Balloon Safari in Ruaha National Park
Balloon safaris, often quoted as being one of the safari highlights, offer a unique and exhilarating way to experience Ruaha‘s stunning beauty, which includes vast savannahs, winding rivers, and majestic mountains in the southern and western regions of the park.
Floating silently above the savanna, you get a bird’s-eye view of the wildlife and scenery below. It’s a surreal experience to see herds of elephants, giraffes, lions, and other animals from this new and unique perspective.
Ruaha National Park, often called “Tanzania’s hidden gem,” is known for its wild and unspoiled nature. The park offers a unique and diverse ecosystem, situated in a transition zone where South, East, and West African flora and fauna converge.
Balloon safaris typically take place early in the morning when the air is cool and stable, which provides the best conditions for ballooning. A driver will pick you up between 4:00 and 5:00 AM and transport you, with a night game drive, to the launch site.
You’ll witness the stunning transformation of the sky, with hues of purple and gold, as the sun rises over Ruaha.
The average flight lasts about an hour, depending on the weather and wind conditions.
With little wind, flights in Ruaha are mellow, gentle flights where you can enjoy the landscape of the Great Ruaha river system, fringed with baobabs and doum palms. You’ll discover the park from the sky, with mind-blowing and unique views.
Here you will be the only balloon in the air as you fly along the Great Ruaha River and its abundant wildlife.
Upon landing, your pilot will mark the occasion with a champagne toast, and give you a certificate of completion.
The balloon safari will conclude with a traditional champagne breakfast under a giant baobab tree, Out of Africa Style, adding a touch of elegance to the adventure.
Balloon safaris in Ruaha operate from June to October, during the dry season when wildlife is more concentrated and easier to spot.
Floating above Ruaha’s vast wilderness is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines adventure, tranquility, and the breathtaking beauty of nature.
Have you ever considered taking a balloon safari yourself?