Kane’s passion for flying took root in Christchurch, New Zealand, where he grew up with a fascination in all things that had an engine. His interest was sparked even further when it came to helicopters. A trial flight in 2020 solidified this for him, and he became determined to become a helicopter pilot. After training at Wanaka Helicopters and gaining experience at Southern Lakes Helicopter Mt Cook as ground crew, Kane began his flying career in 2022 at Wanaka Helicopters, showcasing his skills over the beautiful Wanaka basin.
Seeking a new adventure and a change of scenery, Kane found himself drawn to the diverse wildlife in Botswana, specifically the admired African lion. This led him to Helicopter Horizons, where he has been exploring the diverse landscapes since. His favourite area would have to be the Gomoti channel, which boasts a variety of wildlife and a permanent source of water.
Having grown up in the charming coastal town of Timaru, nestled in the South Island of New Zealand, Mat was inspired by his grandfather’s hobby for writing in multiple aviation magazines. This spark ignited a passion within him to pursue a career as a helicopter pilot. With unwavering determination, Mat achieved his dream in 2018, earning his license in the city of Christchurch.
When the opportunity to join the team here at Helicopter Horizons presented itself, Mat knew it was a great opportunity that can’t be turned down. He has been captivated by the breathtaking views of the Okavango Delta and the diverse wildlife that call this region home. As an accomplished pilot, Mat takes great pleasure in sharing his love for the skies and the great outdoors with our guests. Moreover, his warm and engaging personality has endeared him to everyone at camp, making him an integral part of the Helicopter Horizons family.
Originally from a small, peaceful market town called Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk, not too far from Cambridge, Adam couldn’t resist the urge to experience amazing places, people, and cultures. When COVID restrictions disrupted his original plans to travel, he carried on working in the hospitality industry as a waiter and cocktail barman. Still, his interest in flying was overpowering, which led him to start flying lessons. In 2022, Adam trained for his commercial license in Maidenhead, located close to London, which presented the opportunity to fly in and around London day and night. An unforgettable and surreal experience. He then moved to Northampton, Northamptonshire, after completing his flight instructor rating to work as a flight instructor at Sywell Aerodrome, just outside the town.
Through a chance meeting with another pilot, Adam became aware of the possibility of travelling to Botswana and flying for Helicopter Horizons. This was an opportunity he couldn’t resist. “How could I say no to the chance of flying in the most diverse natural environment in the world?”. Adam’s favourite area to fly in the Okavango Delta is the incredible Western edges of the Delta, which has deep waterways and rich wildlife. Adam and his charisma are a great addition to the Helicopter Horizons team.
Lutz was born in South Africa and grew up on a farm in Mpumalanga. After spending a few years farming in America, he decided that it was time to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a helicopter pilot. He completed his first training in Johannesburg, where he went on to work as an instructor, as well as doing work in vehicle tracking and charters.
Helicopter Horizons offered the perfect opportunity to combine his love for flying with his passion for nature and open spaces. When asked about his favourite area to have flown over so far, Lutz mentioned how it has been incredible flying over the Delta while it’s been in full flood.
Born and raised in the small farming community of Thabazimbi in Limpopo, South Africa, Anthony developed a passion for the outdoors and aviation from a young age. With a neighbour who was a helicopter pilot, early exposure to flying sparked an interest that never left him. His flying career began in 2020 in Thabazimbi, where he took his first official steps towards combining his love for nature, conservation, aviation, and adventure. Before making the move to Maun, he was actively involved in game work operations – including game capture and conservation efforts – and flew for security and vehicle tracking companies based out of Johannesburg. With a strong passion for sharing the African bush experience, the opportunity to fly in Botswana felt like a natural fit and an opportunity worth grabbing.
His favourite area to fly over so far has been Chief’s Island, where the vast waterways and rich concentration of wildlife make for unforgettable flights.
With a family deeply involved in flying helicopters around the world, Liam has aspired to follow in their footsteps for as long as he can remember. Born and raised in Ashburton, New Zealand, he joined the NZ Army after finishing school, dedicating three years to service before deciding it was time to turn his dream into reality.
He earned his pilot’s licence through Christchurch Helicopters and embarked on his career as a helicopter pilot. After hearing about Helicopter Horizons from fellow pilots he trained with, he knew it was the perfect place to continue his journey. His passion for wildlife and fascination with Africa made the opportunity even more enticing.
When asked about his favourite place to fly, Liam chose the northeastern Delta, captivated by its vast expanses of water.
