Hot air balloon safaris

What is a Hot Air Balloon Safari?

For those that are unfamiliar with this epic adventure, the excursions are conducted in the early morning hours, offering guests an incredible opportunity to witness not just nature and wildlife from a stunning vantage point, but to experience an African sunrise like no other, too.

This unique balloon safari experience also means that guests can witness some magnificent animals awaken from their slumber, like never before. As the hot air balloon ascends into the morning sky, passengers are able to spot some of the world’s most recognisable animals, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and rhinos, too. Not only are hot air balloon safaris a truly special experience that is sure to become a memory of a lifetime; but these early morning adventures are a truly peaceful experience that offers a tranquil view of the African bush, in a way that game drives do not allow.

What is the best time of year for Balloon Safaris?

As hot air balloon rides are entirely dependent on weather, we would recommend that balloon safari trips be booked during the dry season. It is likely that you are already planning your safari holiday during the dry season, as this is typically the tourist season across Africa, but booking during this period will give your trip the biggest chance of going ahead without a hitch.

Dry season is characterised by its typical low levels of rainfall, high humidity and of course, high temperatures. This season runs from June to October, and flying in these months is highly recommended due to the calm, clear, and generally minimal winds, which all create ideal flying conditions.

However, the balloon safaris are operated throughout the year and even after the wet season this is an amazing spectacle with the with the lush green savannahs. Book this experience throughout the year, but make sure you book in advance as there is very limited spaces per day with each operator only flying during the sunrise and early morning hours.

Where are the best places in Africa for a Hot Air Balloon Safari?

Whilst you can embark on epic hot air balloon rides across the world, it’s true that the African continent offers the most sought-after and idyllic balloon safari trips possible. The wealth of choice in destination and National Park can be largely overwhelming, so to guide you on your travel journey, we have put together a mini guide to our favourite African balloon safari destinations below.

Masai Mara National Reserve

Perhaps one of the most popular and well-known areas in Africa to embark on hot air balloon trips and safaris, The Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, is a great destination for those looking to book their first hot air balloon ride. Situated along the Tanzanian border, The Masai Mara National Reserve is arguably most well-known for the Masai people; a semi-nomadic tribe that still resides in the Reserve today, having done so for centuries.
Tourists visiting the Masai Mara National Reserve often experience the pleasure of seeing lions and elephants, with a hot air balloon ride offering a spectacular vantage point for this.

Amboseli National Park

Also situated in Kenya, Amboseli National Park is a spectacular area of vast, luscious landscape, offering guests a fantastic opportunity to spot beautiful elephant herds.

Tourists often visit the Park for its unparalleled views of Mount Kilimanjaro, and similarly to the Masai Mara National Reserve, a number of Maasai tribes and villages can be found here. Perfect not just for hot air balloon safaris, but for game drives and walking safaris, too, Amboseli National Park is a perfect option for those looking to experience a balloon safari.

Serengeti National Park

For balloon safari options in Tanzania, located in the Northern safari sector, is Serengeti National Park. Most famous for tourists looking to experience the famous wildebeest Great Migration, the Serengeti National Park is hugely impressive, and one of the largest National Parks in all of Africa.
Here, guests are presented with the opportunity to discover hundreds of species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, and for this reason, it is not hard to see why the Serengeti National Park is often hailed as one of the best balloon safari options in Tanzania.

The balloon safaris are available from various locations. Central Serengeti being year-round, but other seasonal locations such as Ndutu (Southern), Grumeti (Western) and Kogatende (Northern). Depending on the time of year and your location our knowledgeable consultants will suggest the right launch site for your memorable balloon experience.

Tarangire National Park

Located in the Manyara Region of Tanzania is Tarangire National Park. Similar to Amboseli National Park, the Tarangire National Park is known worldwide for its elephant inhabitants, but this area is also popular with those looking to see its Baobab trees.

Guests regularly stay in some of the area’s unique lodges and camps, offering the opportunity for tourists to see some of Tanzania’s fantastic wildlife up close.

Ruaha National Park

Finally, Ruaha National Park is one of southern Tanzania’s national parks, which is the largest in Tanzania, and one of the largest in all of Africa. Like the aforementioned parks, Ruaha is home to an eclectic mix of animals and wildlife but is perhaps most well-known for the area’s unique hot springs, as well as the Great Ruaha River.

Booking Your Hot Air Balloon Safari

If you are looking to explore your options when it comes to a hot air balloon Safari in Tanzania or Kenya please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team here at ARP Africa Travel.

If you are heading out to a pre-booked trip soon, we would be happy to advise on future excursions or adventures that are ready to be had during your African trip, and you can find out more about these in our resource downloads. Until then, we wish you a wonderful ride: relax and enjoy the ascent, as you take in the stunning views from above.