. To take in the true beauty of the Bazaruto Archipelago one just has to see it from the air and Zimanga makes use of two helicopter operators in the area to achieve this goal. Ideal photo conditions coincide with low tide and middle of the day photography, when shallower water and a higher penetration of sunlight reveal the underwater structure in shades of turquoise and white, with cloud shadows providing variation of colours and hues, just perfect to frame your subjects against, although early morning and late afternoon opportunities creates vastly different photographs with darker backgrounds on side-lit subjects
Apart from the lasting memories of seeing this ever changing landscape from the air, the main photographic aim is to look for patterns on sandbanks, underwater dunes plus a mesmerising and unimaginable variety of colours of blue water ranging from barely discernible hint of blue to the brightest or darkest shades thereof, nestled in a network of beaches ranging from pure white, to tan to grey. Within this epic landscape one can find traditional fishermen setting their ultramarine coloured nets from their age-old dhows, or search for larger marine species like massive pink whiprays or shoals of stingrays that inhabit the shallows, or whales and dolphins behind the breakers, but the main drawcard remains the flocks of thousands of flamingoes that inhabit the shallow saltwater flats.
With a helicopter landing pad only a few hundred meters from the lodge you can be up in the air within minutes, with likely the highest concentrations of flamingoes abounding in the southern portion of the archipelago and in very close proximity. Helicopter doors are removed and whilst it makes it easy for two photographers to photograph simultaneously, a third photographed can be accommodated behind the pilot seat.
Kindly note that this is an additional activity offered by third parties and will be subject to their availability, terms and conditions.
The best lenses to use for aerial photography range from 24 to 200mm, and we found the 24-70 and 70-200mm lenses (with the latter) to be ideal.
Helicopter flips are around 45 minutes in duration allowing a lot of time for finding and composing your aerial photos
Helicopter Rides
Gallery
