Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Your Safari, summed up in a sunrise
A hot air balloon safari is one of the most magical ways to take in the vast beauty of Africa’s wilderness.
Imagine silently drifting above golden plains for about an hour, skimming treetops as the first rays of sunlight wash over the land, while herds of wildlife roam below. From this unique vantage point, every curve of the landscape and every movement of the animals comes alive in a way no ground-based experience can match.
Locations & Seasons
Balloon flights typically operate in prime wildlife areas with year-round game-viewing, but exact launch sites and seasons vary by region. Some areas offer daily flights throughout the year, while others operate during peak wildlife concentrations or migration periods. This ensures you can experience breathtaking scenery, and, with some luck, witness unforgettable wildlife spectacles from above.
Wildlife Highlights
In certain locations and seasons, balloon flights may coincide with major wildlife events, such as the Great Migration, birthing seasons, or predator-rich periods. These encounters depend on the natural movements of wildlife, so a touch of luck always plays a part.
Where can I do Hot Air Balloon Safaris?
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Serengeti National Park
The Serengeti is a vast natural wonder in northern Tanzania, stretching as far as the eye can see. Its name comes from the Maasai word "Siringet", meaning endless plains, a fitting description for its rolling grasslands and open skies. Covering nearly 15,000 square kilometers, the Serengeti is home to Africa’s largest and most diverse wildlife populations, making it one of the world’s greatest game drive destinations.A Year-Round Wildlife ParadiseEvery season in the Serengeti offers something unique. The dry months from June to October bring incredible wildlife viewing as animals gather around scarce water sources, while the green season transforms the park into a lush haven, alive with birdlife and newborn animals. Whether you’re spotting a pride of lions in the golden morning light or watching giraffes move gracefully across the plains, the Serengeti always delivers unforgettable moments.Witness the Great Wildebeest MigrationOne of nature’s most dramatic events, the Great Migration, unfolds across the Serengeti and the Masai Mara in Kenya. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, accompanied by thousands of zebras and gazelles, move in a circular route each year in search of fresh grazing. From river crossings in the north, where crocodiles wait below, to the calving season in the southern plains, every stage of this journey tells a story of survival and resilience.
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Tarangire National Park
Tarangire National Park is a jewel in Tanzania's northern safari circuit, renowned for its spectacular scenery and an unparalleled concentration of wildlife. The park's landscape is a captivating mix of grassy savannas, acacia woodlands, and ancient baobab trees that stand as silent sentinels over the plains. The Tarangire River, from which the park takes its name, is its lifeblood, attracting an astonishing number of animals during the dry season. This period, from June to October, transforms the park into a magnificent spectacle as thousands of animals, including massive herds of elephants, gather along the riverbanks to drink and graze.What sets Tarangire apart is its massive elephant population, the highest concentration of elephants in any park in Tanzania. Herds of up to 300 individuals can be seen traversing the park, a truly breathtaking sight. But the park's appeal extends far beyond these gentle giants. It is also home to a diverse array of other wildlife, including lions, leopards, and cheetahs, as well as an abundance of zebras, wildebeest, buffalo, and a variety of unique antelopes like the elegant fringe-eared oryx and the long-necked gerenuk. The swamps and riverine areas also provide a sanctuary for a thriving population of hippos and other water-loving animals.For bird enthusiasts, Tarangire is nothing short of a paradise, with over 550 bird species recorded. The park's diverse habitats, from its swamps and riverbanks to its woodlands and open plains, provide a haven for both resident and migratory birds. Visitors can spot everything from the colorful yellow-collared lovebirds to the majestic bateleur eagles. Whether you're a seasoned safari-goer or embarking on your first adventure, Tarangire offers a raw and authentic African experience, a place where the grandeur of nature unfolds on a magnificent scale and provides a deep connection to the wild heart of Tanzania.
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Lake Manyara National Park
Situated beneath the magnificent cliffs of the Great Rift Valley, Lake Manyara National Park is a compact yet incredibly diverse safari destination. Often referred to as "Ernest Hemingway's loveliest park," this scenic gem offers an extraordinary variety of habitats within a small area, from the lush groundwater forests at the park's entrance to the acacia woodlands and grassy floodplains that stretch to the shores of its namesake lake. This unique ecological tapestry supports an impressive concentration of wildlife and makes for a visually stunning backdrop to any safari.The park is famous for a few unique features. Most notably, Lake Manyara is one of the only places in Africa where you can spot the rare tree-climbing lions, often found lounging languidly in the branches of acacia and sausage trees. The park also boasts one of the highest concentrations of baboons in the world, with large, active troops providing constant entertainment. Beyond the primates and felines, visitors can expect to see large herds of elephants, which the park was originally established to protect, as well as buffalo, giraffes, wildebeest, and various antelopes.Lake Manyara itself is a shallow, alkaline lake that is a major attraction, especially for birdwatching. During the wet season, the lake is a breathtaking sight, with vast flocks of pink-hued flamingos creating a vibrant spectacle on its shores. Over 400 bird species have been recorded here, making it a true birder's paradise year-round. Beyond traditional game drives, the park also offers opportunities for canoeing on the lake, walking safaris along the rift valley escarpment, and a unique treetop walkway for a bird's-eye view of the forest canopy, providing a different perspective on this remarkable park.
Frequently Asked Questions about Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Where do balloon flights take off?
Launch sites vary by region. Some operate year-round in prime wildlife areas, while others run seasonally during peak wildlife activity or migration periods.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
Depending on location and season, you may spot elephants, giraffes, hippos, lions, zebras, and other wildlife. Some flights coincide with events like the Great Migration, but sightings are subject to nature’s rhythms.
How early does the day start?
Transfers typically begin before sunrise to catch the early light, often between 4:00 AM and 5:30 AM, depending on your lodge location.
What is included in the price?
The cost is US$ 550 per person, which includes transfers from your lodge, the balloon flight, and a champagne breakfast after landing. A portion of the fee also supports wildlife conservation.
Why are balloon flights expensive?
Operating balloons in remote wilderness areas requires top-condition equipment, skilled pilots and crew, vehicles, fuel, and backup support. A significant portion of the cost also goes toward conservation fees to protect the wildlife and habitats you’ll enjoy.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris Inclusive Packages (7)
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5 Days - Tanzania Safari Adventure
From
$1,850 pp (USD)
Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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3 Days - Exclusive Midrange Fly-in Experience - Serengeti & Ngorongoro
From
$1,650 pp (USD)
Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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10 Days - Tanzania Safari & Zanzibar Beach Adventure – Mid-Range Tour
From
$3,050 pp (USD)
Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Zanzibar
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3 Days - Tanzania Big Five Safari – Tarangire, Ngorongoro & Lake Manyara
From
$975 pp (USD)
Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park
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7 Days - The Ultimate Great Migration Safari
From
$2,650 pp (USD)
Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara National Park
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10 Days - Tanzania Great Migration Safari & Zanzibar Escape
From
$3,170 pp (USD)
Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area
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