Tanzania Hot Air Balloon Safaris
A safari from the sky
Indulge in an unforgettable Tanzania Hot Air Balloon Safaris, marvelling at the wildlife from aloft. Don’t let this unique adventure float away without you!
As the pilot fires up the burner and the enormous balloon slowly rises, a wave of excitement runs through you. Soon, you’re gently lifting off into the cool morning air, floating above the endless golden plains of Tanzania or Kenya. Designed for a select number of travelers, a hot air balloon safari offers a truly exclusive and unforgettable adventure one that reveals Africa’s beauty from a completely new perspective.
Drifting silently above the Serengeti, Ruaha, the Masai Mara, or the red dusted landscapes of Tarangire, you begin to grasp the immense scale of the wilderness below. From this breathtaking height, you can see the great distances the migrating herds must travel and the daily challenges faced by wildlife in their natural habitat. Every moment brings remarkable photo opportunities from elephants crossing rivers to giraffes casting long morning shadows across the savannah.
When timed with the Great Migration, a balloon safari becomes an awe-inspiring spectacle. Watching thousands upon thousands of wildebeest and zebras move across the plains from above is an experience that words can hardly capture. Seeing the vast herds stretching to the horizon reminds you of nature’s sheer power and rhythm.
A hot air balloon safari in Tanzania or Kenya is one of the most extraordinary ways to complement your wildlife adventure a once in a lifetime experience that combines serenity, excitement, and unparalleled views of Africa’s natural wonders.
Where to go on a Tanzania Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Many of the beautiful boutique camps we partner with offer hot air balloon safaris that launch at dawn to capture the magic of an African sunrise. We recommend dressing in layers, as the early morning air can be cool both on the ground and while floating high above the plains. This romantic and unforgettable experience ends with a champagne breakfast served in the heart of the wilderness a perfect way to celebrate your adventure.
Please note that weather conditions affect balloon excursions, and our team may postpone or cancel flights in case of strong winds or rain to ensure safety. Our friendly and knowledgeable Toilo Tours and Safaris travel experts will happily help you design the perfect itinerary that includes this breathtaking experience.
Serengeti Balloon Safari
The Serengeti, whose name means “endless plains” is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world. From the air, you can truly grasp its vastness, stretching endlessly to the horizon. A Serengeti balloon safari offers breathtaking views of the golden plains dotted with wildlife, and if you visit at the right time, you may witness the spectacular Great Migration, where millions of wildebeest and zebra move in search of fresh grazing.
As you float silently above the landscape, keep an eye out for hippos wallowing in their pools, herds of elephants and gazelles grazing peacefully, and perhaps even lions or cheetahs beginning their morning hunt.
We arrange balloon safaris from several key locations across the Serengeti, including Central Serengeti, the Western Corridor, and Ndutu during the calving season.. The best time to experience a Serengeti balloon safari is during the dry seasons, between June and November, and again from mid-December to mid March.
Masai Mara Balloon Safari
Across the border in Kenya, the Masai Mara offers one of the most dramatic settings for a balloon safari. Famous for its incredible density of wildlife and sweeping grasslands, the Mara is home to lions, elephants, giraffes, and countless plains game.
During the migration season (August to September), the experience becomes truly unforgettable as you soar over the Mara River and watch thousands of wildebeest and zebra crossing below. Outside migration months, the sunrise views over the shimmering rivers and open savannahs are equally magical.
Toilo Tours and Safaris conveniently arranges hot air balloon safaris in the Masai Mara from a selection of premium camps and lodges. The best months to fly are June to October and January to February, when clear skies and calm winds create ideal flying conditions.
Ruaha Balloon Safari
A hidden gem in southern Tanzania, Ruaha National Park is one of Africa’s largest and most remote wilderness areas and a balloon safari here offers something truly special. Operating only during the dry season (June to October), the flights reveal panoramic views of the Ruaha River, vast plains scattered with ancient baobab trees, and a landscape untouched by crowds.
The calm, steady winds during this season allow your balloon to drift gracefully sometimes just meters above elephants and hippos, other times rising high to reveal the immensity of the park. Toilo Tours and Safaris partners with select luxury camps in Ruaha to make this incredible experience part of your itinerary.
