Hot-Air Ballooning in East Africa

Hot-Air Ballooning in East Africa

Hot-air ballooning in East Africa is an activity where a given number of tourists sit in a hot-air balloon to view wildlife, physical features, and different landscapes. It is such a satisfying experience, especially the early morning hot air balloon, which enables you to see the beautiful sunsets. There is nothing like the feeling of freedom and exhilaration you get when flying high above the African plains. Sure, the idea of waking up at the crack of dawn during your vacation may sound less than pleasant. However, the rewards of embarking on this high-flying adventure greatly outweigh the inconvenience of setting your alarm clock for somewhere between 4.00 -5.00 AM.

Uganda

Tourists engage in hot air ballooning in Uganda at Queen Elizabeth National Park and Murchison Falls National Park, situated in the southwestern and northwestern parts of the country, respectively. A hot air balloon in Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s treasures and most visited tourist destinations in the country, and the only place to find the famous tree-climbing lions, not found elsewhere in Uganda. The famous Kazinga channel bisects the park, home to black-lined elephants, hippos, and giant Nile crocodiles. However, viewing these beautiful creatures from the sky feels good other than game drive.

The hot air balloon safari starts in the morning with magnificent views of the beautiful sun rising from the East as though it were coming out from Lake George, which is East of the park. However, currently, the activity is on hold in both national parks.  Therefore, if you wish to combine gorillas and a hot air balloon, you can consider combining Kenya or Tanzania with Uganda on a safari.

Kenya

The Masai Mara National Reserve hosts hot air balloons in Kenya. A truly ‘once in a lifetime’ experience, flying in a Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara plains is an evocative experience that you have the chance to enjoy during any safari you take to the Maasai Mara. The balloon takes off at the crack of dawn, around 6 am. Then, it glides silently during the ride over the savannah grasslands below, where you may spot a variety of wildlife. The flight lasts an hour and concludes with a ”Champagne Bush Breakfast” at the balloon landing site in the wilderness.

A fully qualified and experienced pilot flies the balloon, and Cameron, a specialist hot air balloon manufacturer in Great Britain, most often makes the balloons themselves. The basket sizes vary, and it is best to book the ride in advance as space is typically limited to a maximum of 16 passengers per balloon, often less if flying with a smaller basket.

Tanzania

A hot air balloon in Tanzania is operated in Serengeti National Park and Nyerere National Park. It is the ultimate way to experience the vastness of the national park. The company runs balloon flights daily at 6.00 AM from four launch sites within Serengeti National Park: (1) throughout the year close to Seronera, and others in the Ndutu area (From 25 December to 5 March), in the Western corridor (from June to October), and in Northern Serengeti (from July to October). This experience helps you experience the endless Serengeti plains from an unforgettable perspective, where you have a chance of spotting some predators getting ready for the day. The pilot may fly at different altitudes depending on what you may need to see.

Rwanda

Hot air balloons in Rwanda are done in Akagera National Park. Royal Balloons launched the activity in 2022, making it the sole hot air balloon company in the country. Royal Balloon Rwanda has two hot air balloons that can seat 4 to 6 passengers each. The Hot Air Balloon soars to heights of up to 1000 meters over the park’s stunning savanna-covered landscapes, which are home to the big five – elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards, and buffaloes – and other diverse kinds of animals. Your adventure begins when you arrive at the take-off spot in Kayitaba, which is just a 5-minute drive from the Akagera National Park’s South Entrance gate. The take-off occurs at 5:15 a,m but can be altered according to the dawn time.

Cost Of Hot-Air Ballooning in East Africa

The Cost of Air Ballooning in Tanzania

A Serengeti balloon flight costs between USD 400 and USD 580 per person, including the Tanapa ballooning fee of USD 40. The flight lasts for about 50 to 70 minutes.

• Various locations typically serve breakfast daily, depending on the landing site. The balloon usually accommodates up to 16 individuals in total.
• The rates are inclusive of a transfer from your lodge or camp to the departure balloon site. Additionally, the balloon flight itself and a champagne breakfast after landing are inclusive.
• Nyerere National Park/Selous Reserve. Prices for the 2023- 2024 season range from US$ 399 to US$ 490 per person, depending on which camp or lodge you will fly from. Child rates are available in certain cases for children under 12.
• The basket sizes vary, and it’s best to book in advance as space is typically limited to a maximum of 16 passengers per balloon, often less if flying with a smaller basket.
• The price is also inclusive of a bush breakfast accompanied by champagne.

The cost of hot air ballooning in Rwanda

• The hot air balloon experience in Akagera National Park costs USD250 for citizens and East African Community citizens. Foreign residents- diplomats inclusive pay USD350, and foreign non-residents pay USD450
• The company charges children aged between six and 12 years half price for the flight. Meanwhile, those above 12 years are considered adults.
• The rates include a champagne celebration after landing and the receipt of a flight certificate signed by the pilots.

The cost of hot air ballooning in Kenya

• The Masai Mara balloon safari rides at the Masai Mara cost about $410 for an adult. For children under the age of 12 years, it’s $300 per person.
• Children under 4 are not allowed to go on this experience.
• This price is not inclusive of the transportation and accommodation to the Masai Mara.  Hence, your tour operator will arrange the transport to the set-off point for you.
• The cost includes inflatable refreshments before and after the flight, a certificate, and a bush breakfast accompanied by champagne.
• The cost may increase as the number of individuals decreases. For example, VIPS or those with special events, such as those with proposals or honeymooners.

What should one carry for a hot-air balloon ride in East Africa?

Like any other safari, thorough preparations would make a hot air balloon safari a memorable and remarkable one. You may need these things for a good hot air balloon safari.

• Firstly, Binoculars, as you will need to zoom in and out to see animals and other attractions clearly from a distance or in the air.
• You should wear closed shoes if you need to walk through a grassy area after landing.
• Secondly, dressing in layers enables you to transition from the cool, dark early morning over the Masai Mara to the relatively hot late morning sun.
• Cameras; one will need to have memories. Therefore, the camera is always the solution as one needs to capture landscapes, physical features, animals, and so on.

A hot-air balloon in East Africa is what you need to add to your to-do list if you are to have a memorable safari. The next step is looking for the right people who are well-conversant with East Africa. Then, book a safari with them, whether it is about gorilla trekking, chimpanzee trekking, boat cruises, safari game drives, horseback riding safaris, and so on. The rest of a memorable tourism experience will then be history!