HOW TO PLAN A BALLOON SAFARI IN TANZANIA
Up up and away! Try one of the balloon safaris Tanzania has to offer and witness wildlife from above / Image: @kuponokuwamura
For most people, a safari is cruising across the African plains in a 4x4, wind whipping through their hair as they traverse after the Big Five. But in Tanzania, there’s an entirely different way to experience the wildlife; it's soaring high in the sky on a magical balloon safari.
More and more travelers are opting for balloon safaris to see Tanzania’s wildlife. If the idea of a balloon safari excites you, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through planning your hot-air balloon ride to observe your favorite animals from above.
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Sunrise balloons ready to take off! Tanzania has some of the best hot air balloon safaris available. Not only breathtaking but memorable too / Image: @tanzania_wild_sky
How to Plan Your Tanzanian Balloon Safari
Choosing a Location
Unlike the classic game drives you can take on four wheels in almost all the main national parks in Tanzania, it's only possible to do a balloon safari in certain places around the country. Let's go through some of them with you.
Serengeti National Park
Give yourself the best chance to see the Great Migration with a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti National Park. Imagine the sight of the wildebeests and Burchell's zebras as they run away from the preying lions and hyenas while you witness it in the air.
Ngorongoro Crater
Often dubbed one of Africa's seven wonders, there are plenty of opportunities for wildlife enthusiasts to take a balloon safari over the Ngorongoro Crater. Not only will you get to see the world's largest unbroken volcanic caldera, but you'll also have the chance to spot the Big Five.
Ruaha National Park
One of the lesser-known locations where you can take a hot air balloon ride is Ruaha National Park. Located in the southern/central part of Tanzania, Ruaha gives visitors the opportunity to encounter an array of animals, including zebras, giraffes, ostriches, striped hyenas, crocodiles, hippos, and more.
Tarangire National Park
Take flight over northern Tanzania's stunning Tarangire National Park to catch a glimpse of some of the enchanting bush elephants, hear the lions roar, and watch the cheetahs race after their prey.
Nyerere National Park
Plan your balloon safari in Nyerere National Park for a once-in-a-lifetime animal spotting adventure. This remarkable destination is home to endless forms of wildlife, from the Big Nine to more than 440 bird species; you won't be able to witness anything like it in the other parks.
A hot air balloon will take you above the tree tops as well as soaring high up in the sky. An incredible experience as well as unique way of doing a safari / Image: @tanzania_wild_sky
Determining the Costs
The prices for balloon safaris in Tanzania come at a premium compared to multi-day game drives. The costs can vary significantly depending on the location, but generally, you should expect to pay more than you would for a single-day safari anywhere else.
For instance, the average cost for a balloon ride over Serengeti National Park is TZS 1585214.68 ($599) per person for a 50 to 70-minute ride. Meanwhile, in Tarangire National Park, the price drops slightly to TZS 1455539.36 ($550) per person. That said, in the Serengeti, you have a higher chance of witnessing the Great Migration if you visit at the right time of year. Decipher what is most important to you when it comes to booking your air safari.
Consider Your Safety
On a balloon safari, your safety should be a top priority. Unlike a traditional safari where you're always secure inside a vehicle, during a hote air balloon ride, you're hundreds of meters in the sky and have to trust the pilot with your well-being. That's why choosing a reputable operator who prioritizes safety and follows all necessary precautions to ensure a smooth and secure flight is essential.
Here are some key safety questions you should ask when selecting an operator:
Do you work with licensed pilots who have extensive flight experience?
Does your company conduct regular equipment checks and have approval from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) to carry out balloon rides?
What is the maximum number of passengers per balloon to make sure it’s not overloaded?
Does the package include insurance coverage?
Are there specific weather conditions that would prevent you from flying?
What are the weight restrictions for passengers?
Quiet and peaceful - hot air balloon safaris Tanzania will allow you to observe wild animals in the most interesting and extraordinary way / Image: @huchenme
Picking an Appropriate Time for Your Balloon Safari
The weather is one thing that can hugely impact your balloon safari. Any responsible tour operator will cancel a flight if conditions are too windy or if there's heavy rain. While a cancellation may be disappointing, it's ultimately for your safety. Rest assured, most contracts will specify that you’ll receive a full refund in the event of a no-takeoff, but it's always wise to double-check the terms before committing.