Brett developed a love for aviation in his former years growing up in Auckland, New Zealand. Previously based in Canada and New Zealand doing ground crew work in the agricultural sector, he decided to make a change and pursue a career in helicopter flying, combining both adventure and technical skill. The thrill of navigating diverse landscapes and the challenge of piloting helicopters in dynamic environments appealed to his adventurous streak.
Seeking a new chapter and experience, Brett decided to move to Botswana, where diverse flying and adventures proved irresistible. When asked what his favourite area to fly over has been, he responded with the Vumbura area due to the diverse range of wildlife and the expansive floodplains.
Born and raised in Christchurch, New Zealand, Zakai has always been drawn to the outdoors. After finishing high school, he set out to find a career that would take him to incredible places, offer new challenges, and align with his love for hiking, wildlife and exploring. A trial flight at Christchurch Helicopters sparked his enthusiasm for flying, and he began his training while he worked part-time as a medic/patroller at the Christchurch Adventure Park.
Eager to gain experience in a remote yet incredible part of the world, Zakai decided to come to Botswana. The opportunity to log hours while witnessing this incredible wilderness firsthand made it an easy decision. When asked about his favourite place he has flown over so far, he couldn’t give a definitive answer, pointing out that the mosaic landscapes all hold their own unique beauty.
From the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia, Flynn also spent time growing up in Papua New Guinea and New Zealand. Before flying helicopters, he worked as a mustering hand across remote cattle stations in Far North Queensland and the Northern Territory. His exposure to mustering pilots was what sparked his passion for helicopters and the world of aviation. Inspired by this newfound interest, Flynn pursued his PPL and CPL in Wanaka, New Zealand, training alongside some fellow pilots based at Helicopter Horizons.
Drawn by his sense of adventure and recommendations from his connections, Flynn made the move to Botswana to explore what this chapter has in store for him.
Of all the areas flown over, the vast and arid serenity of the Makgadikgadi Pans has left a lasting impression, although it was a tough decision to choose just one place.
Liam grew up in Blenheim, New Zealand, with much of his childhood and early adulthood spent outdoors. A love for wilderness and wildlife has always been a fundamental part of his life. Before moving to Botswana, Liam remained based in Marlborough. He spent four years working on a high-country station in the Awatere Valley, where he was frequently exposed to helicopters. This sparked his admiration for the machines and their versatility. Afterwards, he completed a building apprenticeship and worked in the trade for four years, saving to pursue his pilot’s license.
Liam began flying helicopters in mid-2024 at Toby Reid Helicopters in Nelson. When the opportunity arose to take on a new and exciting venture, Liam was drawn to Botswana. The chance to combine flying with the country’s diverse wildlife and scenery was an opportunity he couldn’t resist. Of the flights taken so far, Liam particularly enjoys those that pass over clear waters and hippo pools, but finds each flight unique and offering a variety of wilderness.
Peter grew up in Victoria, BC, Canada, where the natural beauty of Vancouver Island sparked his love for helicopters and the outdoors. From a young age, he dreamed of flying, and after high school, he took the leap to make that dream a reality. In 2021, Peter earned his pilot’s license through Chinook Helicopters and soon found himself working across Western Canada.
Whether assisting skiers in remote alpine zones, guiding tourists through stunning mountain scenery, or helping with utility operations, Peter quickly discovered how diverse and exciting the world of helicopter work could be.
His sense of adventure is what brought him to Helicopter Horizons in Botswana. Flying over the breathtaking Okavango Delta and growing through new challenges is a constant reminder of why he loves flying and exploring new places. For Peter, every flight is an opportunity to see something incredible and share that experience with others.
Austin grew up on a farm just north of Craigmyle, Alberta, where operating machinery was second nature from an early age. This exposed him to helicopters, where he grew admiration for the way they operate and the services they can provide. His path to aviation came after trying out a string of jobs that weren’t the right fit, after which he decided to follow his core interest.
Before becoming a pilot, he worked ground crew out of Manning, Alberta, swapping Robinson R44s for oilfield camps across the region. He then enrolled at Mountain View Helicopters, where his new venture began.
His love for animals and desire to travel is what lead him to Botswana, the perfect place to build his hours. When asked where his favourite area to have flown over is, Austin was unable to pick a favourite, quick to state that they are all amazing.
