Tanzania Hot Air Balloon Safari
Tanzania Couple Safari
Taking a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania is an enchanting and unforgettable adventure, offering a unique perspective on the country’s breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. As you drift silently above the iconic Serengeti or the picturesque Tarangire National Park at sunrise, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of vast plains dotted with acacia trees and teeming with wildlife below. From the safety and comfort of the balloon’s basket, you can witness the natural beauty of Tanzania unfold beneath you, with opportunities to spot herds of elephants, giraffes gracefully browsing treetops, and lions prowling through the grasslands. The tranquility of floating effortlessly above the savanna, combined with the thrill of the experience, creates a sense of serenity and wonder that is truly unparalleled. A hot air balloon safari in Tanzania is not just an exciting adventure but also a once-in-a-lifetime chance to connect with the raw, untamed beauty of Africa’s wilderness.
What You Can Expect
Before the Flight
You’ll be woken up before sunrise and whisked away on a (very) early drive to the launch site. It can be quite chilly at this time of the morning, and even cooler once you’re up in the air, so be sure to wrap up in a few extra layers. Arrive at your balloon and watch as your professional ballooner gets ready for your take-off. Be prepared for the noise as they gas up the balloon – it can be quite loud, so it’s not uncommon to be startled! However, once you’re in the air, it is mostly silent (save for the occasional roar of the gas) so you can fully appreciate the wonder of peacefully flying high above the plains.
Note: All balloons are well maintained and serviced regularly, to ensure that your experience is a safe one.
During the Flight
On average, a hot-air balloon safari lasts between one and two hours. During this time, you’ll get an idea of just how vast the landscape is, and have the opportunity to spot all sorts of game from your unique vantage point. Once you are up high enough, the animals below become less aware of their audience – there are sure to be some unforgettable sights in store for you. Coming back down to land can be slightly bumpy, so anyone with a bad back or similar injury should get the all-clear from their doctor beforehand.Â
After the Flight
Once you’re back on the ground, you’ll be treated to a scrumptious champagne breakfast in the bush. Is that not the perfect end to a memorable morning in the African skies?
Where to go on a Hot-Air Balloon Safari
Serengeti Balloon Safari
The Serengeti is one of the world’s most renowned national parks, and its name, meaning ‘endless plains,’ perfectly captures its vast expanse. From high above, you can truly appreciate the sheer size and open space. Time your Serengeti balloon safari right, and you might witness the awe-inspiring Great Migration, with massive herds of wildebeest and zebra dotting the plains. As you drift over this incredible landscape, keep an eye out for hippos in their pools, abundant plains game, and, with a bit of luck, predators on their morning hunt.
Balloon safaris in the Serengeti can depart from Namiri Plains, Dunia, and Sayari. Our Migration Camps, Ubuntu in the south and Olakira, are ideal for balloon safaris over the Migration. The best times for a Serengeti balloon safari are during the drier months, from June to November and mid-December to mid-March.
Tarangire Balloon Safari
Tarangire National Park's diversity makes it ideal for a hot air balloon safari. The mild breezes provide a slow, almost sluggish balloon safari, allowing time to explore the environment and wildlife below. Grassy plains, baobab trees, and rocky outcroppings tinged with the region's red soil, sliced through by the Tarangire River and the lush green of the Silale Swamp. Watch for huge herds of buffalo and elephants emerging from the swampy waters, their pristine grey and black hides glinting in the sunlight.
Ruaha Balloon Safari
A balloon safari in Ruaha National Park operates exclusively during the dry season, from June to October, and provides amazing views of the Ruaha River and the environment, which is dotted with huge baobab trees. The lofty vista, which is larger than the Serengeti National Park, helps you appreciate the scope of this one-of-a-kind site. The calm and consistent breezes this season allow for low-altitude flying just meters over the grunting hippo, as well as soaring to vast heights to appreciate the view over this region.
