Imagine the thrill of soaring above the vast African savanna at sunrise, gazing down on the roaming wildlife below as the first rays of light illuminate the landscape and the continent's iconic vistas unfold.
Hot air balloon safaris offer a unique perspective, elevating the safari experience to new heights, quite literally.
Every hot air balloon safari in Africa promises breathtaking views and an exhilarating adventure above the wild beauty of the continent.
In this article, we will give you a brief overview of what to expect from a hot air balloon safari and some of the places that this experience is offered.
What A Hot Air Balloon Safari Entails
Your adventure begins with a very early start. A hot air balloon safari is conducted at sunrise so you must wake up well before 6 am in order to get to the balloon launch site in time to catch the sunrise.
Your driver will take you to the launch site, where you will watch the balloon team set everything up. You'll be able to grab a coffee if you need to before the ride.
The balloon is meticulously prepared for takeoff, and soon, you're gently ascending into the sky in the wicker basket.
As you rise above the savannah, you'll witness Africa's breathtaking beauty like never before - animals grazing below, locals getting their day started (depends on the location), and the serene landscapes unfolding beneath you.
Capture countless photos and memories on an hour-long ride before gently landing and indulging in a sumptuous breakfast in the wild. This is often a champagne breakfast (yes, meaning champagne is served with your breakfast) and is a fantastic way to start your day on safari.
You'll then be able to return to your lodge to relax before going out on game drive later on, or to simply proceed with a game drive immediately.
What To Carry On A Hot Air Balloon Safari
Make sure to pack light in order to be comfortable on the balloon as space will be limited. It can be very chilly as you soar through the sky in the early morning so make sure to wear warm clothing.
If you're a photographer, do not carry tons of different camera lenses and equipment. Just carry the bare minimum you will need to take some good photos. Pick just one lens or two at the most.
A 70-300 mm lens, for instance, would be great as it is versatile and allows for both close-up and zoomed-out shots. You'll also be able to take nice wide-angle landscape images and videos with your phone of course.
You won't need to carry snacks as the balloon ride lasts just one hour and you will have a delicious champagne breakfast awaiting you when you land, set up beautifully on the savanna.
Prime Destinations for African Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Africa boasts an array of breathtaking locations perfect for hot air balloon adventures.
In Kenya, the iconic Masai Mara offers unparalleled ballooning experiences. These are especially stunning from late July to early October when the plains are covered in countless wildebeest and zebra during the great migration. Amboseli National Park is also great for hot air balloon safaris.
Meanwhile, Tanzania beckons with Serengeti balloon safaris. These are similar to balloon rides in the Masai Mara (it is the same ecosystem after all). Other hot air balloon safari destinations in Tanzania include Tarangire and Ruaha National Parks.
Rwanda's Akagera National Park and Uganda's Queen Elizabeth National Park offer additional options for hot air balloon safaris in East Africa.
Further south, hot air balloon safaris can be done in Zambia's Kafue National Park, Botswana's Okavango Delta, and the ancient sand dunes of the world's oldest desert - the Namib Desert - in Namibia.
South Africa hosts diverse hot air balloon sites, catering to various interests. Wildlife enthusiasts can explore Mabula Private Game Reserve, cultural enthusiasts can venture to the Cradle of Humankind, and wine lovers can indulge in Stellenbosch. Hot air balloon safaris are also available near Hoedspruit, where balloon flights take you over the Kapama Game Reserve and a few other reserves within the Greater Kruger National Park as well as over the Blyde River.
So there you have it, the basics of what a hot air balloon safari in Africa entails and the best places to experience it. We hope you found some value in reading this.
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