Originally from Saskatoon SK, and Kelowna BC, Conor also spent parts of their teenage years living in Europe. From ages thirteen to nineteen, he raced competitively in road and cyclocross cycling, representing several private teams as well as Team Canada at for World Championships and numerous World Cups across North America and Europe. After stepping away from professional cycling, Conor briefly studied international relations at university, before deciding it wasn’t for him. He then went to work in both construction and forestry, which fueled his love for machinery. With a helicopter being the ultimate machinery to him, they quickly became his next pursuit.
Conor completed his flight training in 2024 at BC Helicopters in Abbotsford. Drawn by a love of travel and a recommendation from a flight instructor, joining Helicopter Horizons felt like the perfect fit.
Taylor was born in Edmonton, Canada, but grew up in Napier, New Zealand, and has spent most of his adult life on the West Coast in Hokitika. Before moving to Maun, he worked for a helicopter company in northern British Columbia and has also gained valuable experience working for helicopter companies in New Zealand.
Over the years, he has also worked at a gold mine in Mongolia, as a raft guide, arborist, and landscaper, and holds a diploma in outdoor instruction and guiding. His interest in helicopters came through his passion for kayaking, where helicopters are often used to access remote rivers. Flying in and paddling out, which ultimately led him to complete his training in Murchison.
Taylor decided to make the move to Botswana as part of a greater goal to fly in every continent. When asked about his favourite area to fly over, he hasn’t been able to choose just one yet.
Born in Texas and raised near Calgary, Canada, Gentry has always been drawn to adventure and the outdoors. After finishing high school, he spent seven years fighting fires across Canada. This constant exposure to helicopters was what sparked his passion for flying.
Beyond firefighting, he also gained extensive experience in the marine industry, specialising in mechanical and electrical repair and refit work, complementing his flying career.
In 2020, Gentry began flight training at Mountain View Helicopters and, eager to expand his aviation knowledge, took up paragliding in 2023. His move to Botswana was driven by a desire to embrace a new way of life, fly in an entirely different environment, and experience incredible wildlife. What stands out to him the most so far are the vast stretches of wilderness and unforgettable sunsets.
Raised in Harare, Zimbabwe, Judah developed a passion for aviation from a young age. After completing university, he was based in central Queensland, Australia, where he was introduced to helicopter mustering in some of the country’s most remote areas – an experience that set his career in motion.
After completing his professional helicopter licence, Judah was drawn to Botswana by the opportunity to work in the bush surrounded by wildlife, fly over the vast wilderness of the Okavango Delta. One of his favourite areas to fly over is the Gomoti River, where the abundance of wildlife makes every flight unforgettable.
Harris grew up in Aberdeen, Scotland, where helicopters were a constant presence in daily life. As Europe’s oil and gas capital and home to some of the busiest heliports in Northern Europe, the city played a key role in shaping his early interest in aviation. He began his helicopter flight training in 2020 at Helicentre in Leicester, England, combining his studies with hands-on roles that included ground crew for a helicopter touring operation, supervising a grassroots racetrack, and several years working in hospitality across Scotland and England.
Before moving to Maun, Harris spent time working in Victoria Falls, adding valuable regional experience. A unique opportunity to fly in Botswana marked the next chapter in his journey, allowing him to further develop his helicopter career in Botswana’s incredible environments. His favourite area to fly over is the Santantadibe river, where he has viewed predators such as African wild dogs and leopards from the air, highlighting how every flight is unique and memorable.
Originally from Sussex in the United Kingdom, James has spent much of his early career living and working abroad, including time in Brunei, Greece, Turkey and France teaching watersports. His transition into aviation came later, after gaining experience supporting air ambulance operations in the UK. He began flying professionally in 2023, building experience across the south-east of England and through central London. Drawn by a sense of adventure and a passion for wildlife, James made the move to Botswana to experience a completely new flying environment. The ever-changing landscapes of the Okavango Delta continue to inspire him, with the north-western Delta area standing out as a favourite for its striking scenery and dynamic wildlife.
Danny grew up on a farm in Southland, New Zealand, where life surrounded by open landscapes sparked a love for the outdoors from an early age. He initially pursued a Bachelor of Aviation in Australia and began flying fixed-wing aircraft, but soon realised his true path lay with helicopters. A defining moment in that decision came one afternoon while watching a rescue helicopter land to save a person who had experienced a near drowning.