Tarangire Balloon Safari
Tarangire National Park is one of Tanzania’s most diverse and picturesque parks a perfect setting for a hot air balloon safari. The soft morning winds create a peaceful, unhurried flight, allowing you to soak in the scenery of grassy plains, majestic baobab trees, rocky hills, and the winding Tarangire River.
From above, you will spot elephants, buffalo, giraffes, and impalas moving across the red tinged landscape. During the dry months, large herds gather along the river and the lush Silale Swamp, offering remarkable photo opportunities.
Toilo Tours and Safaris can easily add balloon safaris in Tarangire to your itinerary, especially between June and October, when wildlife viewing is at its best.
Take to the Skies with Toilo Tours and Safaris
Whether it’s over the Serengeti plains, the Masai Mara grasslands, the wild heart of Ruaha, or the red earth of Tarangire, a hot-air balloon safari with Toilo Tours and Safaris promises a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on Africa’s most magnificent landscapes.
Our Reviews
EXCELLENT Based on 23 reviews Posted on Carmen e João Correia - Ávida por ViagensTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Going on a safari in Tanzania was one of the best experiences of my life, and I highly recommend that everyone experiences it at least once. I chose a camping safari because I wanted to spend as much time as possible in as many parks as possible, and also have the opportunity to camp inside the parks themselves, which makes the experience even more intense and authentic. I travelled solo, and Tolio placed me in an absolutely fantastic group, made up of a family and another traveller. Our guide, Francis, was outstanding, as was the cook who travelled with us. We always had hot and delicious meals, even in the middle of the safari. I truly believe that the people make the safari, and this was very evident during this experience. The guide explained everything about the animals, shared stories about the local culture, and showed great respect for the animals and for other guides — all with great professionalism. Throughout the safari, the atmosphere was always light, positive and joyful. We brought biscuits for the journey and, over the course of five days, we became a real family. We sat together at the table to talk, sing, share stories and then rest. It was a beautiful and genuine sense of togetherness. We made a point of always having the guide and the cook sitting at the table with us. Regarding the campsites: The Serengeti campsite could benefit from better bathroom facilities, and each vehicle could have some washing basins to help with dishwashing. The Ngorongoro campsite was very good, with excellent bathroom facilities. I especially loved the fireplace and the social atmosphere in the common area. The hardest moment was when the safari ended. We didn’t want to separate or stop doing safari. I was truly happy during those days. When I chose this safari, Tolio sent me a very detailed program, which helped align expectations. During the trip, we were also surprised with one night in a lodge, which made the experience even more special 😊 I met many travellers who were frustrated with safaris booked through other companies that did not deliver what was promised, which made me appreciate this choice even more. My main recommendations are: choose carefully what type of safari you want and which parks you want to visit - clearly define the type of accommodation you want (camping, lodge, or mixed) - read carefully the detailed program provided by the company - be flexible — not everything is guaranteed in nature. The migration, for example, does not happen when we want it to. Animals don’t wait for us. I highly recommend a camping safari, whether you are travelling solo, with friends, as a couple or with family. Tolio was impeccable — the entire support team helped greatly with logistics, organised transfers to the accommodation, and were always kind and available.Posted on Monika AugustyniakTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing 4-day safari experience! We spotted nearly all the animals we hoped for, enjoyed tasty meals with lots of options, and had the unforgettable thrill of camping near zebras and elephants. Our guide Gerry was fantastic – experienced, informative, and easygoing. The car was top quality, and the whole trip was excellent value for money. Highly recommend this operator for anyone planning a safari in Tanzania!Posted on Aixi LiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent Safari Experience with Toilo Tours & Safaris Our safari with Toilo Tours & Safaris was truly unforgettable. Julius did an outstanding job preparing a well-organized itinerary that covered all the highlights while ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey. The lodges selected were comfortable, beautiful, and offered a perfect blend of nature and luxury. The food throughout the trip was delicious and exceeded our expectations. Every detail was thoughtfully planned, making the entire experience stress-free and memorable. We highly recommend Toilo Tours & Safaris for anyone looking for a professional, well-arranged, and authentic safari adventure. Thank you, Julius, for your excellent service and warm hospitality!Posted on KokiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great experience from start to finish! Julius was very kind and responsive on WhatsApp and even met us the day before to explain everything. Our guide Maximilian was full of energy, always cheerful, and made the trip so much fun. The camping inside the national parks was a unique highlight — comfortable tents, tasty meals, and even a shared charging area. We didn’t spot rhinos or leopards, but saw many other animals, and the scenery itself was absolutely stunning. Highly recommended!Posted on Agnieszka L.Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful experience! We had a lovely time on safari in Tanzania thanks to great organisation and communication with Julius. Always on time, everything was prearranged and ready-to-go. We got clear info what to expect and what’s the plan for the tour. Both pick-up and drop off went smoothly as well. Couldn’t recommend it more.Posted on Karolina GajosTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our safari adventure through Tanzania was truly unforgettable. From the heart of the savannah to the soft beaches of Zanzibar, every moment felt like something out of a dream! The locations were wild and beautiful, yet felt completely safe and comfortable. At night, we were serenaded by the sounds of nature, a powerful reminder that we were guests in something much bigger than ourselves! Julius took care of everything with incredible professionalism, making the whole journey feel effortless! Our guide Khaleed was outstanding, just a kind, deeply knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the land and its wildlife. The car was in top condition, so we avoided problems we saw other vehicles run into such as breakdowns, getting stuck in the mud and flat tires. We just cruised through smoothly and without stress. The food was great, and the overall atmosphere was the perfect blend of adventure and comfort. But what made this trip truly life-changing was Tanzania itself and its people. There’s something deeply inspiring about the way Tanzanians live. Their perspective on life is rooted in community, balance, and presence. It’s not just about what they say, it’s how they live, how they treat others, and how they find joy and meaning in the everyday. I felt a genuine connection right away, like I wasn’t just visiting, I was welcomed! Go to Tanzania if you’re looking to step outside your bubble, to reconnect with the world and yourself, and to experience a way of life that’s both humbling and uplifting! It’s not just a trip. It’s a gift. And remember! Hakuna matata and pole pole! 🐘🌍Posted on Alan Dana OmarTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I want to express my gratitude to the team of Toilo for tailoring a private bush to beach experience for us that we will never forget! Julius worked hard to give us more than we wanted on only 2 months notice. His response time is impressively low, regardless of the time of day. He is very polite, and it was great to meet him in person because he is a likeable person. We (a couple) wanted a mid-range safari and Zanzibar tour, and the result exceeded our expectations on every level. The price was fair, and I would probably not save anything/much if I would organize the whole journey myself. All of our accommodations were fully equipped, comfortable and in prime locations! The staff at each accommodation were so great to us, and the chefs never disappointed in making fresh and healthy meals. Our car was in prime condition and we had a cooler with so much water, juice, soda, beer and wine that we could not even get through a third of the stock. Lastly, a big thanks to our safari guide/driver Khalid/Khaleed. We were so lucky to get him because of hist vast knowledge of the flora and fauna, in addition to his great driving skills. We felt safe with him behind the wheels, and he always ensured that we had enough of each animal sighting before proceeding. He is also a very relaxed and genuine guy, the same can also be said about Julius.Posted on jake ButtonTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Julius with Tolio tours was very easy to communicate with and answered all my questions. Everything was smooth from the get go! We had the most amazing chef who cooked fresh meals everyday! From what we could see, this was the best company for solo travellers, couples, friends and people who are below the age of 50! I couldn’t be happier with my experiencePosted on Timéo Hot Wheels RacingTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. A big thank you to Julius for turning the celebration of my husband's 50th birthday into a magical and unforgettable family event. He organized a tailor-made safari and accommodations with excellent value for money, along with a French-speaking guide, Amani, who was highly knowledgeable about the savannah (especially the Serengeti), and a cook who prepared delicious homemade meals for us. We shared some truly wonderful moments with both of them, and they were also very respectful of our family's privacy. We also had the incredible chance to take a hot air balloon flight over Serengeti National Park. Floating above the plains at sunrise, with wildlife roaming below us, was a breathtaking and emotional experience we'll never forget. Julius exceeded our expectations by always being attentive and communicating effectively, both well before and throughout our trip. We warmly recommend him, as he will be able to advise you based on your preferences and budget, and find the best options to ensure your satisfaction.