Balloon Safari Locations
Balloon safaris are offered in multiple prime locations across Tanzania, each providing a unique and breathtaking experience. Below are some of the top spots where you can enjoy a hot air balloon ride:
- Serengeti National Park: The most popular destination for balloon safaris, famous for the Great Migration. Drift above the vast plains and watch as large herds of wildebeest, zebra, and other animals move across the landscape. You’ll also spot resident predators such as lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
- Tarangire National Park: Known for its large elephant population and iconic baobab trees, Tarangire offers a stunning landscape rich with wildlife. Floating above the park, you'll have the chance to see elephants roaming in family groups, along with a variety of other species like giraffes, buffalos, and migratory birds.
- Ruaha National Park: A more remote and off-the-beaten-path destination, Ruaha is Tanzania's largest national park. This park offers a raw and untouched wilderness experience with fewer tourists. The landscape is dotted with rolling hills, towering baobabs, and a high concentration of predators. Giraffes, zebras, and impalas can be seen grazing below during your flight.
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area: Although ballooning inside the crater itself isn’t allowed, flights over the surrounding highlands and the open grasslands of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area provide spectacular views of volcanic formations and wildlife-rich plains.
- Selous Game Reserve (now Nyerere National Park): One of the largest game reserves in Africa, Selous offers an incredible balloon safari experience in a diverse environment of wetlands, savannahs, and river systems. Expect to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and more as you glide over the Rufiji River.
Activity Description
Your hot air balloon adventure begins before dawn, as you are picked up from your accommodation and driven to the launch site. The crew will greet you and offer a safety briefing before the balloon is inflated and ready for flight. As you gently lift off, you’ll experience the Serengeti, Tarangire, Ruaha, or another stunning Tanzanian landscape from an entirely new perspective.
The balloon floats gracefully over the landscape for about an hour, offering opportunities to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, take stunning aerial photos, and enjoy the peaceful tranquility of the early morning air. After the flight, a champagne toast awaits, followed by a full English bush breakfast served in a scenic location.
Each balloon safari is designed to complement standard safari itineraries, ensuring that you can continue with other planned activities for the rest of the day. With limited balloon flights available each day, it’s recommended to book in advance to secure your spot on this exceptional journey.