Tanzania · hot air balloon safari
Glide above the Serengeti, Ruaha, Masai Mara or Tarangire at sunrise
There are safaris you never forget. And then there are the moments that transcend everything (literally and figuratively).
Experience Africa like very few travelers ever do.
Without you almost noticing, the earth lets go of you. You ascend, and beneath you, thousands of wild animals awaken.
This is one of the most extraordinary safari experiences East Africa has to offer.
Five reasons why a hot air balloon ride absolutely belongs on your bucket list
- You see the savannah from a unique perspective: where a normal safari takes you right into the midst of the animals, a hot air balloon shows the complete landscape.
- The sunrise over Africa is breathtaking: there are few places on Earth where a sunrise is as impressive as over the Serengeti.
- You experience complete peace: in a hot air balloon you hear… absolutely nothing.
Only the wind
- Wildlife spotting takes on a whole new dimension: from the balloon, you see much more than from the ground.
- It is a memory you cherish for a lifetime: many travelers ultimately call their balloon ride the absolute highlight of their safari.
An experience you feel
Imagine.
The sun slowly rises above the horizon. Your balloon floats silently over the endless grasslands.
Below, you see a herd of elephants slowly walking towards a watering hole. A group of giraffes looks up curiously while a zebra disappears into the tall grass.
Your partner subtly takes your hand.
No one says anything.
Words are simply not necessary at that moment.
These are exactly the moments for which people travel to Africa.
Practical
How do you plan a hot air balloon safari?
When is the best time to take a hot air balloon ride?
In terms of season, these are the most popular months:
- January through March: many young animals in Ndutu and the south of Serengeti.
- June through October: dry season with excellent safari conditions.
- July through October: the ideal period to combine the Great Migration with a hot air balloon ride in Masai Mara.
- November and December: beautiful green landscape after the first rains.
Where can you fly in a hot air balloon?
The best-known locations are:
What do you get in return?
A balloon ride lasts about one hour on average.
In addition, you always enjoy:
- transport from your camp, in the form of a short night game drive;
- a professional briefing;
- a safe flight;
- an extensive champagne breakfast;
- a certificate as a memento of your flight.
Is a hot air balloon ride suitable for everyone?
A hot air balloon ride is suitable for almost anyone with normal fitness.
However, it is important that you can get in and out of the basket independently. Additional conditions often apply to young children and pregnant travelers.
F.A.Q.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a balloon ride in East Africa safe?
YES! Balloon flights are operated by experienced pilots and are highly dependent on weather conditions. Flights only take place when it is safe.
Is a hot air balloon ride worth the price?
For many travelers, this is undoubtedly the highlight of their entire safari. The combination of silence, nature, wildlife, and the unique experience makes it an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Do I need to book a balloon ride in advance?
In principle yes, because only a limited number of places are available daily. Especially during the high season, balloon flights are often fully booked months in advance. However, you can often still secure a seat at the last minute (a few weeks beforehand).
In summary
- ✔ Experience Tanzania or Kenya from a unique perspective at sunrise.
- ✔ Enjoy absolute tranquility, impressive wildlife, and an unforgettable breakfast in the bush.
- ✔ For many travelers, a hot air balloon ride is the ultimate memory of their safari in East Africa.
A safari at your own pace
Every trip is custom-designed in consultation with local guides in Tanzania. Tell us when you want to travel and what you hope to experience — you will receive a personalized, no-obligation proposal within 48 hours.