Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Family vacation trips in Southern Africa are all about making memories to last a lifetime. From thrilling up-close wildlife encounters to authentic interactions with local communities, a family vacation package with Explorer Safari will enrich your children’s lives in unexpected ways. Africa encourages new perspectives; whether you’re viewing Cape Town from the summit of Table Mountain, marveling at the Victoria Falls through a haze of misty spray, standing atop the Sossusvlei Dunes at sunrise, or floating over the Masai Mara in a hot air balloon. 

For families traveling to Africa for the first time, you can take your pick of bucket list experiences. See the Big 5 (or even the Big 7 if you choose to go on safari in the malaria-free Eastern Cape of South Africa). Watch whales from the shores of Hermanus, or see sharks up close at the Two Oceans Aquarium, before taking a ride in the big wheel at the world-famous V&A Waterfront. This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect as a family. Put modern distractions aside and indulge in the splendors of Southern Africa.

Travelling with tots, or travelling with teens? We will tailor your trip to suit your family. From the floodplains of the Okavango Delta to the elephants of Chobe, experience Southern Africa with Explorer.

Hot Air Balloon Safaris

Welcome to the enchanting world of hot air balloon safaris in Africa, where the skies come alive with vibrant colours and the wilderness spreads out beneath you in all its natural glory. If you’ve ever wondered about the thrill of floating above the African landscapes, this is your chance to explore the magic of balloon safaris. 

Are there hot air balloons in Africa?

Africa boasts some of the most awe-inspiring hot air balloon safaris on the planet. Whether you’re in Kenya, South Africa, or other parts of this vast continent, you’ll find numerous opportunities to embark on this breathtaking adventure. From the picturesque Masai Mara to the magnificent Serengeti, hot air balloons grace the skies, offering a unique perspective of Africa’s stunning landscapes and wildlife. 

Is a hot air balloon safari worth it? 

Without a doubt, a hot air balloon safari is worth every moment. Imagine drifting gently above the African plains, witnessing the sunrise or sunset casting a golden hue over the vast wilderness. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that allows you to connect with nature in an entirely new way. As the balloon glides silently through the air, you’ll have a front-row seat to observe the majestic creatures of Africa, often from a closer vantage point than traditional game drives can provide. 

Is there a hot air balloon safari over Masai Mara or Serengeti?

Hot air balloon safaris can be enjoyed in both the Masai Mara and the Serengeti, two of Africa’s most iconic and wildlife-rich regions. Each location offers a unique experience: 

Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara: Soar above the sweeping plains of the Masai Mara, known for its abundant wildlife, including the Big Five. Witness the annual Great Migration from the sky as thousands of wildebeests and zebras traverse the terrain. It’s a visual spectacle that’s best appreciated from the tranquillity of a hot air balloon. 

Hot Air Balloon Safari in Serengeti: The Serengeti, famous for its vastness and diverse ecosystems, is another hotspot for balloon safaris. Drift over the Serengeti’s stunning landscapes, which include rolling grasslands, acacia woodlands, and rocky outcrops. Spotting predators and other wildlife from above is an experience like no other. 

Capture every moment on a Masai Mara Photographic Safari. From big predators to big events such as the Great Migration, your expert guides are with you all the way to make sure you find the perfect angle.

No safari in Africa is complete without seeing the Big 5 in the wild. Lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino are the stars of the show, and most visitors to Africa consider a Big 5 safari the ultimate experience. Indeed, coming face to face with one of these magnificent animals is an experience that is hard to beat. Imagine the thrill of watching an elephant amble passed your open game vehicle, so close, you could touch it. Or delighting in watching lion cubs at play, their lioness mother never too far away. The thrill of seeing a rhino cross your path, an animal fighting hard to avoid extinction. 

Where are the best places to see the Big 5? Africa is the only continent in the world where you can see large populations of big game in the wild, especially in protected reserves such as the Kruger National Park. Private concessions within national parks, like the Sabi Sands, are your best bet if you hope to see all five members of the illustrious crew in one trip. This is because private game reserves – while sharing unfenced borders with the main park – offer unique benefits and fewer restrictions, like private guided game drives, night drives and guided nature walks in the company of experienced rangers. 

Other notable destinations for viewing the Big 5 include Chobe and Moremi in Botswana, and the Serengeti and Masai Mara in East Africa.

Witness the greatest wildlife show on earth when over a million wildebeest, gazelle and zebra charge towards better grazing areas, dangerously crossing the Mara River where crocodiles lie in wait. No wonder it is listed as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.