Ruaha

Of all the places in Tanzania we could choose to fly, we singled out Ruaha because it is a land of wilderness and contrast.

The peace is palpable here and yet it is bursting with life. Hear the hornbill tapping at his reflection on the car window and the hippo’s morning chorus snorting in the river as we float low overhead. With our balloons safaris we offer a unique perspective above the landscape which allows us to search for the elusive and shy just over that next bush or suddenly come upon a herd of 100 buffalo. Gentle winds steer the balloon between the baobabs and acacias, dipping down to just above the wide Ruaha River and then they are bearing us up to five hundred feet where the dawn chorus rises into the painted sky. Ruaha is a meeting point for the wildlife of southern and eastern Africa and it is here that you might just see something really special.

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Where we Fly
Your Ruaha Balloon Safari Experience
From your camp to the balloon

From your camp to the balloon

0400 – 0515hrs

Rise before the birds to drive through the pre-dawn, eyes fixed on the glow of the headlights in case they should pick-up a night-time beasty out on the prowl. You arrive at the Balloon Safari launch site as the crew prepare the balloon and light the burners.

Keeping safe & preparing to fly

Keeping safe & preparing to fly

0615 - 0645hrs

Our experienced Captain takes you through the important safety procedures and explains the launch and landing positions while the gold and green of the balloon billows against the lightening sky. It’s time to embark.

Journey through the soft winds

Journey through the soft winds

0645 – 0815hrs

As the balloon glides gently upward, your pilot gives the signal to rise from the launch position in the basket. Your first glimpse from the sky – a landscape of meandering river courses, towering baobabs, granite outcrops and acacia woodland for as far as the eye can see. Among them move big cats on early morning hunts, herds of hundreds of elephant seeking water at the river bank, hippos wallowing peacefully and birds giving accompaniment to the rising sun. Our experienced pilot will interpret the sights and sounds as you drift low across the treetops, scanning the riverbanks, or climb into the deepening blue of the sky to gaze down at this great wilderness. An hour or so aloft, and you’ll return gently to the earth, exhilarated and ready for the next part of your adventure.

Celebrating a tradition

Celebrating a tradition

0815 – 0830hrs

“We have flown so high and so well that God has joined you in laughter and set you gently back into the loving arms of mother Earth.” As is the tradition of balloonists, we toast the flight with sparkling wine before boarding a safari car for a short game drive to breakfast.

Breakfast as nature intended

Breakfast as nature intended

0830 – 0930hrs

Our crew have laid an immaculate table under the spreading boughs of a baobab tree in the wilds and are waiting to serve fresh coffee and juice, tropical fruit and freshly baked bread. They will prepare a delicious selection of breakfast options while you relax and relive your flight with your fellow passengers. The time will come to move on, but right now you can just “be”, soaking in the warm sunshine and the feeling of having let your soul soar free for a moment.

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Land of Contrasts

The wide swathe of the river rises to open woodland interspersed with softly grassed glades and weathered granite kopjes. The forests of giant baobab trees are amongst the most striking of its diverse landscapes. The lifeline of the park is the river and this is where the wildlife is often to be found, but in a balloon we can float at head-height above the water or change direction and soar for a better vantage point over the trees and bushes. In an area as varied as this, we have the freedom to make the most of our unique vantage point. There is no typical day on safari with so many things to see.

Where North meets South

The wildlife is notable for many reasons. This is where north meets south and it’s possible to see not only typically East African mammals such as Grant’s gazelle and lesser kudu but also roan, sable and greater kudu found mainly in Southern Africa. The park is renowned for its large herds of elephant and buffalo – sometimes numbering several hundred, and particularly sizeable lion prides which have been known to specialize in hunting giraffe. This is generally an excellent park to see big game, especially cats but it’s also possible to see wild dog. That said, it is often the smaller, unexpected animals of the bush that are the highlight of a visit here as part of a wider Tanzanian safari.

Booking & Faqs

We partner with many reputable tour operators and you can book your wonderful balloon safari through one of them or you can book directly with us using our online booking form

Can I propose or mark a special occasion on your balloon safari?

Yes! We love to help our guests to mark special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or honeymoons on a balloon safari with us. We are also honoured to help with your proposal, floating above these amazing national parks is a magical opportunity to pop the question. Read more about special occasions here.

Can I bring my own camera on the flight?

Yes! We would be delighted for you to bring your own camera (and binoculars) on the flight, it's an opportunity for a unique perspective on the scenery and wildlife below. We will also be taking some photos of you and your companions, which we will share with you a few days after your flight.

How do I retrieve my photos after the flight?

We will be taking photos at various points during your wonderful balloon safari with us, which we will share with you free of charge.

Please give us a day or two to process and upload them, then you can find them here on our website.  You will need to know your date of flight, the national park that you flew in and the name of your pilot, which will be on your flight certificate. If you can't find them a week after your flight, please contact us and we will be delighted to ensure that you receive them.

What happens on the day of my flight?

You will receive a briefing on the day or two before your flight, so you will be well-prepared for one of the most wonderful mornings of your life.

We've made a page here to describe how it unfolds.

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