Serengeti’s Thrilling Hot Air Balloon Adventure, Tanzania
Embark on Serengeti National Park’s hot air balloon adventure, another way to experience the world from a bird’s-eye view.
Hot air balloons are lighter-than-air aircraft that use heated air to lift their fabric envelopes, usually made of nylon or polyester, off the ground.
Floating high above the world in a hot air balloon offers a unique and thrilling perspective. Many consider it the safest form of air travel, reportedly 50 times safer than flying in an airplane.
From a hot air balloon, you get incredible, unmatched panoramic views of the landscape below, including vast forests, glistening water, and diverse wildlife in this park.
Hot air balloon rides offer a sense of peace and tranquility because they are typically calm and quiet, apart from the occasional bursts from the propane burner, while also providing a special connection with nature. As you view the wonders below, you’ll become more attuned to the wind and weather conditions.
Serengeti National Park is located in northern Tanzania near the border with Kenya, and it is part of the larger Serengeti Ecosystem. It covers approximately 14,750 square kilometers (5,700 square miles). It is known for its diverse ecosystems like vast grasslands and woodlands, riverine forests, rocky kopjes, and its incredible wildlife populations, including the big five (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo, and rhino) and zebras, numerous antelope species, cheetahs, wildebeests, giraffes, as well as birdlife.
Hot Air Balloon Experience In Serengeti National Park
The hot air balloon experience in the park normally starts very early in the morning. The hot air balloon rides offer a unique and unforgettable experience, viewing the sunrise as you float calmly and peacefully across the horizon. During the safaris, you will get to enjoy the diverse landscapes, wildlife, birdlife, as well as the water bodies at Serengeti National Park.
From a birds-eye view, you will be able to spot the animals clearly and in slow-motion as they move across the vast Serengeti plains, and sometimes you may get to see some of the top predators spot and hunt their prey. This spectacle from above is a sight to behold.
Hot air balloon operators offer safaris in three main areas of Serengeti National Park; the location depends on the season. From June to October, safaris take place in the northern and western parts of the Serengeti, which are ideal for witnessing the great wildebeest migration. Hot air balloon operators conduct safaris in the southern Serengeti and the northern part of Ngorongoro between December and February.
Best Time For Hot Air Balloon Safaris In Serengeti
The best time for balloon adventures in Serengeti largely depends on your specific interests and what you hope to experience. witness the Great Migration, plan your visit from late June to October, and if you are captivated by the sight of wildebeest calves during the calving season, January to February is ideal.
If you prefer fewer crowds and lower costs, the seasons of March to May and November to early December offer quieter experiences. Keep in mind that a balloon safari in Serengeti is weather-dependent, so it is wise to check with local operators for availability during your chosen travel dates to ensure you do not miss this incredible adventure.
Other Activities Carried Out In Serengeti National Park
Game drives
Game drives stand out as the primary and widely favored activity for visitors in the Serengeti National Park. Day game drives In Serengeti National Park offer a diverse and thrilling experience across its varied landscapes. The popular regions for the game drives include the Seronera valley, where you can witness an array of wildlife, including the big five and cheetahs.
In the Ndutu area, you will encounter thousands of wildebeests and zebras during the great migration. The western corridor is fantastic for river crossings, while the northern Serengeti near the Masai Mara provides a chance to witness these dramatic crossings during the migration season.
Hiking
Serengeti National Park offers limited hiking opportunities. Conservation and safety concerns restrict hiking, as the park prioritizes wildlife protection and vehicle-based safaris. However, there are a few areas where guided hiking activities are permitted, such as the Lamai Wedge in northern Serengeti and Embakasi Crater, located nearby in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. These hikes provide a unique perspective of the landscape, wildlife, and, in the case of Embakasi Crater, stunning views and a chance to see flamingos.
Exploring The Lobo Valley
The Lobo Valley is located in the northern part of Serengeti National Park, offering a captivating wilderness experience.
Its abundant wildlife makes this area an ideal location to spot the “Big Five” (Lion, Leopard, elephant, Rhino, and Buffalo).
As well as zebras, cheetahs, and giraffes. The Lobo Valley also serves as a focal point. It is used to view the great migration, an awe-inspiring spectacle as thousands of wildebeest and zebras traverse this region during their annual journey.
The Lobo valley’s quieter ambiance sets it apart from the park’s more crowded sections, allowing you peaceful safaris amidst the eye-catching beauty of the northern Serengeti.
Cultural visits
Cultural visits in Serengeti National Park offer a captivating opportunity to engage with the Maasai communities. They reside near the park and gain a deeper understanding of their rich traditions and lifestyles. These visits often include tours of the Maasai villages. where you can witness daily routines, traditional dances, and the vibrant craftsmanship of beadwork and jewelry. The interactions add a unique layer to your Serengeti journey, showcasing the harmonious blend of human culture and natural wonder in this iconic ecosystem.