During his twenties, Danny travelled widely, working as a PADI scuba instructor and in agriculture—experiences that deepened his sense of adventure and independence. He began flying helicopters in 2024, training in New Zealand’s South Island, before following his sense of adventure to Botswana. Drawn by the chance to combine flying with Africa’s wildlife and vast wilderness, he continues to build his career in an environment that feels both challenging and deeply meaningful. His favourite area to fly over is the Gomoti River, where the scale and beauty of the landscape never fail to leave an impression.
Kristen grew up in Christchurch, New Zealand, where he spent much of his early career working with machinery across agriculture, engineering, and machine operations. He has always had an interest in machines—and for him, the ones that fly stood out the most.
Naturally, helicopters became the next step, and he began his flight training with Christchurch Helicopters before setting his sights on something different. Drawn by a sense of adventure, Kristen made the move to Botswana to experience a new environment and way of flying. One of his favourite areas to fly over is the Central Delta region, where the mix of scenery and wildlife makes every flight a unique experience.
Kaelan grew up in Taranaki, New Zealand. Coming from a family deeply involved in aviation, he developed a natural passion for helicopters that quickly evolved into a clear career path. Before beginning his training, Kaelan gained hands-on experience working as ground crew in Taranaki, supporting agricultural and lifting operations. He started his flight training in Whanganui, New Zealand, in 2022, building his skills in a practical, hands-on environment.
Driven by a desire to pursue something unique, Kaelan was drawn to opportunities that would take him to places most people only dream of visiting, while continuing to grow alongside a team of like-minded pilots. Flying over the Okavango Delta has strengthened his appreciation for scenic and wildlife-rich environments, with elephants and giraffes among his favourite sightings from the air.
Born in Johannesburg and raised across South Africa, Zambia, and Morocco, Matthew’s upbringing was closely tied to the natural world and shaped through his family’s work in conservation. He later returned to Cape Town, where he spent five years completing his pilot’s licence alongside a degree in Anthropology.
Although his interest in aviation began early, it was a discovery flight at 16 that solidified his decision to pursue helicopters as a career. After training across South Africa, he chose to move to Botswana to remain connected to the bush and continue flying in a setting that feels like home. His favourite area to fly over is the Mababe Depression, where the vast floodplains echo landscapes from his childhood in Zambia.
Benjamin comes from a small farming town in Ontario, Canada, where his early career began outside of aviation. During a heli-skiing trip with his uncle, the experience sparked an interest in helicopter flying, leading him to enrol in flight school on Vancouver Island. Training in mountainous terrain provided a strong foundation, which later led to professional flying roles in Vancouver and Edmonton, where he operated news helicopters.
Looking for a new challenge and a completely different landscape, Benjamin made the move to Botswana. As he puts it, “I’ve seen enough bears and moose in Canada, and I love working in the bush, it was about time to see some African animals up close!” His favourite flights are those where African Elephants are in view, making each experience all the more memorable.
Reece grew up in Sydney, Australia, where aviation wasn’t a part of everyday life, despite having a grandfather who was a private fixed-wing pilot and a father who had once hoped to earn his own licence. It wasn’t until finishing school that Reece discovered his own passion for flying. Realising he couldn’t spend his life behind a desk, he booked a trial flight and from that moment, there was no looking back.
Today, Reece continues to build his career in Botswana, embracing the challenge, variety, and freedom that come with every day in the air. Rather than having one favourite area, Reece enjoys flying across the Okavango Delta as a whole, appreciating its constantly changing scenery and the unique perspective each flight offers.
With a long-standing interest in machines, aviation became a natural progression for Ben. Raised on a drystock farm near Lake Taupo, New Zealand, he spent seven years working with heavy machinery across the agricultural and ski industries in New Zealand and Canada before deciding to pursue helicopter flying.
He completed his flight training with Christchurch Helicopters and gained his first industry experience as ground crew with Te Anau Helicopters in Milford Sound, Fiordland. Encouraged by strong recommendations from pilots already working in Botswana, Ben saw the opportunity to experience Africa as one he couldn’t pass up.
He enjoys exploring Botswana’s unique landscapes from the air, where the ever-changing scenery and natural beauty make every flight a different experience.
Originally from the North Shore of Chicago, Ben moved to Seattle after university, where he served in the United States Marine Corps and developed a strong interest in aviation, particularly helicopter flying. Although military flight training was not part of his journey, the passion remained with him and continued to grow.
After his time in the service, Ben volunteered with Empact Northwest, an Urban Search and Rescue organisation, and later worked as a corporate recruiter in finance and accounting. Eventually realising an office environment was not where he wanted to be and made the decision to pursue a career in aviation, moving to Wānaka, New Zealand, to complete his helicopter flight training.
