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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). 
Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park
Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)


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!
Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park
Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)

Bush Breakfast after balloon safari - Serengeti National Park
Bush Breakfast after balloon safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)


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. 

Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park
Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)

Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park
Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)

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