Hot Air Balloon Safaris – Botswana
Botswana has one the most biodiverse ecosystems in Africa, an untouched wilderness of breathtaking landscapes, offering a unique perspective from the air in a hot air balloon. A hot air balloon safari in Chobe or the Okavango Delta is a truly magical experience—an opportunity to see Africa's wilderness from a perspective very few have been privileged to witness.
Whether you're an avid wildlife enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or simply someone in search of adventure, this unique aerial journey promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Drift silently above the vast expanse of Chobe National Park teeming with wildlife below or fly above the intricate network of waterways of the Okavango Delta, seeing Africa from a bird's-eye view. It’s an adventure that promises awe-inspiring moments.
Image: Siyabonga Africa
Balloon Flight - Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park, situated in northern Botswana, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The park is home to one of Africa's largest concentrations of game, including iconic species such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos. Here, a hot air balloon safari offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife from an entirely different perspective.
Picture this: the sun rising over the horizon, casting golden hues across the landscape as you gently ascend into a clear blue African sky, accompanied only by the whisper of the wind and the occasional blast of the burner heating the air inside the balloon. From this vantage point, you'll have unrestricted views over the vast floodplains, dense woodlands, and meandering rivers of Chobe's landscape.
Watch as herds of elephants make their way to the riverbanks while graceful antelope graze peacefully on the savannah below.
Chobe National Park, situated in northern Botswana, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. The park is home to one of Africa's largest concentrations of game, including iconic species such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and hippos. Here, a hot air balloon safari offers a unique opportunity to see wildlife from an entirely different perspective.
Picture this: the sun rising over the horizon, casting golden hues across the landscape as you gently ascend into a clear blue African sky, accompanied only by the whisper of the wind and the occasional blast of the burner heating the air inside the balloon. From this vantage point, you'll have unrestricted views over the vast floodplains, dense woodlands, and meandering rivers of Chobe's landscape.
Watch as herds of elephants make their way to the riverbanks while graceful antelope graze peacefully on the savannah below.
Image: Air Ventures
Balloon Flight - Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta, situated in northern Botswana is a mosaic of winding waterways, lush vegetation, and vast floodplains, fed by seasonal rains. This unique inland delta with its intricate network of water channels and islands supports an astonishing selection of wildlife, from graceful antelope to large elephant herds to predators such as lions and leopards. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's last remaining true wilderness preserves.
Here, your hot air balloon safari will drift silently above crystal-clear waterways and papyrus-lined lagoons. You'll have a unique perspective of the intricate patterns formed by the channels and islands below, created by the annual floodwaters that breathe life into the delta – and the
You might spot pods of hippos basking in the sun, herds of buffalo grazing on lush reeds, or crocodiles lurking on the banks. Bird enthusiasts will be in their element, as the delta is home to over 400 species of birds, including kingfishers, and African fish eagles.
The Okavango Delta, situated in northern Botswana is a mosaic of winding waterways, lush vegetation, and vast floodplains, fed by seasonal rains. This unique inland delta with its intricate network of water channels and islands supports an astonishing selection of wildlife, from graceful antelope to large elephant herds to predators such as lions and leopards. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa's last remaining true wilderness preserves.
Here, your hot air balloon safari will drift silently above crystal-clear waterways and papyrus-lined lagoons. You'll have a unique perspective of the intricate patterns formed by the channels and islands below, created by the annual floodwaters that breathe life into the delta – and the
You might spot pods of hippos basking in the sun, herds of buffalo grazing on lush reeds, or crocodiles lurking on the banks. Bird enthusiasts will be in their element, as the delta is home to over 400 species of birds, including kingfishers, and African fish eagles.
Image: Air Ventures
What To Expect From A Hot Air Balloon Safari
Hot air balloon safaris in Botswana typically take place in the early morning hours when the air is still and wildlife is most active. Flights last approximately an hour, though the entire experience, including pre-flight briefings and post-flight celebrations, may span several hours.
Throughout the flight, there are ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the landscape and wildlife from your aerial vantage point.
Ballooning safaris are led by experienced pilots or guides who are knowledgeable about the local area, wildlife, and safety protocols.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not usually included in the balloon flight, and because the flight usually takes place in remote areas, passengers need to stay a minimum of one night at one of the camps located near the flight launch site.
