Balloon Safari

Hot Air Balloon Safari

A hot air balloon safari is one of the most thrilling and unforgettable ways to experience Tanzania’s wilderness. While it is a premium activity, it rewards you with unmatched views of the landscape and wildlife seen from a peaceful, floating perspective that no game drive can offer.

Balloon safaris are currently available in Tarangire National Park and Serengeti National Park, covering the Southern, Central, Western, and Northern regions of the Serengeti, depending on season and wildlife movement.

For this experience, we work with trusted specialist operators to ensure the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and comfort.

The Balloon Safari Experience

The adventure begins before sunrise. Depending on the location of your lodge or camp, you will be collected very early in the morning often around 4:00 a.m. and driven through the quiet savannah to the balloon launch site.

As dawn approaches, you’ll watch the balloon slowly come to life as its massive envelope is filled with hot air. During this time, the pilot will brief you on safety procedures and explain what you can expect to see during the flight.

Around sunrise, once the balloon is fully prepared and securely positioned, you step into the basket. As the burners ignite, the balloon gently rises from the ground, lifting you into the cool morning air just as the first light spreads across the plains.

Floating Over the Wild

For approximately 50–70 minutes, you drift silently with the wind, guided by an experienced pilot and tracked by a ground crew below. Each flight is unique, shaped by weather conditions and the natural flow of the air.

At times, you may soar high above forests and rivers, peering down at wildlife waking beneath you. At other moments, the balloon may glide low over the grasslands, where zebras, antelope, and wildebeest scatter below. You might follow winding streams, observe hippos in the water, or spot predators returning from their night hunt.

As the sun climbs higher, the landscape transforms—from soft dawn colors into a glowing golden panorama creating exceptional opportunities for photography and quiet reflection.

Landing & Celebration

Landings vary with the wind. Sometimes the basket gently touches down and stands upright; other times, it may tip slightly on landing, adding a moment of laughter and excitement as passengers brace themselves and enjoy the thrill.

Once safely on the ground, the experience continues with a celebratory bush breakfast, served in the open wilderness. Freshly prepared food, a toast, photographs, and a balloon flight certificate all form part of this memorable conclusion.

After the Flight

Following breakfast, you rejoin your guide and continue with your planned activities usually a full day of game drives or onward travel within the park.

An Unforgettable Safari Activity

A hot air balloon safari is more than just an activity—it is a rare and magical moment that stays with you long after your journey ends. Whether added to a classic safari or chosen for a special celebration, it offers a truly elevated way to experience Tanzania.

Contact Jungle Peak Adventure to include a Balloon Safari in your itinerary.