Tarangire Hot Air Balloon Safari

The Tarangire Hot Air Balloon Safari is not just an adventure; it’s a transcendental journey that elevates your safari experience to new heights, both literally and metaphorically. As dawn breaks, you’ll find yourself rising with the sun over the lush landscapes of Tarangire National Park, one of Tanzania’s most scenic wildlife reserves. This experience begins with the early morning chill, as you watch the balloon being inflated, a spectacle in itself, before you step into the woven basket that will carry you skyward.

Floating gently above the African savannah, you’ll witness the sunrise casting golden, orange, and blue hues across the sky, with the vast expanse of Tarangire below you. The park, sprawling over 2,850 square kilometers, is a tapestry of granite ridges, river valleys, swamps, and dense acacia woodlands punctuated by the iconic baobab trees, some over a thousand years old. From this aerial vantage point, you’ll glide over the Tarangire River, a lifeline for the park’s wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals congregate around its waters.

The balloon ride offers a unique perspective on wildlife, where you might see herds of elephants moving like shadows across the plains, or if fortune favors, a leopard on the prowl in the early light. The tranquility of the flight, combined with the sights of wildlife and the ancient landscape, makes this an unparalleled experience in nature’s theatre.

Your flight, lasting approximately an hour, concludes with a gentle landing, followed by a celebration of your adventure with a traditional bush breakfast served in the heart of the park. Here, under the African sky, amid the sounds of the wild, you’ll enjoy a meal complete with champagne, marking the end of your aerial journey with a toast to the beauty of Tarangire.

Location

Tarangire National Park is located in the northern part of Tanzania, making it an integral part of the Northern Safari Circuit. The park is accessible from Arusha and is roughly a two-hour drive away. The balloon safari usually starts near the Nyuki campsite, moving northwards over the Tarangire River, offering a panoramic view of one of Tanzania’s less crowded but equally stunning wildlife destinations.

Day Tour and Itinerary

Here’s what your day with the Tarangire Hot Air Balloon Safari might look like:

• Early Morning:
  • Pick-Up: Depart from your lodge or camp between 4:30 am to 6:00 am, depending on your location. Pick-up points include various lodges like Naitolia Camp, Tarangire Treetops Lodge, or from park entrance gates for those outside.
• Balloon Inflation: Arrive at the launch site to watch the balloons being inflated, an enchanting process as the fabric fills with hot air.
• Safety Briefing: Receive a thorough briefing from your pilot on safety and what to expect during the flight.
• Flight:
  • Takeoff: Around 6:30 am, lift off into the sky for an hour-long journey over Tarangire’s landscapes.
  • Aerial Views: Enjoy sightings of wildlife, baobabs, and the river from above.
• Landing:
  • Touchdown: The balloon lands gently, and you’ll disembark to the ground.
• Post-Flight Celebrations:
  • Bush Breakfast: Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast at the Matate picnic site, often with champagne to celebrate.
  • Certificates: Receive a certificate commemorating your balloon safari.
• Game Drive: After breakfast, partake in an en route game drive back to your lodge or camp, spotting more of Tarangire’s wildlife.
• Return: Arrive back at your accommodation by late morning, with the rest of the day free for additional activities or relaxation.

What Makes This Tour Unique

• Unmatched Views: The aerial perspective allows you to see the park’s layout, wildlife interactions, and the vastness of the landscape in a way ground safaris cannot.
• Serenity and Silence: The quiet of the balloon ride, disturbed only by the occasional blast of the burner, offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling ground level.
• Sunrise Experience: Witnessing the dawn from above, with the sun rising over the African plains, is a breathtaking spiritual experience.
• Intimate Wildlife Encounter: From above, you get a unique chance to see animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
• Cultural Interaction: The bush breakfast is not just about food; it’s a moment of cultural immersion in the heart of the wild.

Stay at MoonBow Lodge

After your ethereal journey over Tarangire, MoonBow Lodge provides:

• Tranquil Retreat: A place to reflect on your morning’s adventure with comfortable, culturally inspired accommodations.
• Culinary Delight: Savor Tanzanian cuisine that complements your morning’s bush breakfast experience.
• Additional Adventures: The lodge can arrange for further explorations in the area or simply a day of relaxation after your early start.
• Nature’s Proximity: Situated near wildlife-rich areas, you’re never far from more natural wonders to explore.
• Cultural Engagement: Evening activities might include cultural shows or discussions, keeping the spirit of Tanzania alive even after the day’s adventure.