Balloon Safaris in Tanzania Destinations like Serengeti, Ngorongoro Area, Tarangire or Ruaha National Park can be described as 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’s savannah landscape. Silently drift over rivers, trees, and savannahs with the wildlife in the motion below. Gently land to enjoy a champagne breakfast under the shade of a giant acacia tree and toast to a successfully magical experience.
Who should go on balloon safaris in Tanzania?
A balloon safari in Tanzania is one of the most special moments you should enjoy once in a life time. Honeymooners or hopeless romantics will adore drifting over the heat 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.
The following should go on a balloon safari in Tanzania
- Honeymooners
- Romantics
- Serenity Seekers
- Nature Lovers
Where to experience Balloon Safaris in 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 baobab trees.
In these destinations your pilot artfully navigates you over the rivers and tree canopies to see wildlife below.
Where to Go on Balloon Safaris in Tanzania
- Serengeti National Park
- Tarangire National Park
- Ngorongoro Conservation Area
- Ruaha National Park
When to Go for Balloon Safaris in Tanzania
For balloon safaris, clear skies and light steady winds are needed. 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 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.
Dry Season – June to October
June to October is the main dry season from June to October and is the best time for witnessing the wildebeest migration from above, this also the most popular time to take a safari in Tanzania. The weather is dry and pleasant with a minimal chance of rain. Through 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 neighboring 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.
Rainy Season – March – May
This is the main rainy season in Tanzania, best for seeing green landscapes with crystal-clear skies. In this season it 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.
Highlights of Balloon Safaris in Tanzania
What to expect on balloon safaris in Tanzania
A balloon safari lasts approximately one hour, and tradition dictates that every flight will be celebrated with 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.
How to plan a balloon safari in Tanzania
Bookings
Booking a balloon safari with Explore Eco Safaris is only possible in combination with one of our safaris to 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 organizing your transport.
Who can fly?
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 bed at the knees, grip onto ropes and climb into the basket.
Timings
Rise at 4 am and head to the launch site around 5:15 am where the crew will set up the balloon. Having been briefed on the safety procedures by the captain you take off at 6.45 am. After an approximate one-hour flight you will gently return to the ground. Following a champagne toast at 8:30 am, you will be taken to enjoy a bush breakfast under the shade of a giant Acacia tree.
Weather
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 canceled due to unfavorable weather conditions, you will be refunded your money or can postpone the ride to the next day.
Clothing
Mornings start off very cold but warm up quickly, so a warm layer that you can remove later is essential. Trousers, long-sleeved shorts, 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 sunscreen.
Scared of heights
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 is more, the basket moves in sync with the balloon. Consequently, it does not sway, and passengers rarely experience motion.
Is a balloon Safari in Tanzania Safari
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.
Can Child Join a Balloon Safari?
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 watch you arrive and then enjoy the bush breakfast with you.