Safety
Safety is paramount, and operators make sure that they follow the right safety protocols. Experienced pilots, well-maintained equipment, and comprehensive safety measures ensure that your balloon safari is not only a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime adventure but also safe.
What is included in a hot air balloon safari
A hot air balloon safari in Botswana typically includes:
Transportation
Depending on the location of the safari, transportation from your accommodation to the launch site is provided in safari vehicles.
Pre-flight Briefing
Before the adventure begins, participants receive a thorough briefing from experienced pilots or guides. This includes safety instructions, an overview of the itinerary, and what to expect during the flight.
Hot air balloon safaris in Botswana typically take place in the early morning hours when the air is still and wildlife is most active. Flights last approximately an hour, though the entire experience, including pre-flight briefings and post-flight celebrations, may span several hours.
Throughout the flight, there are ample opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the landscape and wildlife from your aerial vantage point.
Ballooning safaris are led by experienced pilots or guides who are knowledgeable about the local area, wildlife, and safety protocols.
Accommodation
Accommodation is not usually included in the balloon flight, and because the flight usually takes place in remote areas, passengers need to stay a minimum of one night at one of the camps located near the flight launch site.
Safety
Safety is paramount, and operators make sure that they follow the right safety protocols. Experienced pilots, well-maintained equipment, and comprehensive safety measures ensure that your balloon safari is not only a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime adventure but also safe.
What is included in a hot air balloon safari
A hot air balloon safari in Botswana typically includes:
Transportation
Depending on the location of the safari, transportation from your accommodation to the launch site is provided in safari vehicles.
Pre-flight Briefing
Before the adventure begins, participants receive a thorough briefing from experienced pilots or guides. This includes safety instructions, an overview of the itinerary, and what to expect during the flight.
Image: Air Ventures
The Flight
The highlight of the safari is, of course, the flight itself. Passengers ascend gently into the sky as the sun rises, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from a unique vantage point. Flights typically last around an hour, although this can vary depending on conditions.
Wildlife Viewing
The main drawcard of a hot air balloon safari in Botswana is to view the wildlife from above. Pilots often manoeuvre the balloon to provide excellent sightings of animals.
Champagne Breakfast
After the flight, safari-goers are usually treated to a celebratory champagne breakfast. This is a chance to relax, reflect on the experience, and enjoy refreshments in rustic African bush surroundings.
Commemorative Flight Certificate
Most operators provide their passengers with a commemorative flight certificate after the flight as a memento of their hot air balloon safari.
Booking your ballooning safari
Hot air balloon safaris are often an additional excursion apart from your main safari (typical African safaris last several days or even weeks). The hot air balloon flight is usually arranged when booking your safari through your tour operator. However, there are dedicated hot air balloon safaris that last several days and include traditional game drives, mokoro rides on the waterways of the Delta, as well as accommodation and meals. These types of safaris are billed as “Viewing wildlife from land, on water, and in the air”.
Note: It's advisable to book your hot air balloon safari well in advance, especially if you’re planning on going during peak safari season (from May to October) when demand is high.
The highlight of the safari is, of course, the flight itself. Passengers ascend gently into the sky as the sun rises, enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from a unique vantage point. Flights typically last around an hour, although this can vary depending on conditions.
Wildlife Viewing
The main drawcard of a hot air balloon safari in Botswana is to view the wildlife from above. Pilots often manoeuvre the balloon to provide excellent sightings of animals.
Champagne Breakfast
After the flight, safari-goers are usually treated to a celebratory champagne breakfast. This is a chance to relax, reflect on the experience, and enjoy refreshments in rustic African bush surroundings.
Commemorative Flight Certificate
Most operators provide their passengers with a commemorative flight certificate after the flight as a memento of their hot air balloon safari.
Booking your ballooning safari
Hot air balloon safaris are often an additional excursion apart from your main safari (typical African safaris last several days or even weeks). The hot air balloon flight is usually arranged when booking your safari through your tour operator. However, there are dedicated hot air balloon safaris that last several days and include traditional game drives, mokoro rides on the waterways of the Delta, as well as accommodation and meals. These types of safaris are billed as “Viewing wildlife from land, on water, and in the air”.
Note: It's advisable to book your hot air balloon safari well in advance, especially if you’re planning on going during peak safari season (from May to October) when demand is high.