Although it will be difficult to predict the weather on the day of your flight until closer to the time, planning your excursion during the dry season gives you the best chance of a successful takeoff. Tanzania’s dry season runs from the end of June to October, which are the prime months to go. However, keep in mind that these months are also the most popular, so prices can be higher due to increased demand. If you're willing to take a risk, the shoulder months of May and November might be worth a shot, though there’s a higher likelihood of rain.
A hot air balloon ride in Tanzania can make for an incredible experience. Its worth every penny and is thoroughly enjoyable / Image: @tanzania_wild_sky
What’s in Store for Your Hot Air Balloon Ride in Tanzania
The vast majority of hot air balloon ride safaris take place early in the morning, allowing you to catch the sunrise and avoid the stronger winds later in the day. Be sure to dress warmly, though, as the early hours can be quite chilly, even in Tanzania. For more information, see our full packing list here.
Your operator will pick you up from your camp at the chosen time and drive you to the launch site, where you'll prepare for takeoff. As the engines hum up in the background, you'll receive a safety briefing and be shown what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Once everything is ready, step into the basket and find a nice spot along the edges so nothing obstructs your view of the wildlife below. Soon, the basket will begin to rise, and before you know it, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of your chosen national park. As you start to gain altitude, you'll witness an array of fascinating wildlife, and your guide, using their binoculars, will be able to point out some hidden animals along the way.
After spending some time high in the sky, you'll then start your descent. Even as you slowly come down, you'll see plenty of incredible attractions and even more animals.
When you land, a delicious safari spread will be waiting for you to celebrate your successful flight. From glasses of champagne to a hearty breakfast, you’ll be well-prepared for the day ahead. Before you head off, don’t forget to snap a photo in front of the basket with your flight certificate; this is one ride you’ll definitely want to remember!
What animals will you spot from above the tree tops? Try a hot air balloon ride in your favorite park in Tanzania and watch the world unfold beneath you / Image: @sutirtab
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Balloon Safaris Safe?
Even though balloon safaris have an added risk, they are very safe once you go with an experienced operator who follows all the appropriate safety requirements. If you're unsure about an operator, don't be afraid to ask them any of the questions we've listed above so you know you're in safe hands.
What Clothes Are Appropriate for Balloon Safaris?
You might assume that because you're in Tanzania, the temperatures will be high, but because most flights take off in the early morning hours, it can get quite cold up there. We recommend all passengers take a jacket with them and wear long trousers to cover their legs. Some people might also want to take a hat and gloves for extra protection, but it isn't always necessary.
What Are the Weight Restrictions per Person for a Balloon Safari?
Typically, safari companies set an average weight limit of 77kg per person for hot air balloon rides, but it varies. If a passenger exceeds this weight, they may be required to pay for an additional space so the weight is distributed properly for the flight. This helps prevent any potential accidents from happening.
What Is the Minimum Age Someone Needs to Be to Go On a Balloon Safari?
Most companies have their own rules for this one, but generally, a person should be at least six or seven years old to ride on a hot air balloon because of the weight distribution.
If the Weather Is Bad, Will My Balloon Ride Be Canceled?
It all depends on how bad the weather conditions are. If there's slight rain or wind, you should be able to take off. However, if the conditions are dangerous, you won't be able to start flying in the balloon until the weather clears, or the booking could be rescheduled for another day.
How Many People Can Fit In a Hot Air Balloon?
The maximum number of people allowed on a hot air balloon ride is 16 for safety, although it depends on the size.
Take Off on Your Tanzanian Balloon Safari Today
A balloon safari in Tanzania is a bucket list experience for many, but it can be tricky to plan. We've made this comprehensive guide so you can organize yours all on your own, or if you need some expert assistance, BornWild is here to help you with everything.
Organize Your Hot Air Balloon Safari With Bornwild
A hot air balloon ride is a truly authentic way to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking expanse of the Tanzanian landscapes.
Celebrating a significant milestone, a birthday, or another special occasion? An incredible hot air balloon safari can be a truly remarkable way to celebrate such moments in a unique and exhilarating manner. If that doesn’t apply to you, why not simply treat yourself to this extraordinary experience on your next safari in the breathtaking landscapes of Tanzania?
BornWild can help you create a magnificent adventure - get in contact with our travel team to start planning