Experiences
Luxury Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Africa
Ker & Downey® Africa > Luxury Travel Experiences > Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Witness the magic of Africa from above
A luxury hot air balloon safari is an otherworldly experience. Ascending into the sky above sweeping savannah plains, deserts and rugged mountain ranges is the ultimate way to witness the magic of Africa. This is a thrilling experience, ideal for those wanting to push the limits of the traditional safari trip.
A safari in the sky generally takes place at dawn, when the air is calm and crisp and the rising sun creates a mosaic of color on the horizon. As the pilot activates the burner, large flames shoot upwards, encouraging the ascent of the impressive balloon and wicker basket. Once in the sky, the powerful burners are silenced and the balloon is at the mercy of the gentle breeze, drifting peacefully across the shifting landscape below.
Sailing high above animals going about their morning routines is a once in a lifetime experience. Built for connoisseurs of adventure and romantics alike, a hot air balloon safari is the ultimate mixture of thrills and tranquility. Oh, and did we mention the decadent champagne breakfast that awaits on your descent?
Top recommended hot air balloon safari destinations
Namib-Naukluft National Park, Namibia
The Namib-Naukluft National Park in Namibia is the world’s oldest desert. The sheer magnitude of the space is difficult to imagine. Vast clay pans and the towering terracotta sand dunes that run straight into the ocean result in some of the most extraordinary sceneries on the planet. There is no better way to experience the region than by taking to the skies and voyaging into the desert on a hot air balloon safari. Witnessing the isolated wilderness from above, dotted with weird and wonderful desert-adapted flora and fauna, is a spectacular sight. Photographers will delight in the changing hues of the sand dunes as the sun rises and the desert comes to life.
Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Witnessing one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa from high up in the sky on a hot air balloon safari renders most people speechless. Kenya’s iconic Masai Mara National Reserve is no exception. This highly sought-after wildlife destination is a land of astonishing views, endless plains, and an abundance of animals. It is also one of the stops on the path of the Great Wildebeest Migration. There is no better way to witness the millions of wildebeest, and other species making their cross-country journey than from a hot air balloon safari. Taking off at the break of dawn, gliding over the grasslands packed with animals, and ending with a champagne bush breakfast is a life-changing experience.
Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania is the African continent’s most photographed and filmed game reserves. And for good reason. The sweeping plains of this world-class game reserve are renowned for their dense populations of wildlife and idyllic beauty. Witnessing the astonishing ecosystems and animals at play from a bird’s eye-view perspective is an unforgettable experience. The Serengeti is, of course, also renowned for being the beginning and end point of the Great Wildebeest Migration which transforms the landscape into a dramatic spectacle, best witnessed from up above. Avid photographers and videographers will be hard-pressed to find a more extraordinary opportunity to capture this wonderland than from the wicker basket of a hot air balloon.
Marrakech, Morocco
Morocco is an enigmatic land filled with diverse cultures, landscapes and ancient cities. It is home to 40 unique ecosystems and an array of wildlife from elusive leopards and Barbary macaques in the rugged mountains to charmed cobras in the heart of Marrakech. Taking to the skies on a hot air balloon safari from Marrakech is a magical experience and offers a unique and colourful perspective. Silently floating over the landscape and witnessing the first rays of sunlight over the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains is a breathtaking experience. Known as the ‘gateway to Africa’, this vibrant nation has the power to enchant even the most seasoned of travelers.
Cape Winelands, South Africa
The sprawling countryside region of the Cape Winelands is home to some of the most magnificent scenery in South Africa. Lush, fertile valleys, rolling hills and mountain ranges play host to a collection of picturesque farmsteads, vineyards and villages. A hot air balloon safari is an unforgettable experience that takes you high above this breathtaking landscape to reveal its striking beauty as the sun rises to signal the start of a new day. Launching from a farm just outside Stellenbosch, the one-hour flight will allow guests to take in all the beauty the Cape Winelands has to offer from a view seen by few. On landing, guests can enjoy a refreshing gourmet breakfast and celebratory drink at the farm.
Luxor, Egypt
The city of Luxor in Egypt is known as the ‘world’s largest open air museum’ and is home to some of the country’s most significant surviving ancient monuments. With so much to see and experience in this historical region, sometimes a little perspective is necessary to take it all in. One of the most thrilling and unique experiences in Luxor is a sunrise hot air balloon over the city. Balloon rides take place just after the sun rises and casts its beautiful morning light over the tombs sites and temples, barren escarpments, and river. Viewing the incredible sights of Luxor from above is a remarkable way to truly grasp the impressive nature of these significant landmarks.
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