Ruaha & Serengeti balloon safaris
A balloon safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro area, Tarangire or Ruaha National Park can be described in one word – magical. In the chilly morning darkness keep your eyes firmly on the vehicle’s headlights to see antelopes leap in front of you. Arrive at the launch site, climb into the basket to be warmed by the burners and rise softly in the twilight. At altitude witness the sunrise over Tanzania. Drift silently over rivers, trees, and savannahs with the wildlife in motion below. Gently land to enjoy a champagne breakfast under the shade of a giant acacia tree.
A balloon safari in Tanzania is going to be one of the most special moments in your life. Honeymooners or hopeless romantics will adore drifting over the heart of Africa’s wilderness – an experience that will stay with you forever. With baskets varying in size, it is possible to enjoy a private experience as a couple or family, or as part of groups of up to 16 people.
"We also went on the balloon ride, it was our first balloon ride. Our pilot Joe “welcomed us to his office”, the ride was graceful and amazing. My husband Boyd does not like heights and it didn’t bother him at all."Cathy & Boyd | Balloon Safari Tanzania
Tanzania’s northern Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area form part of a huge ecosystem, which allows for the incredible wildebeest migration to exist. Flights take place in the central, western, southern, and northern parts of the Serengeti allowing passengers to see the migration from above. The Ruaha National Park and Tarangire National Park have incredible wildlife numbers and huge baobabs trees. Here your pilot artfully navigates you over the rivers and tree canopies to see copious wildlife below.
Clear skies and light steady winds are needed for balloon safaris – luckily, this type of weather is prevalent in the morning Tanzania all year round. As balloon safaris take to the air it is possible to journey through the sky when vehicles will get stuck in the mud. This makes enjoying a flight over nature possible all year round. Tanzania has a tropical climate with two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. Dry landscapes with wildlife congregating around water sources can be expected in the dry seasons, whilst green landscapes, dramatic weather and light can be experienced in the rainy seasons.
June until OctoberBest for witnessing the wildebeest migration from above
June until OctoberBest 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.
March until MayBest for seeing green landscapes with crystal-clear skies
March until MayBest 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.
Special times in life deserve special moments. This combination of safari on land and by air will be an experience that you will treasure forever. When you book a multi-day safari with us, we can easily add a balloon safari as activity to your personalised itinerary.
Places Tarangire National Park, Lake Manyara National Park, Serengeti National Park, Karatu, Ngorongoro Crater
from 2,800 USD per person sharing
Places Tarangire National Park, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater
from 2,540 USD (based on 7 persons)
If you are planning a balloon safari, it is important to stay in the national parks, as you will have to rise early to drive to the launch site in the morning. In the Serengeti balloon safaris take place year-round in Central Serengeti, whilst Western, Northern and Southern Serengeti launch sites are seasonal. Exceptional places to stay, from campsites to luxury lodges with pools, are available throughout the park. Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Ruaha National Park and Tarangire National Park are also home to world-class accommodations. One of our country experts would be happy to help you plan the perfect accommodation for you.
A balloon safari lasts approximately one hour, and tradition dictates that every flight will be celebrated will a glass or two of champagne. Having landed and enjoyed bubbles in the bundu, you will be taken to the shade of a giant tree to enjoy a scrumptious bush breakfast.
Tanzania balloon safaris start at sun rise, early in the morning.
Serengeti balloon safaris are the most popular. You can also fly in Ruaha, Tarangire and the Ngorongoro Region.
The pilot will do a safety briefing ahead of the balloon safari.
Seeing the national parks from above is an incredible experience.
Booking a balloon safari with us is only possible in combination with one of our safaris to the Serengeti National Park, Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater or Ruaha National Park. This simplifies the process for you, as we handle the tricky part of organising your transport, accommodation and arranging your flight.
Balloon safaris in Tanzania are not recommended for people with heart conditions, mobility issues, back or neck conditions or if you are pregnant. The good news is there is no upper age limit. All passengers must be mobile with the ability to bend at the knees, grip onto ropes and climb into the basket.
Rise at 4am to arrive at the launch site around 5:15am where the crew will set up the balloon. Having been briefed on the safety procedures by the captain you take off at 6:45am. After an approximate one-hour flight you will gently return to the ground. Following a champagne toast at 8:30am, you will be taken to enjoy a bush breakfast under the shade of a giant Acacia tree.
Tanzania’s weather offers great conditions for balloon safaris all year round. However, safety is always the top priority: should a balloon ride have to be cancelled due to unfavourable weather conditions, you will be refunded your money or can postpone the ride to the next day.
Mornings start off very cold but warm up quickly, so a warm layer that you can remove later is essential. Trousers, long-sleeved shirts, and a hat to protect from the radiant heat from the burners are important. Passengers can bring a small bag onto the flight, which is perfect for storing cameras, binoculars and suncream.
Many passengers who are scared of heights confess to not having sensed the fear of vertigo because the huge wicker basket provides a sense of safety. What’s more, the basket moves in sync with the balloon. Consequently, it does not sway, and passengers rarely experience motion sickness.
With our partner’s thirty years of experience, you will be in safe hands. Experienced pilots carefully assess weather forecasts to decide if it is safe to fly. Luckily, the weather in Tanzania is relatively consistent making it possible to fly almost all year round.
The balloon equipment used is of the best quality and is kept in the best condition. As a result, the balloons are retired after only 850 hours of flight to ensure all the equipment is in perfect working order. The wicker baskets have individual compartments that hold 2 to 4 people, plus, a seat, safety belt and a rope around the inside edge to give you something secure to hold onto.
Before take-off, the pilot will run through all the safety instructions so that you know what to do and expect during the flight. You will then journey over the landscape to return gently to the ground one hour later.
Children from seven years old can take part in a balloon safari. However, if your child is six years old, 1.40cm tall, understands English and listens to instructions it is possible for them to use a special cushion and seatbelt so they can also join the balloon safari.
If your children are under six years of age they can be looked after by a dedicated chaperone on the ground who will accompany them in a vehicle to where you will touch down, so that they can watch you arrive and then enjoy the bush breakfast with you.
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