Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Africa: Destinations, Cost, Reviews
Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Africa —An Amazing Way to See Africa.
Bill Starr, a traveller with the Bespoke African Safari Co., has done things like leap off of airplanes. He returns to Alaska each year to go fishing amidst wild bears. However, he claims that his hot air balloon trip over the Serengeti was the most incredible experience of his life. A plethora of creatures, including wildebeests, zebras, ostriches, and hyenas, stretched out before him, he said. “That is unmatched. You absolutely must experience that balloon journey for yourself; I could go on and on about it.
A hot air balloon flight over Africa’s animals is an unforgettable experience. They offer a unique perspective on the Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, the otherworldly desert scenery in Namibia’s Sossuvlei, and the gushing waters of Uganda’s Murchison Falls.
A balloon safari was also an option for Becky Raab’s family’s Tanzanian vacation with The Bespoke African Safari Co. The expansive views and the intimacy of the animal encounters both took her by surprise. They observed a group of hippos while gliding low over a body of water. Just below the surface of the water, the animals’ wide bodies could be seen, and their snouts could be seen poking out.
Hundreds, if not thousands, of wildebeest galloped across the plains later on while Becky and her family watched. “Exploring the herds of wildebeest from above was an absolutely unforgettable experience,” she said.
Our Top Hot Air Balloon Safari Destinations
If you’re planning a hot air balloon safari, we suggest going to one of the most iconic and original safari locations in Africa, like Tanzania’s Serengeti or Kenya’s Masai Mara, to really appreciate the bird’s-eye view.
What to Expect on a Hot Air Balloon Safari
While every balloon safari is different, most take off shortly after sunrise to take advantage of the milder weather, more light, and plethora of wildlife that emerges as the sun comes up. Listen to the dawn chorus of nature as you observe the balloon being inflated.
Every single flight is unique. The wind has complete control on your course and the details you perceive. The flight duration can vary from forty-five minutes to an hour, depending on the weather conditions of the day.
The altitude of your balloon, however, is one of many variables that are under the control of the pilot. Your pilot will take you to amazing vantage points and photo ops of the wildlife below, whether that’s at treetop height or lower, depending on your surroundings. Sometimes the pilot will take you over 1,000 feet to give you a better look at the massive terrain.
A champagne toast to the end of the flight is customary upon landing. It is common practice to have a full English breakfast outside close to the landing spot after morning flights, so you can enjoy your meal while taking in the same breathtaking views you had from above.
Can Kids Go on a Hot Air Balloon Safari
Of course! Hot air balloon rides are great for families since everyone can enjoy the scenery from above. Passengers must be at least four feet tall and seven years old to ride in a balloon. Standing independently, following the pilot’s instructions, and seeing over the side of the basket are all necessary abilities for passengers.
Susan Thurston went on a safari to Tanzania with her son and some relatives and friends that The Bespoke African Safari Co. had organized. A highlight of the trip for the group, which consisted of two preteens and two teenagers, was going on a balloon ride together. What an incredible experience, Susan exclaimed. “We happened to be there at the very start of the Great Migration… I felt like I was watching a TV show. Impressive, remarkable, outstanding.
Hot Air Balloon Safari Destinations
Across Africa, you may go on hot air balloon rides over everything from river deltas to deserts, all from national parks and other beautiful locales. Listed below are only a handful.
- Botswana—Okavango Delta and Seloko Plains (near Chobe Riverfront)
- Kenya—Masai Mara
- Namibia—Sossuvlei in Namib Naukluft National Park
- South Africa—Drakensberg Mountains, Kruger National Park, Cape Winelands, Pilanesberg National Park, and Cradle of Humankind
- Tanzania—Serengeti National Park, Ruaha National Park, and Tarangire National Park
- Uganda—Murchison Falls National Park
- Zambia—Kafue National Park
What’s Safari on a hot air balloon in Serengeti, Tanzania
Planning a hot air balloon safari
As an exciting addition to any safari, the experts at the Bespoke African Safari Co. are always happy to assist clients in organizing hot air balloon safaris.
You should plan your hot air balloon excursion to Africa in plenty of time before you even think of traveling there. We are here to assist you in planning the perfect hot air balloon journey by suggesting the top locations and assisting you in incorporating the experience into your schedule.
Instead of saving your hot air balloon safari for your final day of your park or area visit, we suggest booking it earlier in your stay. The reason for this is because balloon releases can be postponed due to bad weather. Not leaving the region on the same day gives you greater leeway to change your schedule.
Is a dream safari something you’re interested in learning more about? Assist is at hand. Reach out to us now.
Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Africa: Top Picks
Sunrise is the time for ballooning, so getting up early with a hot cup of coffee and braving the cold journey to the launch is a must. You can’t help but feel a swell of exhilaration as the massive balloons gently fill with hot air and float weightlessly above their attached baskets. You’ll feel the rush and the unexpected calmness of cruising altitude more acutely because takeoff is a loud and choppy process. The only sounds you’ll hear are the gentle whistle of the wind and the infrequent “ooohs” from your fellow explorers, broken only by the crackle of the heating flame. Layer up – the mountain top is frigid!
As the first light of day breaks over the eastern horizon, the earth underneath you remains serene and serenely silent. Animals become more active as the weather warms up; the chilly morning hours are ideal for game viewing, and a hot air balloon offers a breathtaking panorama of the plains. Because balloons, unlike helicopters and small planes, can fly quite low above large herds, they offer a unique opportunity to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in all its glory.
A magnificent champagne breakfast will be waiting for you when you return to solid ground; it will be prepared and served on the savannah, making it the ideal finale to an unforgettable and peaceful safari.