Best Places for an African Hot Air Balloon Safari

A hot air balloon safari in Africa is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience Africa's wild beauty. Drifting silently at sunrise, you'll watch as the land becomes enveloped in golden light while herds of elephants, giraffes, and antelope roam below. From aerial views of Africa's wildlife to once-in-a-lifetime moments, like witnessing the Great Migration from above, a balloon ride combines peace, adventure, and romance in equal measure.

Whether you're looking for a luxury hot air balloon safari, a romantic sunrise flight, or the thrill of soaring over iconic landscapes, here are the best places for balloon safaris in Africa.

Serengeti Plains, Tanzania

A Serengeti balloon safari is the quintessential experience for nature lovers. The park's vast golden savannahs provide a breathtaking stage for the Great Migration, witness as mega herds of wildebeest and zebra thunder across the plains. Floating above the spectacle offers a rare, uninterrupted perspective of this natural wonder, often described as one of the most dramatic wildlife events on Earth.

Maasai Mara, Kenya

The Maasai Mara is another world-class balloon safari destination, especially during the Great Migration months (July to October). Imagine a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Mara River as wildebeest cross below, crocodiles lurk in the water, and lions wait at the banks. The Mara's year-round abundance of wildlife, combined with its rolling plains, make it an ideal setting for both adventure and romance in the skies.

Okavango Delta, Botswana

The Okavango Delta's unique mosaic of floodplains, lagoons, and islands makes it unlike any other balloon safari destination in Africa. From above, you'll see elephants wading through channels, pods of hippos surfacing, and dazzling birdlife flitting between the papyrus reeds. A hot air balloon safari here is a tranquil and luxurious experience, perfect for travellers who crave both wilderness and exclusivity in a less crowded destination.

Sossusvlei, Namibia

For an otherworldly adventure, a Namib Desert balloon safari delivers endless horizons and surreal scenery. Soaring above the world's tallest sand dunes in Sossusvlei, painted in shades of red and gold at sunrise, feels like floating through a dream. Oryx, springbok, and ostrich roam the desert floor, and the stark beauty of this ancient landscape makes for stunning photography and unforgettable memories in one of the top destinations to visit in Namibia.

Kafue National Park, Zambia

Kafue National Park is one of Africa's lesser-known gems, offering a more private and intimate balloon safari experience. The Busanga Plains burst into life during the dry season when lions, lechwe, and buffalo gather in large numbers. From the air, you'll see herds moving across the floodplains with few other vehicles in sight making it an ideal choice for travellers who prefer off-the-beaten-track adventures.

Tarangire National Park, Tanzania

Tarangire National Park is famous for its ancient baobabs and large elephant herds, both of which make for dramatic views from a hot air balloon. During the dry season, animals congregate along the Tarangire River, offering excellent opportunities to spot predators and plains game alike. It's a fantastic destination for a sunrise balloon safari combined with a classic northern Tanzania safari circuit.

From the Serengeti's epic migrations to the serene waterways of the Okavango, each of these destinations offers its own version of a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon safari. Whether you're seeking a romantic hot air ballon safari in Africa, unparalleled luxury, or the thrill of aerial views of Africa's wildlife, Go2Africa is on hand to help design your perfect experience.

If the destination you'd like to visit hasn't been mentioned on our list, we will gladly advise on any other provided hot air balloon safaris are available in that region.

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Speak to one of our Africa Safari Experts today to start planning your dream hot air balloon adventure.