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)
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