Hot air balloon safari: the places where you can enjoy an exclusive experience

A balloon safari is an absolutely incredible experience offered in some parks across the African continent.

If you’re wondering which ones, keep reading this article—it’s definitely for you!

Should you go on a hot air balloon safari in Africa? Absolutely yes!

Hot air balloon safari: some useful information

First of all, you’re probably wondering how it works.

You’ll be woken up before the first light of dawn and taken to the launch site. At this time of day it can be quite chilly, so make sure to wear a few extra layers.

Once there, you’ll arrive at your balloon and watch as your professional pilot prepares for takeoff. Get ready to hear the sound of the gas burners: it can be quite loud, but don’t worry! Once you’re in the air, the silence is almost total (apart from the occasional burst of the burner), and you can fully enjoy the wonder of flying peacefully above the plains.

On average, a balloon safari lasts from one to two hours. Once you’re high enough, the animals below become less aware of their audience: watching the sun rise over vast grasslands while wildlife roams below is truly one of the most unforgettable sights you can experience.

You should know that balloon safaris depend heavily on weather conditions. If it’s too windy or rainy, the flight may be cancelled and, where possible, you may be offered a full refund or the chance to reschedule for another day.

Precisely for this reason, a balloon safari is not an experience offered year-round, but only during periods when conditions are considered safe and suitable.

On that note, the balloons are well maintained and serviced regularly, so the entire experience is safe.

Read also: Excursions in Zanzibar: how to enjoy them to the fullest without missing the other wonders of Tanzania

Here are the good reasons why you should (absolutely) try a balloon safari

So here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t miss this unique and incredible opportunity.

First of all, you’ll gain a whole new perspective.

With a balloon flight, you’ll see the incredible landscapes of the Mara, the Serengeti, and Kafue (we’ll talk more about them later in this article) from a completely unique and different point of view.

You’ll be able to admire picturesque, sweeping scenery and spot birds perched on treetops, giraffes hiding beneath the forest canopy, and the backs of crocodiles in the winding rivers below.

And of course, it goes without saying, this is an experience you’ll remember forever.

This nostalgic and romantic way of flying is something you’ll remember for the rest of your life. You’ll rise silently and gently toward the clouds and travel wherever the wind carries you, while marveling at the breathtaking views stretching out beneath you.

In other words, it’s absolutely worth it!

These are the Sto Gran Tour stops where you can enjoy a balloon safari

Our first stop is in Kenya or, to be more precise, the Masai Mara, one of the country’s best-known national parks.

Here, we wake up at dawn and admire some of the finest wildlife species from above, while also enjoying breathtaking views. Afterwards, we land and continue with our safari on the ground.

Sounds tempting, right? To learn more, take a look at the itinerary for our Kenya adventure trip.

But that’s not all!

As we mentioned earlier, Serengeti National Park is one of Tanzania’s gems, attracting many tourists and backpackers every year.

Home to the famous phenomenon of the Great Migration, this park also offers the chance to admire wildlife from above and experience the thrill of a balloon safari.

Here too we have to wake up early—but hey, it’s absolutely worth it!

To find out more about costs and duration, check out this link and, while you’re at it, take a look at the stops on our Tanzania tour. 😉

Finally, let’s talk about Zambia, the country of the walking safari—that is, a safari on foot led by expert local guides.

You should also know that Zambia is considered the ‘gem of Africa’ for two reasons:

1. it offers a large number of parks where you can enjoy an incredible safari experience;
2. it is one of the very few places in Southern Africa where you can go on a balloon safari.

Top.

Read also: What to see in Tanzania if you don’t want to miss the wonders of the wild

Conclusions

In this article, we’ve seen which African countries offer the chance to enjoy a balloon safari—a unique and safe experience to try at least once in your lifetime.