Hot-Air Balloon
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A safari from the sky
Indulge in an unforgettable hot-air balloon safari, marvelling at the wildlife from aloft. Don’t let this unique adventure float away without you!
As the hot-air balloon pilot inflates the massive balloon for the final time, an incredible thrill fills your body as you gently rise into the crisp early morning skies above the endless savannahs of Tanzania or Kenya. Designed for small groups of adventurers, a hot-air balloon safari takes you above and beyond the ordinary, offering a breathtaking perspective that adds even more magic to your safari adventure.
Floating over the iconic Serengeti, Ruaha, the grasslands of the Masai Mara, or the red earth of Tarangire, you begin to truly grasp the enormity of the African landscape. From above, you witness the vast distances wildlife must travel and the challenges they endure for survival. The aerial view provides remarkable opportunities to see herds, predators, and daily wildlife interactions in a way that feels surreal.
With the right timing, a hot-air balloon safari grants a front-row seat to the world’s greatest migration spectacle. Watching over a million wildebeest from the skies leaves you in awe of nature’s scale and beauty. A hot-air balloon safari in Tanzania or Kenya is one of the most unforgettable experiences to include in your wildlife adventure.
Where to go on a Hot-Air Balloon Safari
Many beautiful boutique safari camps in East Africa offer hot-air balloon experiences that launch early to capture the magic of sunrise. We recommend bringing layered clothing, as mornings can be quite chilly both aloft and on the ground. This romantic adventure often concludes with a hearty champagne breakfast set on the open plains—a perfect ending to an unforgettable morning.
As these excursions depend on weather, they may be postponed or canceled if conditions are too windy or rainy. Speak with our experienced safari planners to help design the best itinerary and include this once-in-a-lifetime sky adventure. Operated by trusted third-party providers.
Serengeti Balloon Safari
The Serengeti is one of the world’s most famous national parks. It’s name means ‘endless plains’ and from up high you can truly appreciate the vastness and abundance of space. If you time your Serengeti balloon safari just right, you may even see the awe-inspiring Great Migration with its massive herds of wildebeest and zebra dotting the plains.
As you drift over this landscape, keep an eye out hippo in their pools, plentiful plains game and, with a bit of luck, predators on their morning hunt.
Balloon safaris in the Serengeti can be from Namiri Plains, Dunia, and Sayari. Our Migration Camps, and Olakira are ideal for balloon safaris over the Migration. The best time of year for a Serengeti balloon safari is during the drier months of the year; between June and November, and between mid-December to mid-March.
Masai Mara Balloon Safari
The staggering density of wildlife makes the Masai Mara one of the world’s most famous national parks, and a great place to enjoy a balloon safari. If you’re taking your hot-air balloon safari in the Masai Mara during migration season (August and September), you’ll see the true magnitude of the herds of wildebeest and zebra. If, however, you’re visiting after the rains, expect to see a magical sunrise over glittering rivers, pools with hippo, and plentiful plains game.
Masai Mara balloon safaris can be conveniently enjoyed from Rekero, as well as from Naboisho and Encounter Mara, and are best enjoyed during the dry months between June and October, and January and February.
Ruaha Balloon Safari
Operating exclusively during the dry season months from June to October, a balloon safari in Ruaha National Park offers spectacular views of the Ruaha River and the landscape dotted with giant baobab trees. Larger than the Serengeti National Park, the elevated viewpoint helps you understand the sheer enormity of this unique destination. The gentle and predictable winds through this season allow for low-altitude flying just meters above the grunting hippo, as well as climbing to great heights to enjoy the vantage point over this land.
Camps to select for a hot-air balloon safari include Jabali Ridge, Jabali Private House, and Kokoko Camp.
Tarangire Balloon Safari
The diversity of Tarangire National Park makes it a superb destination for a hot air balloon safari. The soft winds offer a slow, almost lazy, balloon safari, creating time to appreciate the landscape and wildlife below. Grassy plains, baobab trees, and rocky outcroppings, coloured with the red soil of this region, carved through by the Tarangire River and the lush green of the Silale Swamp. Watch for impressive herds of buffalo and elephant, their clean grey and black hides glinting in the sunlight as they emerge from the swampy waters.
Lets Plan Your Dream Safari
The Great Migration eBook
Learn everything you need to know about planning the ultimate Great Migration Safari in our eBook guide. Inside the guide you’ll find: a month-by-month summary; a detailed map of how the migration moves; a selection of the best places to stay on safari; and expert tips for an unforgettable safari.