Balloon safari in Tanzania offers a unique and breathtaking way to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife from the sky. Unlike traditional safaris that require a four-wheel-drive vehicle, this extraordinary experience allows you to float effortlessly above Tanzania’s natural wonders. Among the most popular of these safaris, balloon rides provide a wheel-free adventure, showcasing the diverse beauty of Tanzania’s national parks. Imagine soaring high in a hot air balloon over some of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks, such as the Serengeti with its awe-inspiring scenery, Tarangire National Park, Ruaha National Park, and several others within the Southern circuit. This type of safari offers an exceptional opportunity to witness the Serengeti from a bird’s-eye view. From above, you can see animal trails that have been carved out over generations—paths that are invisible during a traditional game drive.Every year, countless travelers embark on these unforgettable balloon safaris across Tanzania’s renowned parks and prime wildlife viewing areas. In the Central Serengeti, for instance, seasonal flights also cover the Western Corridor and Southern Serengeti, offering participants a unique aerial perspective. The adventure typically begins with a pre-dawn pick-up from your hotel at around 5 a.m., followed by a transfer to the balloon launch site. As the sun begins to rise, so does your balloon, carrying you over the park for about an hour. After the flight, you’ll gather on the park’s lush plains to enjoy a champagne toast and a traditional “Out of Africa” English-style breakfast. A balloon safari in Tanzania’s national parks and game reserves is a truly remarkable experience, offering aerial game viewing like no other. Currently, this service is available in Serengeti National Park in northern Tanzania, Ndutu in the Ngorongoro area, Tarangire National Park, and in the south at Selous (Nyerere) and Ruaha National Parks.

The adventure typically kicks off around dawn, at approximately 6:30 a.m., from a designated launch site. You’ll be transported by safari vehicle from your lodge or campsite to meet your balloon and pilot. In the Serengeti, for example, the central region serves as the meeting point, making it ideal to stay in nearby lodges or camps if you wish to participate in a balloon safari. For an hour, you’ll drift gracefully over the African wilderness, observing wildlife, birdlife, and the stunning landscapes below. The experienced pilot may fly the balloon close to treetop level or ascend to heights of 500 meters or more, giving you a panoramic view of Tanzania’s rich natural offerings. Serengeti National Park is especially captivating during the Great Wildebeest Migration, which typically occurs from late June to September, depending on climate conditions. Spotting the migration from the balloon adds a magical touch to your African safari. You may even witness predators like lions, leopards, or cheetahs hunting their prey, such as antelope or zebra. In Ruaha National Park, the scenic landscape includes lakes and the mighty Ruaha River, home to crocodiles, hippos, and over 450 recorded bird species. Floating over this expansive park offers guaranteed sightings of diverse wildlife, as Ruaha is considered Tanzania’s largest national park and a sanctuary of natural resources. At the end of every balloon safari in Serengeti, Ruaha, or any other park, guests celebrate with a champagne toast upon landing in the African bush. Those who wish can receive a certificate of participation, commemorating their ballooning adventure in Tanzania. The celebration is followed by a delightful continental breakfast in the bush before you return to your lodge or campsite to continue your safari itinerary.