Hot Air Ballooning In Africa

Hot Air Ballooning In Africa

Thought that nothing could beat the thrill of being in a safari vehicle as it bounds along in search of the resident wildlife? Or the excitement that comes with being on foot tracking the game through the bush? Or the pleasure gained from cruising down the waters on one of Africa’s finest rivers? Think again – think hot air balloon.

There really is nothing to compare to soaring effortlessly across bright blue skies, soaking up the majestic views and looking down onto the action as the wildlife below carries on blissfully with its daily routines.

An early start is invariably involved, waking in darkness for a quick tea or coffee before travelling to the launch site where your balloon is slowly readied for take off. After climbing into the wicker basket things go dramatically skyward as you rise up and over the grounds below. From the safety of your reed cocoon you will witness Africa like never before – animals massing below, villagers slowly moving across the terrain, a wisp of smoke rising from a hut. After taking numerous photos and filling multiple memory cards, it’s time for a soft landing and a hearty breakfast, often accompanied by a glass of something fizzy to help celebrate such an auspicious occasion.

Africa is the perfect destination to take to the skies – blessed as the continent is with spectacular vistas and sights. The ballooning bucket list destinations in Africa are really Kenya & Tanzania. In Kenya the action centres around the iconic Masai Mara, but in Tanzania balloonophiles can get their fill in the Serengeti, Ruaha and now also the Tarangire National Parks. Those travelling elsewhere in East Africa can get high in Rwanda’s Akagera National Park and in the Queen Elizabeth National Park in Uganda.

Further south, visitors to Kafue in Zambia can enjoy the delights of a hot air balloon ride, whilst Botswana’s Okavango Delta & the sand dunes of Namibia will never look better than from the basket of a balloon.

Finally, South Africa has a whole host of locations from which to get a bird’s eye view - safari go-ers should head to the Mabula Private Game Reserve, culture vultures to the Cradle of Humankind, and wine-lovers to Stellenbosch.