Best African Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Hot air balloon safaris are all about aerial views. While it is exciting to see the animals on land, seeing them above ground takes the experience to another level. Nothing beats the experience of a hot air balloon floating above migrating animals. This is why every morning, over 1,000 hot air balloons take flight, allowing travelers to view wildlife moving around Africa. From Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti to the rust-red dunes of Namibia, each country presents a different face of the continent. You can expect a sunrise experience that is both calm and exhilarating while gliding above the plains and wetlands. In this blog, we share some of the best places to take a hot air balloon safari, when to take it, the costs involved and how safety is managed to enable sky glides.

1. Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya

The Maasai Mara offers Africa’s most cinematic balloon safari, with sweeping views of migrating wildlife, as animals make their way from the Mara towards the Tanzania side of the Serengeti. What makes this experience spectacular is the thousands of animals on the move within a compact place and a champagne breakfast to toast to your adventure.

Best Time to Visit:

• June to October: Great Migration and the dramatic Mara River crossings.
• January to February:  Clear skies and spectacular light for photography.
  Average temperatures range from 10 to 28°C (50 to 82°F).

Cost:

• $550 to $750 USD per person, with prices typically rising during the Great Migration peak season.
• Please note that these prices are subject to change and will vary according to the season and operator.

Safety:

• Regulated by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, certified pilots are required to carry out pre-flight weather assessments each morning.

2. Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

The Serengeti is Africa’s ultimate balloon safari with endless golden plains, calm breezes, migrating herds and sunrises that seem to last forever.

Best Time to Visit:

• June to October: Prime time for the Great Migration under cool (12 to 26°C / 54 to 79°F), dry skies.
• December to March: Calving season with warmer mornings (15 to 30°C / 59 to 86°F). Ideal for spotting newborn wildebeest and predators.

Cost:

• $550 to $750 USD per person, subject to season and or operator. 
• Prices may fluctuate.

Safety:

• Operators must be licensed as commercial airlines by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). 
• Companies maintain an excellent safety record, with some advertising a 100% safety record over 15+ years. 
• Balloons flights will not take place if will not operate if wind speeds are too high.

3. Murchison Falls, Uganda

Taking a hot air balloon ride to view Murchison Falls National Park provides an exceptional view of the Nile River as it snakes through the largest and oldest park in Uganda’s conservation system. With the beautiful sunrise illuminating the savannahs and riverbanks inhabited by elephants, giraffes, hippos and buffalo, the experience is peaceful but unforgettable as you float above, creating an incredible way to take in this scenic area.

Best Time to Visit:

• June to August (Dry Season): calm morning winds, clear skies, and cooler temperatures (15 to 25°C / 59 to 77°F).
• Wildlife gathers around the Nile River and other water sources during the dry months, so there are amazing aerial views of animal herds. 

Cost:

• Estimate $380 to $430 USD per person, subject to travel season.
• Includes a 45 to 60 minute flight and a bush breakfast inside the park.
• Flights typically carry 6 to 8 passengers, depending on weather and the operator.
• Prices may fluctuate.

Safety:

• Hot air balloon rides at Murchison Falls are conducted by Dream Balloons Uganda, a company authorized by the Uganda Civil Aviation Authority (UCAA). 
• Flights can only operate when the weather permits and they generally fly year-round, with early morning departures selected for consistent wind and clear visibility.
• Mandatory safety checks and brief passengers on safety protocol before takeoff. 
• Passengers must be able to stand for the duration of the flight, be able to follow instructions for landing position and be tall enough to see past the basket wall.
• Flights will be delayed or cancelled based on wind conditions if they are not within safety limits. 

4. Sossusvlei and the Namib Desert, Namibia 

Experience something new with red dunes and the vast expanse of the Namib Desert by taking a hot air balloon ride over Sossusvlei.

Best Time to Visit:

• April to October (Cool and Dry Season): Perfect for balloon flight experiences with fresh crisp air in the mornings and great visibility. 

Cost:

• Approximately $400 to $600 USD per person. Cost includes: 
• A 45 to 60-minute hot air balloon flight above the Namib Desert near Sossusvlei, 
• A breakfast in the desert (served after the flight, or bush-style, there is variability).
• A briefing with safety equipment and description before flight (like a wind check, pilot role, etc.).
• Pick up from and return to your lodge/camp nearby, which is dependent upon the operator, etc. 
• Prices are subject to change depending on the season, operator, and park fees. 

Safety:

• Flights launch at sunrise weather permitting. 
• The operator (Namib Sky Balloon Safaris) utilizes experienced commercial-licensed pilots and conducts obligatory pre-flight briefings. 
• Passengers must be able to stand for the entirety of the flight and must be tall enough (minimum height of over 120 cm) to see over the rim of the basket.  

5. Kafue National Park, Zambia

Kafue offers remote, crowd-free balloon safaris. This is perfect for travelers looking for solitude and raw wilderness views of wild life herds that can often be seen below. 

Best Time to Visit:

• June to October: Dry season with mild mornings (10 to 22°C / 50 to 72°F) and great visibility for wildlife spotting.

Cost:

• Around $500 USD per person for a one-hour sunrise flight, including a champagne breakfast. Note: Some premium safari packages at lodges like Shumba Camp or Busanga Bush Camp occasionally offer complimentary balloon flights when staying  a minimum number of nights.
• Prices may vary subject to season, operator and related park fees.

Safety:

• Flights are carefully coordinated with the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) to ensure minimal impact. 
• Operators fly exclusively over the Busanga Plains area, known for its open landscape, allowing for safe, uncomplicated landing and retrieval.

6. Pilanesberg National Park, South Africa

Located just two hours from Johannesburg, Pilanesberg is one of the most accessible balloon destinations, which is ideal for first-time safari-goers.

Best Time to Visit:

• April to September: Dry season with comfortable morning temperatures (10 to 24°C / 50 to 75°F). Crisp skies make for excellent photography and abundant wildlife sightings.

Cost:

• $300 to $400 USD per person. This price often excludes the National Park entry fee.
• Prices are approximate and will vary according to season, operator, and park fees. Prices are not fixed and may fluctuate.

Safety:

• Pilots are licensed under the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). 
• All passengers must be reasonably fit, able to climb into the 1.2-meter-high basket and assume the braced landing position (crouching down) on the pilot’s command. 
• There is a strict minimum age of 7 years and pregnant women are not permitted.

7. Okavango Delta, Botswana

Experience the tranquil beauty of the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can see waterways and green islands beneath your balloon.

Best Time to Visit:

• May to September (Dry Season): Clear skies, cooler mornings (10 to 20°C / 50 to 68°F), and ideal water levels for both land and air safaris. 
• Wildlife gathers around shrinking lagoons, offering incredible aerial views of wildlife such as elephants, buffalo, and hippos.

Cost:

• Approximately $495 to $600 USD per person. This often includes a 45 to 60-minute flight and the traditional champagne breakfast. Flights are often limited to 8 to 12 people.
• Prices are approximate and will vary according to season, operator, and park fees. Prices are not fixed and may fluctuate.

Safety:

• Flights operate seasonally, typically closing from October to March due to the heat. 
• Pilots are certified by the Botswana Civil Aviation Authority (CAAB). 
• Passengers must be able to stand for the duration of the flight and be tall enough (minimum 1.3 meters) to see over the basket rim for safety.

Ready to take flight? At Waterviews Travel, we specialize in self-guided tours that let you experience these stunning destinations at your own pace. Contact us today at se*****@**************el.com or call 1-800-735-9790 to personalize your trip and embark on a journey that’s as unique as you are.

Photo Credits: Pixabay Photos. E&Os excluded.