Hot Air Balloon Safari

A balloon safari in Tanzania and Kenya lets you see the African savannah the way the eagles do: silently, slowly and from above. You rise at dawn, drift over herds of wildebeest and zebra as the sun climbs, and land to a breakfast served in the bush. Grand World Tours operates in Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar, and this guide explains where to fly, the best time to go, what to expect and 10 magical reasons to take to the sky.

Hot Air Balloon Safari: Grand World Tours

In this guide

What Is a Balloon Safari in Tanzania and Kenya?

A balloon safari is a sunrise flight in a hot air balloon over a national park or reserve. The flight lasts about an hour, and the balloon travels quietly with the wind, so animals are rarely disturbed. Below you may see elephants, giraffes, hippos, big cats and, in season, vast herds on the move.

After landing, most flights end with a celebratory breakfast in the bush. A balloon safari in Tanzania and Kenya is a perfect addition to a classic game-drive safari, and it suits couples, families with older children and anyone who loves a view.

Where to Fly: Balloon Safari in Tanzania and Kenya

Tanzania

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Serengeti National Park: endless plains, scattered acacias and rich wildlife, with the Great Migration in season.

Kenya

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Maasai Mara National Reserve: open grasslands, winding rivers and famous big-cat country, with the Mara River crossings in season.

Flights depart from set launch sites and follow the wind, so each journey is different. We will confirm which flights are available for your dates.

Best Time for a Balloon Safari in Tanzania and Kenya

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June to October: the dry season, with clear skies, cool mornings and excellent wildlife viewing. The Great Migration reaches the Maasai Mara from about July to October.

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January and February: warm weather and calving season, with newborn animals on the plains.

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November and March to May: the green season, with lush scenery and dramatic skies. Cloud and rain can affect flights more often.

Early morning is always the time to fly, when the air is calm and the light is at its most beautiful.

What to Expect on Your Balloon Safari in Tanzania and Kenya

1.

Pre-dawn pick-up. Your guide collects you from your lodge in the dark, usually before sunrise.

2.

Safety briefing. The pilot and crew explain the flight, boarding and landing.

3.

Lift off at sunrise. The balloon rises gently as the sky turns gold.

4.

About an hour in the air. You drift over the plains, rivers and wildlife.

5.

Landing. The crew and a ground vehicle meet the balloon at the landing site.

6.

Bush breakfast. A celebratory breakfast is served in the wilderness before you return to your lodge or continue your game drive.

Good to Know Before Your Balloon Safari in Tanzania and Kenya

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Weather decides: pilots fly only in safe conditions, so a flight can be postponed or cancelled. We plan your itinerary with a spare morning where possible.

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Age and health: operators set minimum ages and have rules for mobility and pregnancy. Please ask us before you book.

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Dress in layers: mornings are cool and the sun warms up quickly. Wear closed shoes and bring a hat and sunglasses.

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Bring your camera: a wide lens and a steady hand give beautiful images. Keep your phone secure in a pocket or strap.

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Book early: flights have limited seats and are popular in the dry season.

Top 10 Reasons to Take a Balloon Safari in Tanzania and Kenya

1.

See the savannah from above, with a view of the landscape that no vehicle can give.

2.

Enjoy the silence. The balloon drifts quietly, apart from the occasional burn of the burner.

3.

Watch the sunrise spread across the plains from the sky.

4.

Spot wildlife from a new angle, including elephants, giraffes, hippos and big cats.

5.

Understand the scale of the Great Migration when the herds are in the area.

6.

Take photographs of landscapes you cannot capture from the ground.

7.

Share a bush breakfast in the middle of the wilderness.

8.

Celebrate a special occasion, such as a honeymoon, anniversary or birthday.

9.

Add variety to your safari alongside game drives, cultural visits and Zanzibar.

10.

Create a memory for life, the story everyone asks you about when you get home.

Why Pick Grand World Tours for Your Balloon Safari?

Grand World Tours is a Tanzania-based company operating in Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar, with trusted partners in Uganda, Namibia and South Africa. Our founder began as a professional safari guide, so we plan every balloon safari in Tanzania and Kenya around real experience in the field.

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Balloon flights arranged in the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara.

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Lodges and camps inside the parks, close to the launch sites.

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Private vehicles and experienced local guides.

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Itineraries that combine the balloon flight with game drives and a beach stay.

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One team for Tanzania, Kenya and Zanzibar, with personal support before, during and after your trip.

For official park information, visit Tanzania National Parks and the Kenya Wildlife Service. The Serengeti is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Frequently Asked Questions About a Balloon Safari in Tanzania and Kenya

What is a balloon safari?+

A balloon safari is a sunrise hot air balloon flight over a national park or reserve, usually followed by a breakfast in the bush.

Where can we take a balloon safari in Tanzania and Kenya?+

The best-known flights are over the Serengeti in Tanzania and the Maasai Mara in Kenya. We will confirm the options for your dates.

How long does the flight last?+

A typical flight lasts about an hour, and the whole experience, including the briefing and breakfast, takes several hours.

What is the best time for a balloon safari in Tanzania and Kenya?+

June to October is the classic dry season, with clear skies and excellent wildlife. Flights take place at sunrise all year when conditions allow.

Is a balloon safari safe?+

Flights are run by licensed operators with experienced pilots, who fly only in safe weather. Follow the crew’s briefing and instructions throughout.

Can children take a balloon safari?+

Operators set a minimum age, so please tell us the ages of your children and we will check for you.

What if the flight is cancelled because of weather?+

Pilots decide on the morning. If a flight cannot go ahead, we will help you rebook on another day where possible, and the operator’s terms apply.

Can we add a balloon safari to any itinerary?+

Yes. A balloon safari in Tanzania and Kenya can be added to most of our safaris, including family, honeymoon and photographic journeys.

Plan Your Balloon Safari in Tanzania and Kenya

Ready to start your balloon safari in Tanzania and Kenya? Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and we will build the flight into a journey you will never forget.

Enquire about your balloon safari today →

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