BALLOON SAFARIS
Soar over East Africa on an aerial adventure
A balloon is the ideal safari vehicle, allowing you to float silently over the African plains without disturbing the wildlife below. With a quick blast of the burner, the basket can rise for panoramic views or descend to skim the grasslands. A hot air balloon ride provides a unique perspective of Tanzania, offering sights, sounds, and smells that few tourists experience. A balloon safari is a true adventure and a remarkable highlight of any Tanzanian journey.
This incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience offers a fantastic view of East Africa's scenic beauty, with the chance to drift unobtrusively over the wildlife and landscape below. The exceptional peace of this unique and almost otherworldly view will remain a truly cherished memory forever.
Your East African balloon safari adventure begins early in the morning, when you depart your lodge or camp. It will still be dark, and you may be lucky enough to spot nocturnal wildlife on your way to the launch site.
You will arrive at the launch site by 6 am and watch as the balloons are prepared for take-off. You will meet your pilot, who will provide a safety briefing and explain what you can expect during the flight.
As you board the balloon, you’ll rise gently from the ground. Meeting the sunrise, your balloon floats in whichever direction the winds of the day carry it across this wonderful area. You’ll lift off to a height of approximately 10–20 metres, leisurely floating with the wind.
At this altitude, you’ll enjoy a glorious view of the sunrise while looking out for animals below. The panoramic views from this height will leave you speechless, as you witness the majesty of the Tanzanian landscape.
At times, the flight may be low, offering a different perspective, while at other moments the balloon may soar to 1,000 metres or more. Your pilot, who knows the area well and is a dedicated conservationist, will point out animals, birds, and points of interest.
Upon landing, you can observe the complete deflation of the balloon envelope. Our vehicles will then transport you a short distance to breakfast.
Breakfast is set up on the picturesque savannah, typically under the shade of a solitary acacia tree. You will enjoy a full bush breakfast in the African style, complete with eggs cooked to order, fresh juices, waiters in traditional Swahili attire, and, of course, champagne.
During breakfast, you can view the photos your pilot took during the flight and decide whether you would like to purchase them, or any of the other merchandise on display. After breakfast, you will be taken to the rendezvous point to meet your driver-guide and continue with your day’s game drives.
The balloon typically accommodates about eight passengers, or up to sixteen in the larger balloons. Children under seven are not permitted. There is no maximum age, as long as you are fit, though it is advisable to consult your doctor before attempting this safari. Upon landing, you may experience bumps and jolts that could lead to back or joint pain afterwards.
A balloon safari can be included in most of our Northern Circuit itineraries, depending on the number of days, destinations, and weather conditions.
Contact us today to book your balloon safari – an absolutely unique, spectacular, and inspiring way to view the geography and wildlife.
