Enquire
Why book with us?

What are you looking for?

Hello traveller!

It's in Cape Town now.

We're sorry. Our safari planners aren't available now. Our office hours are 08:00 - 19:00 (GMT+2).

Call us to speak to an experienced safari planner.


Alternatively, we recommend...

travel-form-icon

Complete our travel enquiry form to connect with a safari planner

ENQUIRE TODAY

Last Updated: 30 January 2024

Great places to go on a hot air balloon ride in Africa

Alice Lombard Headshot

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Verified by  Alice Lombard

 •  Destination Expert

Part of the Namibia Safari Collection

That ever present bucket list creeps up on us the older we get and this list seems to be growing every year. It’s almost a dead giveaway that many people out there would count going on a ride in a hot air balloon as a definite item on this formidable list.

You’ve travelled all the way to Africa to see the amazing nature and abundance of wildlife so why not make it that much more special by going on a hot air balloon ride in some of the most picturesque places on the planet? Here are five great places in Africa to have this incredible experience…

Namibia – Sossusvlei

The Namibian desert has harsh weather conditions and it can get extremely warm during the day. For this reason, hot air balloon rides are only conducted in the early mornings. Most people agree that the true beauty of Namibia can be felt at sunrise.

hot air balloon trips namibia

Image: Kulala Desert Lodge

This is also a particularly great time to experience the majestic Sossusvlei which boasts both vast untouched deserts and rolling mountains.  The balloon flight usually lasts around 3 and a half hours and ends with a champagne breakfast.

South Africa – Drakensberg

A safari in South Africa won’t be complete with a forray in the clouds. The area in which hot air ballooning takes place is in Kamberg, and patrons will need to be there approximately 30 minutes before sunrise.

The duration of the flight is roughly an hour in the air. Once this is done you will return to an area near to where you took off to enjoy a champagne breakfast before you get back to earth.

South Africa- Magaliesberg

What better was to experience one of the world’s most diverse Heritage Sites than by balloon? Panoramic views over the Cradle of Humankind and the surrounding ecosystem is most certainly a thrill. Visit Bill Harrop’s Balloon Safaris to experience the magic of this important historic site.

Kenya – Masai Mara National Park

What better way to see one of the best wildlife shows on earth then from the height of a hot air balloon?

balloon safari kenya little governors camp

Image: Little Governors Camp

This really is an amazing way to experience the world cup of wildlife happenings. These trips in the air will leave you jaw-dropped as you gaze at all the magical scenery for which this part of Kenya is famous for.

Tanzania – Serengeti

There are three different places in which one can take a hot air balloon ride in this sought after wildlife area which is a location for the great migration. These are within the middle of the Serengeti which is the area where there is a congregation of wildlife at the Seronera River this is largely due to there being a permanent flow of water there.

The Western part of the Serengeti is another amazing place to see all kinds of riveting wildlife happenings, why not achieve this from a hot air balloon.

 

Written by  Tiffany Bowers

 • Travel Writer

Team Member Headshot

Verified by  Alice Lombard

 •  Destination Expert

Alice is our Sales & Product Manager, responsible for managing the Sales Consultants as well as all the products and itineraries that we promote.

Discover the African Journey that’s Right for You

Discover Africa Through Travellers' Stories

The true magic, though, is with the people. They’re not just staff; they’re my friends, my family.

JJ Towler

United States

Matthys Van Aswegen

JJ Towler's journey was crafted with the expertise of Matthys Van Aswegen

I went to Africa to help my parents check a box, but I returned with a new perspective on my own life. Africa is no longer a "someday" destination for me; it’s a "must-return".

Steven

United States

Vihann Van Wyk

Steven's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

We trusted our guide implicitly as we sat mere metres from elephants, lions, and hippos.

Cathy & Debb

Canada

Vihann Van Wyk

Cathy & Debb's journey was crafted with the expertise of Vihann Van Wyk

The Serengeti offered us sights we had never witnessed before, such as the surreal image of lions lounging high in the trees

Cathy & Nat

Canada

Susan Veldman

Cathy & Nat's journey was crafted with the expertise of Susan Veldman

What Our Guests Have to Say?

Read recent reviews from travellers who have planned and booked their trips with us

star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Trustpilot review

"All advising given by Discover Africa (in our case, by Justin Van Wyk) was really helpful and the programe they have outlined was great. Everything went really smooth and professional."

Luis Cortez, Portugal15 Apr 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon
Google review

"This was our first experience using an online booking agent and it was outstanding. Justin went through our requirements even though we were pretty sure we knew what we wanted (we really didn't!) and came up with a plan that met our needs, including coordin..."

John Colao, United States13 Apr 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"I had a great trip organised by Chrizaan. Everything went very smoothly including all of the pickups, flights and accommodation. I visited Namibia and loved seeing the dunes, springboks and oryx. I also visited the Okavango Delta and saw so many anim..."

Leanne Harrison, South Africa03 Feb 2026

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Everything was more than what I expected. From the safari drives to the lodging and food was five star. At the camps, one was pampered. Everyone was personable and made me feel at home. The entire trip was wonderful!"

Nancy Dunnihoo, United States05 Oct 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"We had an absolutely amazing experience with this travel agency! Cayleigh was incredibly professional, friendly, and organized every detail of our trip flawlessly. All the transfers were perfectly arranged — we didn’t have to worry or struggle with anything..."

Alex Kohli, United Arab Emirates21 Jul 2025

Read More
star-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-iconstar-icon

"Even superlatives fail when trying to describe the sheer joy of our multigenerational trip to Sabi Sabi in South Africa, and The Elephant Camp in Zimbabwe! It was SUPERB IN EVERY WAY, from game drives (we saw everything and then some) to daily comforts (lux..."

Gayle, United States05 Jul 2025

Read More
View All Testimonials

Our safari traveller reviews are independently verified and sourced from trusted third-party review platforms.

HTTP_HOST: www.discoverafrica.com