trip advisor hot air balloon

Get Daily Travel Tips & Deals!

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use .

The World's 11 Best Hot Air Balloon Rides

Sarah Schlichter

Deputy Executive Editor Sarah Schlichter's idea of a perfect trip includes spotting exotic animals, hiking through pristine landscapes, exploring new neighborhoods on foot, and soaking up as much art as she can. She often attempts to recreate recipes from her international travels after she gets home (which has twice resulted in accidental kitchen fires—no humans or animals were harmed).

Sarah joined the SmarterTravel team in 2017 after more than a decade at the helm of IndependentTraveler.com. Sarah's practical travel advice has been featured in dozens of news outlets including the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, Budget Travel, and Peter Greenberg Worldwide Radio. Follow her on Twitter @TravelEditor .

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "A journal. Even years later, reading my notes from a trip can bring back incredibly vivid memories."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Road tripping and hiking through the rugged mountains of Patagonia."

Travel Motto: "'To awaken quite alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.'—Freya Stark"

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Aisle. I get restless on long flights and like to be able to move around without disturbing anyone else."

Email Sarah at [email protected] .

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

There’s no other experience like a hot air balloon ride: waking before first light, watching the sun rise as you drift over the hills and towns below, and then touching down to a Champagne breakfast. Exploring a new place from the basket of a hot air balloon offers a perspective you can’t get any other way.

Hot air balloon rides don’t come cheap, but in these 11 places they’re well worth the money, from the vineyards of Napa to the temples of Myanmar. Read on to discover the world’s best hot air balloon rides.

Editor’s note: Due to COVID-19 concerns, the U.S. State Department is encouraging potential visitors to reconsider all travel abroad, and many of the destinations below have been affected by the pandemic to various degrees. Read more here for updates on the situation and information on when it might be safe to travel again to destinations like the ones below.

Bagan, Myanmar (Burma)

Scattered across the plains of the Bagan region in Myanmar are thousands of historic temples, pagodas, and monasteries, mostly built between the 11th and 13th centuries. You can explore them by bike, taxi, or horse-drawn cart, but to get a true sense of their scope, hop into a hot air balloon. The temple ruins look particularly beautiful by the golden light of sunrise. Recommended operators include Oriental Ballooning and Balloons Over Bagan .

Cappadocia, Turkey

Dotted with cave hotels and otherworldly rock formations (called “fairy chimneys” by the locals), Cappadocia’s landscape is best appreciated from the air. Dozens of companies offer hot air balloon rides over the Goreme Open-Air Museum , filling the early-morning sky with brightly colored globes that only enhance the incredible view. Recommended operators include Royal Balloon and Kapadokya Balloons .

Check Prices for Aydinli Cave Hotel in Goreme

Masai mara, kenya.

Game drives are one way to check the Big Five off your safari must-see list; hot air balloon rides are another. From your bird’s-eye perspective, you might spot wildebeest running across the savannah, a herd of elephants gathering at a watering hole, or hippos lurking in the Mara River. Recommended operators include Governors’ Balloon Safaris and Hot Air Safaris .

Check Prices for Mara Siria Camp in Maasai Mara National Reserve

Melbourne, australia.

While most hot air balloon flights travel over scenic countryside, in Melbourne you can enjoy a unique opportunity to get a bird’s-eye view of skyscrapers and streets. You’ll drift over the city’s landmarks, including the cricket stadium, the Shrine of Remembrance , the Royal Botanic Gardens , and the Yarra River. It’s a great way to get an overview of the city before or after exploring on land. Recommended operators include Picture This Ballooning and Global Ballooning Australia .

Check Prices for QT Melbourne in Melbourne

La fortuna, costa rica.

From a hot air balloon, your view of Costa Rica might include lush rainforests, remote mountain villages, and the cloud-shrouded Arenal Volcano . In the quiet of early morning you’ll likely even hear monkeys and birds calling from the treetops. Costa Rica’s hot air balloon rides are operated by Free Spirit .

Check Prices for Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa in La Fortuna de San Carlos

Luxor, egypt.

Drift peacefully over ancient temples, the Nile River, and the tombs at the Valley of the Kings on a spectacular hot air balloon ride above Luxor, Egypt. After landing, you’ll have the rest of the day to visit a few of the sites you glimpsed from the air. Recommended operators include Sindbad Hot Air Balloons and Hod Hod Soliman Hot Air Balloons .

Check Prices for Sonesta St. George Hotel Luxor in Luxor

Tuscany, italy.

Walking around Tuscany’s historic hill towns is one travel pleasure; seeing them from the air in the soft morning light is another. Keep your camera ready as you sail over vineyards, stone farmhouses, quaint villages, and fields of sunflowers. Recommended operators include Ballooning in Tuscany and Tuscany Ballooning .

Check Prices for Sangallo Park Hotel in Siena

Queenstown, new zealand.

There are plenty of adventurous ways to see Queenstown from the air, including hang gliding, paragliding, bungee jumping, and skydiving. But if you’re looking for a less hair-raising way to take in the area’s spectacular vistas, a hot air balloon ride might be just the ticket. Sunrise Balloons offers panoramic views over the Remarkables, Lake Wakatipu, and other natural attractions in the Queenstown/Arrowtown area.

Check Prices for Kamana Lakehouse in Queenstown

Sedona, arizona, u.s.a..

The famous red rocks of Sedona, Arizona make for a stunning landscape unfolding beneath the basket of your hot air balloon. Keep your eye out for wildlife on the ground such as mule deer and coyotes. Recommended operators include Red Rock Balloon Adventures and Northern Light Balloon Expeditions .

