Balloon Safaris and the Unofficial Night Game Drive

Hot air balloon safaris are offered in many places in Tanzania – Tarangire, Serengeti, Ruaha, Grumeti,  and more. I had never been in a balloon before, so I made sure to add this to my itinerary.  My balloon safari was operated by Serengeti Balloon Safaris in Seronera (central Serengeti). 

It is well known that night game drives are forbidden in Serengeti National Park, but there is one way around this.  If you stay at a camp that is far from the launch site, you will get an early morning drive from your lodge to the launch site.  I was picked up at 4:00 AM and had 1.5 hours in the safari vehicle before arriving.  We saw hippos running along the road, rhinos browsing and a plethora of nighttime creatures you won’t see during the day.  I mentioned to the driver that this is the unofficial night game drive of the Serengeti and he snickered.  That in and of itself was worth it!

Once we arrived to the launch site, we had the most stunning sunrise I have ever experienced in my life.  We snacked on cookies and coffee while the crew inflated two huge balloons.  After our briefing, we were airborne for almost 2 hours.  We soared over the ground, watching ungulates as they ran below us.  It was peaceful, serene, and exciting all at once. 
On the ground, we had a champagne toast followed by an extensive bush breakfast in an idyllic location.  All of this before 10 AM!  I would recommend a balloon safari to anyone with even the slightest interest.  I’m even afraid of heights and I found it worth swallowing my fear for the first few minutes.  Once I settled it, I realized it might be the highlight of my entire trip.