Balloon Safaris in Tanzania: A balloon safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro, Tarangire or Ruaha National Park can be described as one of the magical experiences to have on an African Safari. In the chilly morning darkness keep your eyes firmly on the vehicle’s headlights to see small 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 intoxicating sunrise over Tanzania’s savannah plains.
Drift silently over rivers, trees, and savannah with the wildlife in motion below. Gently land to enjoy a champagne breakfast under the shade of a giant acacia tree as you toast to an amazing experience.
Who Should Go
A balloon safari in Tanzania offers romantic, unique and unforgettable special moments in life that is why it is perfect for honeymooners or hopeless romantics, nature lovers and serenity seekers. On this amazing experience you will adore drifting over the heart of Africa’s wilderness.
As a couple or family, you will enjoy a private experience or as part of groups of up to 16 people.
Where to Experience It
Tanzania’s northern Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area form park of a huge ecosystem, which allows for the incredible wildebeest migration to exist. Balloon flights take place in the Central, Western, Southern and Northern parts of the Serengeti allowing visitors to see the migration from above.
The Ruaha National Park and Tarangire National Park have incredible wildlife numbers and huge baobab trees, here your pilot artfully navigates you over the rivers and tree canopies to see wildlife below.
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 Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire or Ruaha National Park
Booking a balloon safari with Rowin Africa Safaris is only possible in combination with one of our safaris in 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, accommodation and arranging your flight.
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 bend at the knees, grip onto ropes and climb into the basket.
Timings
Rise at 4 am to arrive at 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 approximately 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 cancelled due to unfavorable weather conditions, you will be refunded your money or can postpone the ride to the next day.
Clothing
Morning 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 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 sickness.
When to Go
For balloon safaris, clear skies and light steady winds are needs. 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 your 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
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 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 wildlife.
June till October – Best for witnessing the wildebeest migration from above
Rainy Season
The main rainy season in Tanzania is from March to May when it usually rains heavily on a daily basis. Luckily, it tends to rain in the afternoons, evening 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.
Bot 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 African from above.
March until May – Best for seeing green landscape with crystal-clear skies
Is a Balloon Safari in Tanzania Safe?
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 children 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 can watch you arrive and then enjoy the bush breakfast with you.
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