At dawn you take off, rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take you. The balloon’s lift comes from hot air from powerful gas burners, the hotter the balloon the faster it rises. Suspended in a basket beneath the coloured canopy, you’re off for a game-viewing adventure with an entirely different perspective. Your balloon pilot can precisely control the altitude of the balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below. The balloon floats up to approx. 1000ft but can reach a maximum height of 12,500ft above sea level. Depending on the size of the balloon, they carry up to 12 passengers plus the pilot. Get to enjoy the absolute stillness: the silence as you float above the plains, the forest and the rivers.
The flight lasts an hour or so, drifting wherever the air currents take you, and with ample opportunities for photography and video filming. A champagne breakfast in the bush after you land, adds to the buzz you will get from the early morning air and the sights and sounds. The balloon safari ends with some leisurely game viewing on the way back by road to your camp or lodge. Balloon pilots have aircraft pilot licenses and have undergone extensive professional training and possess good safety records. There are no special requirements for participation in a balloon safari. Children must be a minimum of 8 years of age, and children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Other parks where you can do a balloon safari in East Africa are Tarangire and Serengeti in Tanzania.
