Hot Air Balloon Experience

Tanzania Hot Air Balloon Safari

A balloon safari in Tanzania’s iconic parks Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, or Ruaha, is an experience that blends tranquility and exhilaration in a truly magical way. Your adventure begins in the early morning darkness, with the headlights illuminating antelopes as they dash across the savannah. As you arrive at the launch site, you climb into the basket, greeted by the warmth of the burners. Slowly, the balloon ascends, and you watch the first light of dawn stretch across the horizon, painting the sky with hues of pink and orange. As you soar above rivers, forests, and sweeping plains, the wildlife below comes to life, offering an intimate, bird’s-eye view of Tanzania’s incredible ecosystems. The journey culminates in a peaceful landing, followed by a refreshing champagne breakfast beneath the shade of an ancient acacia tree, a moment to savor the serenity and beauty of this unforgettable experience.

What You Will Experience

Embarking on a Tanzania Hot Air Balloon Safari is an enchanting journey that elevates the safari experience to new heights, both literally and metaphorically. As you gently ascend into the dawn-lit sky, the vast landscapes of Tanzania’s renowned national parks unfold beneath you. The sweeping panoramas reveal the beauty of the African savannah, dotted with acacia trees and teeming with diverse wildlife.

From the vantage point of the hot air balloon, you have a bird’s-eye view of the sprawling plains, witnessing the subtle nuances of the ecosystem as the sun casts a warm glow over the landscape. The tranquility of the balloon ride is punctuated by moments of excitement as you spot herds of elephants, giraffes gracefully moving through the treetops, and predators on the prowl. The silent drift of the balloon provides a unique and serene perspective, allowing for an intimate connection with nature. As you descend, a sumptuous champagne breakfast awaits, set against the backdrop of the African wilderness.

Top Balloon safari destinations

Serengeti Balloon Safari

A Serengeti balloon safari offers a breathtaking aerial view of the park’s vast plains, where you may witness the Great Migration, spot hippos, plains game, and even predators on the hunt. Flights depart from Namiri Plains, Dunia, and Sayari, with Ubuntu and Olakira camps ideal for Migration views. The best time to go is during the dry months from June to November and mid-December to mid-March.

Tarangire Balloon Safari

Tarangire National Park's diverse landscapes and mild breezes make it perfect for a slow-paced hot air balloon safari. As you float above grassy plains, ancient baobabs, and rocky outcrops, the Tarangire River and lush Silale Swamp add striking contrasts. Below, massive herds of elephants and buffalo emerge from the waters, their hides glistening in the sunlight.

Ruaha Balloon Safari

A Ruaha National Park balloon safari, available only from June to October, offers breathtaking views of the vast landscape, larger than the Serengeti. Drifting over the Ruaha River and towering baobabs, the gentle dry-season breezes allow for both low-altitude flights above grunting hippos and high ascents for panoramic vistas of this remote wilderness.

Ngorongoro Balloon Safari

A Ngorongoro Crater balloon safari offers a breathtaking aerial view of this iconic landscape year-round. As you glide over wildlife-rich plains, lush greenery, and Ngorongoro Lake, herds of wildebeest and zebras roam below. The shifting light enhances the scenery, and on clear days, Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak may appear on the horizon, adding to the unforgettable experience.

Best Time For Balloon Safari In Tanzania

Balloon safaris require clear sky and light, consistent winds; fortunately, this type of weather is common in Tanzania’s mornings throughout year. As balloon safaris rise to the air, it is possible to go through the sky while automobiles become trapped in the mud. This allows you to fly over nature at any time of year. Tanzania has a tropical climate, with two dry seasons and two wet seasons. During the dry season, expect dry landscapes with fauna congregating around water sources, while the rainy season brings verdant landscapes, dramatic weather, and light.

Dry Season

June until October Best for witnessing the wildebeest migration from above

The main dry season from June to October is the most popular time to take a safari in Tanzania. The weather is dry and pleasant with a minimal chance of rain. Throughout Tanzania, it is the best time to see the wildlife as the vegetation is lower and the wildlife does not stray too far from water sources. In the Serengeti and neighbouring Ngorongoro region, you can see the savannahs from above, whilst in Ruaha National Park and Tarangire National Park you can see huge herds of buffalo and elephants. The second shorter dry period from January to February is a great time for spotting animals.

Green Season

March until May Best for seeing green landscapes with crystal-clear skies

The main rainy season is from March to May when it usually rains heavily on a daily basis. Luckily, it tends to rain in the afternoons, evenings or during the night in dramatic thunderstorms. The mornings tend to be rain-free and early morning balloon safaris are rarely affected. The short rains, which are less predictable occur from November to December in short afternoon thunderstorms. Both rainy seasons turn the landscapes green, whilst cloud formations are beautiful and the light tends to be crisp and golden. It is a beautiful time to see wild Africa from above.

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Tanzania Guided Wildlife Safari Tours

Looking for the ultimate safari experience? We’ve got packages designed for everyone—luxury, mid-range, or budget. Our expert guides will take you through Tanzania’s most famous parks, where wildlife and adventure await you. Your safari will be one for the books. Pick the safari package as per your choice, and let’s create memories you’ll cherish forever!