Having experienced the Okavango Delta as a visitor, Ben knew it was a truly special place. The opportunity to return, live, and fly in one of the world’s most biodiverse environments was one he could not pass up. Each day in the Delta offers a new perspective and a reminder of how fortunate he is to experience this remarkable landscape from the air.
Raised in Cambridge, United Kingdom, Moel’s sense of adventure eventually led him to the mountains of Wānaka, New Zealand. Originally moving there to the buzzing shi town to train as a ski instructor, he quickly became captivated by the helicopters operating in the surrounding alpine environment. Watching them navigate challenging landscapes sparked a fascination with aviation and inspired him to pursue helicopter flying as a career.
Moel went on to complete his Commercial Pilot Licence (Helicopter) in Wānaka, combining his passion for flying with his love for the outdoors. The skills and experience gained in this unique environment prepared him for the next chapter of his journey.
Drawn by the opportunity to experience a completely different culture and style of flying, Moel made the move to Botswana. Living and working in the Okavango Delta has allowed him to combine his passion for aviation with his appreciation for wildlife and the natural world. Seeing animals he grew up watching on the BBC in their natural habitat has been a truly memorable part of his experience, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the connection between local communities, wildlife, and the environment.
Ryan spent his childhood on a game conservancy in Laikipia, northern Kenya, where the bush was not just a place to visit, but home. From an early age, he was surrounded by wildlife, conservation, and aviation, with close family friends in the helicopter industry giving him an early introduction to flying. After helping run his family’s lodge and working as a guide on the conservancy, he developed a deep understanding and appreciation for wild environments.
In 2023, Ryan moved to Durban, South Africa, where he began his helicopter flight training and started pursuing aviation as a career. With a lifelong connection to the bush, the opportunity to fly in Botswana and experience the Okavango Delta, an area that had long been on his bucket list, naturally was one he couldn’t turn down.
Combining his passion for flying with his love for wildlife and remote landscapes, Ryan continues to explore one of Africa’s most remarkable wilderness areas from the air.
Born in Cromwell, New Zealand, and raised in Central Otago, Muz grew up around helicopters. From a young age, he spent a fair amount of time on expeditions in the Alps and became fascinated by the helicopters operating in the mountains, further fuelling his interest in aviation and the opportunities it could offer.
After an incredible stint playing professional rugby in Germany, Muz moved to Perth, Australia, to pursue his Commercial Pilot Licence with Corsaire Aviation. While working in Queenstown, New Zealand, the opportunity to move to Botswana presented itself, and he saw it as an exciting chance to continue his flying career in a new environment.
Since arriving in Botswana, Muz has enjoyed getting to know the local people and exploring the Delta, while sharing the experience with a few familiar faces from back home. One of his most memorable moments came on his very first day of flying, when he spotted lions near Gauma, an unforgettable start to his time flying in the Okavango Delta.
Suncha grew up in the small surfing town of Ballina, New South Wales, where he developed a deep love for adventure and the outdoors. Flying helicopters had been a childhood dream, so he began his training at Air T&G in Ballina and went on to complete his Commercial Pilot Licence.
After completing his training, he moved to Northern Western Australia, where he worked as an Advanced Rigger and Scaffolder on offshore oil rigs. When the opportunity to move to Botswana came along, he jumped at the chance to develop his career as a pilot while experiencing life in the African bush.
One of his highlights so far has been watching hippos move through the crystal-clear channels of the Northern Boro. He looks forward to exploring more of the country while enjoying an outdoor lifestyle filled with camping, fishing, and plenty of memorable wildlife sightings.
Laurence was brought up in Surrey, United Kingdom, in a family with a strong connection to aviation. Both of his grandparents served in the Royal Air Force, while his parents also worked in the aviation industry. Following in their footsteps, Laurence began his own flying journey by completing his Private Pilot Licence in the UK before moving to Canada to complete his Commercial Pilot Licence.
After working as a Surveillance Drone Pilot in the UK Defence Sector, Laurence made the move to Botswana to pursue his passion for flying and his interest in the African safari lifestyle. Growing up watching Born Free, the idea of living and working in the African bush had always appealed to him.
Since arriving in Botswana, Laurence has already experienced some memorable moments from the air, including the rare opportunity to watch a lion hunt. For him, flying in the bush offers a unique perspective on the wildlife and landscapes that first inspired his journey to Africa.