Balloon Safaris: Africa’s Hot Air Balloon Rides & Destinations
A safari from the sky – Africa’s Hot Air Balloon Rides & Destinations
Experience an extraordinary hot-air balloon safari, observing wildlife from above. Do not let this exceptional opportunity to elude you!
As the hot-air balloon safari pilot inflates the colossal balloon for the final time, a distinct exhilaration courses through your body as you ascend into the pristine early morning sky above the boundless savannahs of Tanzania or Kenya. Your hot-air balloon tour, typically intended for a limited number of explorers, elevates you beyond the ordinary. This encounter ensures a visual perspective that enhances the enjoyment of an already diverse Kabira safari trip.
While flying above the renowned plains of the Serengeti, Ruaha, the meadows of the Masai Mara, or the crimson soil of Tarangire, one gains a deeper appreciation for the vastness of the landscape. The viewpoint illustrates the distance that migratory herds must traverse and the obstacles wildlife must surmount to endure. A hot-air balloon safari provides a distinctive perspective as you soar above wildlife, observing their everyday challenges and the photographic opportunities they create.
A hot-air balloon safari, when timed appropriately, can offer an unparalleled view of the world’s most magnificent wildlife migration. Observing the herds from an aerial vantage point will contextualize their population, instilling a sense of wonder at the vastness of 1.5 million wildebeest. A hot-air balloon safari in Kenya and Tanzania is among the most widely endorsed experiences to enhance your adventure-laden animal observation activities.
Africa’s Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Few experiences rival observing herds of wildebeest or zebra from a hot air balloon at sunrise.
This exceptional expedition provides a distinctive viewpoint and excellent photographic prospects. The exhilarating experience of ballooning over locations such as the Serengeti Plains in Tanzania is defined by a liberating sensation of space, as memorable as the game viewing itself.
Wildlife trails, created by generations of animals, will be discernible but are imperceptible from the ground. The balloon’s altitude will fluctuate from nearly ground level to over 1,000 feet, providing diverse vistas during the trip. The pilots possess extensive knowledge of the region and are dedicated conservationists. Following your hour-long trip, you may contemplate and savour a delectable champagne brunch in the wilderness.
Africa’s Destinations for Hot Air Balloons Safaris
Sossusvlei, Namibia’s Hot Air Balloon Safari
Namibia is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, particularly the iconic sand dunes of Sossusvlei. The experience focusses less on wildlife observation—despite the potential sightings of oryx, springbok, and ostrich—and more on the appreciation of the stunning desert landscape. Few experiences can adequately prepare one for the striking contrasts between the towering golden dunes and the vibrant cobalt sky! A voyage in the skies provides a distinctive opportunity to explore the sublime majesty of this highly picturesque region.
We consistently recommend a balloon flight for guests residing two or three nights here. Several high-quality resorts are available, but our preferences are &Beyond Sossusvlei Desert Lodge and Wilderness Little Kulala.
Kenya’s Hot Air Balloon Safaris
A hot air balloon safari in Kenya provides a captivating opportunity to see the renowned scenery and diverse wildlife of the nation. Anticipate observing elephants, giraffes, antelope, zebras, gazelles, and wildebeest gathering below.
Soaring over the golden plains in a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara, you will observe its renowned savannah brimming with wildlife. Visiting during the Great Wildebeest Migration allows you to observe millions of wildebeest, zebras, and antelope traversing the vast plains on their annual journey.
Tanzania’s Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Experience an unparalleled trip on a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania, featuring stunning vistas of expansive grasslands interspersed with acacia trees and whistling thorns. From your airborne perspective, remain vigilant for the Big 5, as well as grazing antelope, zebras, giraffes, and an abundance of wildebeest.
Why not substitute a conventional morning 4×4 wildlife drive with a hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti? It is an exceptional method to observe the Great Migration from an aerial perspective. Following your aerial experience, indulge in a sparkling breakfast beneath the expansive canopy of a colossal acacia tree to commence the day on an elevated note.
South Africa’s Hot Air Balloon Safaris
In South Africa, numerous alternatives are available for hot air ballooning. Pilanesberg National Park, situated a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, is established within an ancient volcanic crater. This wildlife-abundant national park hosts the renowned Big 5, with regular observations near Mankwe Dam. Experience the picturesque Panorama Route and admire the splendour of the Drakensberg mountains and the breathtaking Blyde River Canyon from an elevated perspective.
Optimise your layover in Johannesburg by embarking on a hot air balloon tour over the stunning Magaliesberg mountains and the Cradle of Humankind. Additionally, there is the esteemed Cape Winelands, where one may admire the lush vineyards, scenic valleys, and imposing mountains from an elevated perspective.
Masai Mara’s Hot Air Balloon Safaris
A balloon safari in the Masai Mara, Kenya, provides a distinctive vantage point of the expansive grassland and its fauna. The flight generally endures for approximately one hour, succeeded by a champagne bush breakfast post-landing. The experience typically encompasses animal observation, a tranquil ride, and possibilities for photography.
Flying in a hot air balloon over the Masai Mara plains is a unique experience that you can partake in during any safari to Maasai Mara. The balloon ascends at dawn, approximately 6 AM, gliding gently over the savannah grasslands below, where various species may be observed. The flight endures for one hour and culminates with a “Champagne Bush Breakfast” at the balloon landing point in the bush. The balloon is operated by a fully qualified and experienced pilot, and the balloons are predominantly manufactured by Cameron, a specialist in hot air balloon production in Great Britain. Basket sizes differ, and it is advisable to reserve the ride in advance, as capacity is often restricted to a maximum of 16 passengers per balloon, often less with a smaller basket. Images provided by Governors Balloons.
Botswana’s Hot Air Balloon Safaris
With the sun rising over this amazing sanctuary, hot air balloon tours in the Okavango Delta will allow you to glide serenely over this wonderful nature while taking in breathtaking morning vistas. Elephants are easily spotted when the bush gradually comes to life, but if you look closely, you might also notice hippos returning to the river, plains game lounging on the plains, and giraffes peeking out from beneath the lower branches.
Only a few camps are able to provide this extraordinarily unique activity since they can get to the hot air balloon launch spot. Fortunately, they offer a variety of lodging options, from the most opulent to the most basic bush camps. To get to some locations, a quick helicopter journey is necessary.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Africa
Ballooning occurs at daybreak, necessitating an early wake-up with hot coffee and a brisk drive to the launch site. A thrill of anticipation courses through you as the large balloons gradually inflate with heated air, ascending heavily above their secured baskets. The take-off is a cacophonous and turbulent experience, which amplifies the exhilaration and heightens the abrupt tranquilly upon attaining cruising altitude. The sound of the heating flame disrupts the silence, accompanied by the gentle whistling of air currents and intermittent exclamations of ‘oooh’ from your fellow adventurers. Dress warmly as the temperature is low at that location!
The terrain beneath you is tranquil in the serenity of dawn as the sunlight reveals vibrant hues on the eastern horizon. As the planet heats, fauna begins to migrate; the coolness of dawn is optimal for wildlife observation, and a hot air balloon provides an exceptional vantage point of the plains. The balloon can traverse at a relatively low altitude over large herds, unlike helicopters and light aircraft, rendering it one of the most optimal methods to observe the grandeur of the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Upon your return to firm ground, a splendid champagne breakfast awaits, meticulously prepared and served on the savannah — an ideal conclusion to an exceptional and tranquil safari experience.
