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August 3rd, 2021

All you need to know about Hot Air Ballooning in Africa

Written by:

Toby Pheasant

Category:

Safari 101

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Is there anything more peaceful or more beautiful in the world than Hot Air Ballooning across the vast African plains as herds of elephant, journeys of giraffe, dazzles of zebra and implausibilities of wildebeest sweep majestically below?

We certainly can't think of anything!

Across a number of our African destinations it's possible to include a hot-air ballooning activity during your stay. 

The experience is truly one of those 'bucket-list' items and, if you feel comfortable parting with an extra $500 - $600, you should absolutely try to include one in your stay.

Ballooning over Namibia's immense dunes from Little Kulala Camp, Sesriem, Namibia

The way it usually works is:

You will set off really quite early in the morning from your safari camp or lodge to the balloon launch site. 

After meeting the other guests on the flight and a safety briefing accompanied by a delicious cup of coffee, you will take to the skies in time for the rising sun!

Sunrise above Kenya's Maasai Mara

After several of hours silently drifting across the landscapes beneath you, with another cup of coffee and snacks in hand of course, you'll slowly and then sometimes rather abruptly arrive back on terra firma.

Depending on where in Africa you are flying, you may be welcomed back to earth by a champagne 'bush' breakfast with your fellow passengers to share the experience.

Witnessing the Great Migration from a Hot Air Balloon

You will then be transferred back to your safari lodge or camp via a mini game drive, normally in time for lunch.


Our top countries for ballooning (in no particular order) are:

1) Kenya (Maasai Mara)

2) Tanzania (Serengeti)

3) Namibia (Sossusvlei)

4) Botswana (Okavango Delta)

5) Zambia (Kafue)

Ballooning above Botswana's Okavango Delta give you a completely different perspective on the wilderness below

To experience something phenomenal like this you do need to be aware of the seasons you are travelling as some destinations only offer hot-air ballooning at certain times of year. 

Do let us know if this interests you and we'll help make your dream a reality.

Thanks for reading,

The Bonamy Travel Team

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