Testimonials
What guests had to say about their experience
Fred G, Botswana & Vic Falls 2023
What a wonderful, unique and exclusive experience it has been to go on a helicopter safari with Bart. It all started with excellent planning and preparation and ended with precious lifetime memories. Planning of the whole safari was left in the hands of Bart and his partners, leaving us worry free and hands off. The program unfolded as designed and exceeded our expectations. The safari proved to become an unforgettable experience.
Having a private helicopter adds tremendous value if you want to see it all and from different perspectives. During our 9 day trip we saw two months worth of travelling. In his preparation, Bart had made sure to listen to our desires and expectations. The safari exceeded any of those, and we flew to places that we will be talking about for years to come. Places only to be reached by helicopter and therefore completely untouched. On multiple occasions, both my partner and I felt tremendously privileged to lay our eyes on landscapes that only few have seen. We are very grateful that Bart took us there in his dedicated, professional and friendly manner. To have a pilot whose expertise extends beyond the cockpit into guiding, who understands the ways of hospitality, and who has a passion for Africa and guiding is an advantage that eclipses the presence of the private aircraft itself.
The terrain we flew over, the animals we saw, the incredibly warm people we met, they all left lasting impressions. We can't wait to see what Bart has planned for us in years to come. Without any doubt and with very high confidence, I can recommend a helicopter safari with Bart to anyone looking for something really special. You will not regret it.
Peter V, Angola 2022
Bart was our pilot on a week’s helicopter trip to explore the source lakes of the Okavango River in the Angola Highlands. This is wild country with few known waypoints. Not only is Bart a very experienced and competent pilot, he was well prepared for our journey into the unknown. He had mapped all the potential landing sites including those in the bush with no known reference points. We reached each of landing spots exactly. He dealt with the unexpected with professionalism, including helping to medevac an injured staff member to hospital. In addition to Bart’s pilot skills he added terrific value to our trip from helping with camp chores to cooking in the bush and pointing out bird/animal sightings. Overall it was a joy to have him on our trip and I will travel with him again when I return to Southern Africa
Christopher W, Botswana 2021
My wife and I had the distinct pleasure of having Bart Aarsse, a.k.a. The Flying Dutchman, as our helicopter pilot while we were in Botswana last month. From the moment we first met him at Camp Kalahari, we fell in love with him. Always attentive, generous, open and joyous, Bart is man who leans into life with all his being; and as a result, he was deeply inspiring to be around. My wife and I had many moments with him that we’ll cherish forever, not least of which was his almost-uncontainable excitement about seeing Kubu Island for the first time. Just thinking about that first day with Bart makes me smile.
We loved Botswana, but, more than anything, it’s the people you meet along the way that stay with you. Bart was one of those people for us. While he may have started off as just our helicopter pilot, by the end of our time in Botswana he had became family to us - so much so that we plan to visit his family when we go to Holland next month.
Henry and Cecile, Botswana 2022
In may 2022 we joined a fly safari into the spectacular Okavango Delta. Bart was our pilot and guide during this safari, which took us all over the delta, Chobe, and the Makgadigadi Pans.
Having the privilege of holding a Private Pilots Licence myself I was impressed with the airmanship of Bart as a helicopter pilot. Adhering to the safety protocols at all times with precision landings and take offs at the most remote spots I felt very safe with him as our pilot in command. It also appeared that Bart has an in-depth knowledge of the abundant wildlife we encountered on this journey and during flight he shared his knowledge of the origin of the Delta. After his flying duties were over it appeared that Bart proved to be an entertaining host with tons of humour at the campfire.
For those seeking an adventurous helicopter safari with an experienced bush pilot/guide combined with a skilful host with plenty of humour we recommend you to ask for an itinerary with Bart as your helicopter captain. We sure are planning our next year’s journey with him.