Imagine floating effortlessly above Tanzania’s endless savannas as the first rays of dawn spill golden light across the land. Below you, the wilderness awakens, wildebeest ripple across the plains in vast formations, elephants move quietly toward waterholes, lions stir in the cool morning shadows, and giraffes stretch elegantly toward the tops of acacia trees.
This is the magic of a Hot Air Balloon Safari, an extraordinary experience that transforms a classic safari into a breathtaking aerial journey, revealing Africa from a perspective few are privileged to see.

At Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris, we curate seamless, safe, and unforgettable balloon safaris that combine the serenity of silent flight with unrivaled wildlife viewing. Drifting with the wind over Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes, you witness the raw beauty of nature unfold beneath you in cinematic detail, perfect for both photographers and nature lovers alike.

Where to Experience Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Tanzania

Tanzania is one of the few countries in Africa that permits balloon safaris within national parks, operating under strict conservation guidelines. The most rewarding locations include:

Serengeti National Park

Covering 14,763 square kilometers, the Serengeti is the heart of Africa’s wilderness and the ultimate destination for balloon safaris. Flight locations shift seasonally to follow wildlife movements:

• Seronera (Central Serengeti): Exceptional year-round game viewing, especially during the dry season
• Ndutu (Southern Serengeti): Prime location for the Great Migration calving season
• Kogatende (Northern Serengeti): Famous for dramatic Mara River crossings

Wildlife Highlights: Wildebeests, zebras, lions, cheetahs, elephants, giraffes, and occasional sightings of leopards and rhinos
Best Time to Fly:

• June–October for predator action
• December–March for calving season
• July–September for river crossings

Tarangire National Park

Renowned for its ancient baobab trees and vast elephant herds, Tarangire offers stunning balloon safaris over winding river systems and open savannas. During the dry season, wildlife gathers in remarkable numbers along the Tarangire River.

Wildlife Highlights: Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, lions, wildebeests, zebras, and ostriches
Best Time to Fly: June–October, when animal concentrations are at their peak

Ruaha National Park

As Tanzania’s largest national park, spanning 20,226 square kilometers, Ruaha delivers a more remote and exclusive ballooning experience. With fewer flights and vast open skies, this region is ideal for travelers seeking solitude and untouched wilderness.

Wildlife Highlights: Elephants, lions, greater kudu, wild dogs, hippos, and crocodiles along the Great Ruaha River
Best Time to Fly: June–October for clear skies and optimal wildlife visibility

The Hot Air Balloon Safari Experience

Early Morning Departure

Your adventure begins before dawn, with a pick-up from your lodge or camp around 4:30–5:00 AM. A short drive takes you to the launch site, where you’ll enjoy a warm welcome and a comprehensive safety briefing from your professional pilot.

Inflation and Takeoff

As daylight breaks, the balloon is inflated, an impressive sight as vibrant fabric fills with hot air and rises gracefully. Once aboard the basket, you lift gently from the ground, ascending silently into the morning sky.

Flight Over the Wilderness

Flights typically last 45–60 minutes, gliding at altitudes between 300 and 1,000 feet. With no engine noise, you experience a profound sense of calm as you observe wildlife moving naturally below, grazing, hunting, and migrating across plains, rivers, and woodlands. Every flight is guided solely by the wind, ensuring no two journeys are ever the same.

Landing and Bush Breakfast

Upon landing, tradition is honored with a celebratory champagne toast, followed by a freshly prepared bush breakfast set in the heart of the wilderness. Enjoy eggs cooked to order, seasonal fruits, fresh bread, and locally sourced Tanzanian coffee or tea. A personalized flight certificate marks the perfect conclusion to this remarkable experience before returning to your lodge.

Duration, Cost, and What to Bring

Total Experience Duration: 4–5 hours
Flight Time: Approximately 60 minutes
Estimated Cost: USD 550–650 per person
(Includes park fees, transfers, licensed pilot, flight, champagne toast, and bush breakfast)

Essentials to Bring

• Layered clothing for cool mornings and warmer landings
• Flat, closed walking shoes
• Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Camera and binoculars for photography and wildlife viewing
• Light fleece or jacket for pre-dawn temperatures
• Personal medication if sensitive to motion

Best Time for Balloon Safaris

• Dry Season (June–October): Clear skies, concentrated wildlife, and exceptional predator sightings
• Green Season (November–May): Lush landscapes, fewer visitors, and vibrant photographic conditions
• Migration Highlights:
  • July–September: River crossings in Northern Serengeti
  • December–March: Calving season in Southern Serengeti

Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Flight

Do:

• Follow all pilot and guide instructions
• Remain inside the basket at all times
• Secure cameras and personal items
• Embrace the silence and serenity

Do Not:

• Lean over the basket edge
• Bring large or loose bags
• Make loud noises
• Smoke or use open flames

Why Choose Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris

We take care of every detail to ensure your balloon safari exceeds expectations:

• Highly experienced, licensed balloon pilots
• Seamless logistics from lodge pick-up to bush breakfast
• Carefully selected flight locations based on season and wildlife movement
• Strong focus on safety, comfort, and exceptional photographic opportunities

Each flight offers a rare and deeply immersive connection to Tanzania’s landscapes, an hour of silent flight that leaves a lifetime of memories.

See Tanzania From a New Perspective

A hot air balloon safari is more than an activity, it is a moment suspended in time. From above, Tanzania’s wilderness becomes a living canvas of light, movement, and life. Every sunrise tells a story, every herd below becomes a masterpiece.

Fly with Above and Beyond Photographic Tours & Safaris and allow the wind to carry you across Tanzania’s most iconic landscapes, creating memories that will stay with you long after you touch the ground.