Balloon Safaris and the Unofficial Night Game Drive
Hot air balloon safaris are offered in many places in Tanzania – Tarangire, Serengeti, Ruaha, Grumeti, and more. I had never been in a balloon before, so I made sure to add this to my itinerary. My balloon safari was operated by Serengeti Balloon Safaris in Seronera (central Serengeti). Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)
It is well known that night game drives are forbidden in Serengeti National Park, but there is one way around this. If you stay at a camp that is far from the launch site, you will get an early morning drive from your lodge to the launch site. I was picked up at 4:00 AM and had 1.5 hours in the safari vehicle before arriving. We saw hippos running along the road, rhinos browsing and a plethora of nighttime creatures you won’t see during the day. I mentioned to the driver that this is the unofficial night game drive of the Serengeti and he snickered. That in and of itself was worth it! Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder) Bush Breakfast after balloon safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)
Once we arrived to the launch site, we had the most stunning sunrise I have ever experienced in my life. We snacked on cookies and coffee while the crew inflated two huge balloons. After our briefing, we were airborne for almost 2 hours. We soared over the ground, watching ungulates as they ran below us. It was peaceful, serene, and exciting all at once.
On the ground, we had a champagne toast followed by an extensive bush breakfast in an idyllic location. All of this before 10 AM! I would recommend a balloon safari to anyone with even the slightest interest. I’m even afraid of heights and I found it worth swallowing my fear for the first few minutes. Once I settled it, I realized it might be the highlight of my entire trip.
Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder) Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)
The Adventure Life staff, for me it's Franny, always listens to what I say about what kind of travel my wife and I want and expect. It never goes wrong. The motto at AL seems to be I will get back to you right away if not sooner. Requested changes and special requests are encouraged and acted on ASAP.
Dick Philpot
3 days ago
The trip planners at Adventure Life were very helpful and always replied to my inquiries right away. The excursions, accomodations, and local guides were excellent
Avi Argaman
4 days ago
Be sure to sign up for all the tours, otherwise you will be sitting on the boat since not all stops are moored at a dock. Some are anchored.
Gail Puryear
4 days ago
There were two best aspects to our trip:
1. The Adventure Life folks and the folks in Athens and Crete who supported our itinerary, guided us, and ran the cooking program were all superb.
2. Everything they all planned for us went without a hitch. When we needed a bit of help, they came through with really good answers.
We became aware of AL from a friend who had an excellent experience in a different location. So did we. We can recommend AL without reservation.
Tom Campbell
4 days ago
My agent Jeff did not push the sale while providing thorough information and replying quickly to my many questions.
