Drift above the sprawling African plains as a golden dawn breaks over the wilderness – discover where to take the balloon safari of a lifetime with Asilia Africa.
Imagine gliding silently above vast herds of wildebeest, watching the sun paint the savannah gold, and experiencing Africa’s wildlife from a magical bird’s-eye view. A hot air balloon safari transforms an already extraordinary East African adventure into something truly unforgettable. This bucket-list experience offers unparalleled views and intimate wildlife encounters impossible from the ground.
Each location across East Africa delivers its own spectacular aerial story. From the dramatic river crossings of the Serengeti to the elephant-dotted landscapes of Tarangire, balloon safaris reveal the true scale and majesty of these iconic wilderness areas. Choosing the right location and timing can elevate your experience from memorable to life-changing.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The ultimate Great Migration experience from above
The Serengeti offers the quintessential balloon safari experience, allowing you to soar smoothly over the vast savannahs while spotting sensational wildlife at sunrise. From your aerial vantage point, witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles – the Great Migration – as over 1.5 million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebra traverse the endless plains below.
The dramatic landscapes of the Serengeti unfold beneath you like a living map, from acacia-dotted grasslands to meandering rivers where crocodiles lie in wait. During your one -hour flight, you’ll gain an understanding of just how vast the landscape is, with unforgettable wildlife sightings as animals below become less aware of their aerial audience.
Best camps with access to balloon safaris:
- Sayari Camp, Northern Serengeti
- Olakira Migration Camp – Mobile camp following the migration
- Namiri Plains Camp – Eastern Serengeti
- Dunia Camp – Central Serengeti
- Ubuntu Migration Camp – Mobile camp (Southern Serengeti only)
Top Tip: Time your hot air balloon safari in Tanzania for the dramatic river crossings in the northern Serengeti (July – October) or the calving season in the south (December – March) for the most spectacular wildlife viewing opportunities.
Maasai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Where the migration meets Kenya’s iconic landscapes
Experience the East African landscape from above on a Masai Mara safari, capturing breathtaking photographs as you drift effortlessly along the air currents over the savannah. This world-renowned reserve offers some of the most concentrated wildlife viewing on the continent, with the added drama of the Great Migration’s river crossings from July to October.
There are few sights more magnificent than the wildlife-dotted plains of the Mara from the air. The rolling hills, riverine forests, and open grasslands create a diverse tapestry that’s only fully appreciated from above. At the same time, down below, lions stalk through the grassland, and massive herds gather at waterholes for a drink.
Best camps with access to balloon safaris:
- Rekero Camp – Overlooking the Talek River
- Naboisho Camp – Mara Naboisho Conservancy
- Encounter Mara – Mara Naboisho Conservancy
Top Tip: Book a balloon safari from the private Mara Naboisho Conservancy for a more exclusive experience with fewer vehicles and tourists.
Tarangire National Park, Tanzania
Soar above ancient baobabs and massive elephant herds
Take to the skies on a hot-air balloon safari at dawn to observe a jaw-dropping sunrise over Tarangire, where the landscape tells a different story from that of the famous Serengeti. This lesser-visited gem offers unique views of ancient baobabs that tower over the Serengeti, while elephant herds of up to 300 move between them.
Balloon safaris over Tarangire offer magical views of the glittering Silale Swamp and the area’s ribbon of life – the Tarangire River. These water sources attract diverse wildlife, setting up incredible viewing opportunities best enjoyed from above.
Best camp with access to balloon safaris:
- Oliver’s Camp – Southern Tarangire
Top Tip: Visit during the dry season (June – October), when massive herds of elephants converge on the Tarangire River, creating some of the highest wildlife concentrations in Tanzania.
Ruaha National Park, Tanzania
Tanzania’s best-kept secret offers exclusive aerial adventures
Viewing Ruaha from the air is an awesome spectacle, mainly for the dramatic scenery, but also for game sightings, including elephant, buffalo, hippos and lions. As one of Tanzania’s largest national parks (roughly the size of Denmark), Ruaha offers a balloon safari experience that’s refreshingly exclusive compared to the busier northern parks.
Tracking the course of the Great Ruaha River and watching the sunrise is an unforgettable experience, providing a much more exclusive experience than a balloon safari in the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara. The park’s dramatic landscapes, from rocky kopjes to riverine forests, create a stunning backdrop for aerial photography, while below, some of Africa’s highest predator densities go about their morning hunts.
Best camps near balloon safari launch sites:
Top Tip: The balloon flight lasts for roughly an hour and is followed by a bush breakfast – often enjoyed under one of Ruaha’s characteristic baobab trees with zebra and giraffe as your breakfast companions.
Make It Unforgettable with Asilia Africa
Asilia’s camps seamlessly blend luxury with authentic bush experiences, providing the perfect base for your balloon safari adventure.
When you book a balloon safari with Asilia, you can be assured of the best experience on offer. We partner with only the best balloon safari operators to ensure you have the most magical experience from beginning to end.
Balloon safaris typically require an early start to reach the departure site before sunrise. You’ll catch the sunrise from the air, and after landing, you’ll be treated to a scrumptious champagne breakfast in the bush.
Important note: Balloon safaris are weather-dependent and typically operate during the dry seasons. They are an additional activity booked through a specialised third party and incur an additional cost. Booking is essential, especially during peak migration periods. Children must be at least 7 years old to participate.
Ready to take flight? Whether you’re drawn to the thundering herds of the Serengeti and Mara, the elephant gatherings of Tarangire, or the exclusive tranquility of Ruaha, our team of experts will help you choose the perfect location and timing for your adventure.
