Indulge in an unforgettable hot-air balloon safari, marvelling at the wildlife from aloft. Don’t let this unique adventure float away without you!
As the hot-air balloon safari pilot inflates the gigantic balloon one last time, you feel a particular thrill permeate your body as you begin to float upwards into the crisp early morning skies above the endless savannahs of Tanzania or Kenya. Typically designed for a small group of adventurers, your hot-air balloon safari takes you above and beyond the expected. This experience guarantees you a visual perspective that adds an additional layer of excitement to an already superbly varied Asilia safari programme.

As you soar over the iconic plains of the Serengeti, Ruaha, the grasslands of the Masai Mara, or the red earth of Tarangire, you appreciate more fully the enormity of the vast landscape. The perspective offers a sense of the distance needing to be covered by the migrating herds, and the challenges wildlife must overcome to survive. A hot-air balloon safari offers a unique vantage point as you glide over wildlife, witnessing their daily struggles and the photo opportunities these present.

With the right timing, a hot-air balloon safari can provide the ultimate panorama of the world’s most spectacular animal migration. Seeing the herds from above will put their numbers into perspective, leaving you in awe of the enormity of 1.5 million wildebeest. A hot-air balloon safari in Kenya and Tanzania is one of the most highly recommended experiences to add to your adventure-filled wildlife-viewing activities.

Where to go on a Hot-Air Balloon Safari

Many of our beautiful boutique  camps can offer hot-air balloon safaris that launch early to catch the glorious sunrises. We always advise you to bring layers of clothing, as it can be chilly aloft and in the early hours of the day. It’s a wonderfully romantic experience that culminates with a delicious and hearty champagne breakfast on the open plains.

The excursions are weather dependent and may be cancelled if conditions are too windy or rainy. Please chat with our friendly and knowledgeable safari planners to help you create the best itinerary to include this unforgettable adventure. Third parties operate these sky excursions.

Serengeti Balloon Safari

The Serengeti is one of the world’s most famous national parks. It’s name means ‘endless plains’ and from up high you can truly appreciate the vastness and abundance of space. If you time your Serengeti balloon safari just right, you may even see the awe-inspiring Great Migration with its massive herds of wildebeest and zebra dotting the plains.

As you drift over this landscape, keep an eye out hippo in their pools, plentiful plains game and, with a bit of luck, predators on their morning hunt.

Balloon safaris in the Serengeti can be from Namiri Plains, Dunia, and Sayari. Our Migration Camps, and Olakira are ideal for balloon safaris over the Migration. The best time of year for a Serengeti balloon safari is during the drier months of the year; between June and November, and between mid-December to mid-March.

Masai Mara Balloon Safari

The staggering density of wildlife makes the Masai Mara one of the world’s most famous national parks, and a great place to enjoy a balloon safari. If you’re taking your hot-air balloon safari in the Masai Mara during migration season (August and September), you’ll see the true magnitude of the herds of wildebeest and zebra. If, however, you’re visiting after the rains, expect to see a magical sunrise over glittering rivers, pools with hippo, and plentiful plains game.

Masai Mara balloon safaris can be conveniently enjoyed from Rekero, as well as from Naboisho and Encounter Mara, and are best enjoyed during the dry months between June and October, and January and February.

Ruaha Balloon Safari

Operating exclusively during the dry season months from June to October, a balloon safari in Ruaha National Park offers spectacular views of the Ruaha River and the landscape dotted with giant baobab trees. Larger than the Serengeti National Park, the elevated viewpoint helps you understand the sheer enormity of this unique destination. The gentle and predictable winds through this season allow for low-altitude flying just meters above the grunting hippo, as well as climbing to great heights to enjoy the vantage point over this land.

Tarangire Balloon Safari

The diversity of Tarangire National Park makes it a superb destination for a hot air balloon safari. The soft winds offer a slow, almost lazy, balloon safari, creating time to appreciate the landscape and wildlife below. Grassy plains, baobab trees, and rocky outcroppings, coloured with the red soil of this region, carved through by the Tarangire River and the lush green of the Silale Swamp. Watch for impressive herds of buffalo and elephant, their clean grey and black hides glinting in the sunlight as they emerge from the swampy waters.