Napa Valley, California, U.S.A.

While you’re in Napa enjoying a wine tour, why not book yourself a balloon ride and experience stunning views of the vineyards from up in the air? Try Up & Away Ballooning , which offers a post-flight brunch with mimosas to toast the start to your day.

Check Prices for Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa

Albuquerque, new mexico, u.s.a..

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta is the largest hot air balloon event in the world. The event takes place in October each year; the highlight event is the mass ascension, when hundreds of balloons fill the sky in two waves. You can hop aboard a hot air balloon in Albuquerque any time of the year and experience stunning views of the Rio Grande. Rainbow Ryders Hot Air Balloon and World Balloon are two recommended operators.

Check Prices for El Cuervo ABQ in Albuquerque

More from smartertravel:.

• The World’s 13 Best Places to Travel Alone
• Tips for Planning an African Safari
• 11 Hidden Natural Wonders in the U.S.

Follow Sarah Schlichter on Twitter @TravelEditor for more travel tips and inspiration.

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2017. It has been updated to reflect the most current information. Noemi de la Torre contributed to this story.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

Top Fares From

Don't see a fare you like? View all flight deals from your city.

Today's top travel deals.

Brought to you by ShermansTravel

Greenland: Luxe, All-Incl. 11-Nt Exploration Small-Ship...

Swan Hellenic

Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati

Shop and Save with Country Inns...

Patricia Magaña

Trending on SmarterTravel

Alaska Hot Air Balloons

• See all photos

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Alaska Hot Air Balloons - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Hot Air Ballooning Cappadocia

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Hot Air Ballooning Cappadocia - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

• Cappadocia Tourism
• Cappadocia Hotels
• Bed and Breakfast Cappadocia
• Cappadocia Holiday Rentals
• Flights to Cappadocia
• Cappadocia Restaurants
• Cappadocia Attractions
• Cappadocia Travel Forum
• Cappadocia Photos
• Cappadocia Map
• All Cappadocia Hotels
• Cappadocia Hotel Deals
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

Hot air balloons - Cappadocia Forum

• Europe    
• Turkiye    
• Cappadocia    

Hot air balloons

• United Kingdom Forums
• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Holiday Rentals
• Turkiye forums
• Cappadocia forum

I've tried to make reservations for hot air balloons in cappadoccia, the price shows $160 but when I ready to make the reservation the amount changes to $250. I known it says, reserve now and pay later, but why? So I'm a little confused. Can someone please guide me what to do?

I wouldn't book anything until you arrive. Don't pay anything now, wait, then check out the best company to go with once you are there.

• Hot air balloons 14:14
• Should i Prebook Hot Air Balloon ride? 24 April 2024
• Timing for hotel & car bookings? 24 April 2024
• Itinerary including Cappadocia - advice please? 24 April 2024
• Car hire in Goerme and drop off at side 23 April 2024
• Turkey tour info 21 April 2024
• 2.5 Days Cappadocia with a Toddler 20 April 2024
• Interesting towns to stay near Goreme 19 April 2024
• new Kayseri airport open? 18 April 2024
• Hotel that is easy on the knees 13 April 2024
• Itinerary review 10 April 2024
• Cost of a driver in cappadocia 10 April 2024
• Traveling with Elderly parents 10 April 2024
• Saint Macrina ? 08 April 2024
• Which is the best airport in Cappadocia or is bus better? 6 replies
• V & L Cultural Tours 76 replies
• Weather in October please 2 replies
• how can we get from Istanbul to Cappadocia 23 replies
• Train Cappadocia/Kayseri to Istanbul? 8 replies
• night bus to fethiye 5 replies
• Is it worth visiting Cappadocia in winter, end of February? 6 replies
• Derinkuyu or Kaymakli? 10 replies
• Hot air balloon ride-tours 10 replies
• Itinerary help - Cappadocia to Dalaman 4 replies

Cappadocia Hotels and Places to Stay

• NEW! DIRECT flights between Kayseri and Antalya
• Useful Area & Hiking maps
• Also are buses very regular from Cap - to the coast?
• Overnight bus - Alert

A Must Do In Cape Town - Hot Air Balloon Flight In The Cape Winelands

• Glass of Champagne
• TripAdvisor Experiences brokerage fee
• All taxes, fees and handling charges
• Coffee and/or Tea
• Alcoholic Beverages
• Option 1 Klein joostenberg farm, R304, Cape Farms, Cape Town, South Africa
• Option 2 Cape Town, South Africa
• Option 3 Stellenbosch, South Africa
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Dress code is Comfortable
• Minimum drinking age is 18 years
• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or refund
• Most travellers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 13 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You’ll have 3 starting options See departure details
• 1 Stellenbosch Stop: 3 hours Your hot air balloon adventure starts before sunrise when you get to watch the crew set up the balloon, it is quite a sight to see. • You will have an opportunity to watch and take photos. The preparations take just 20 minutesOur balloon takes off at sunrise, and rise to about 1000 feet where you will get to experience a beautiful sunrise and fantastic views of Table Mountain, vineyards and mountains. We will then descend and rise to give you opportunities to take some great photos and videos. • The total duration of the flight is approximately 60 minutesAfter disembarking at the landing site you will enjoy some sparkling wine or juice while our crew packs up the balloon. We then head back to the launch site where you get to enjoy breakfast at Klein Joostenberg Bistro. • Your entire experience will last for approximately 3 hours Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Mike L 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles borderline scam The business owner cancelled on me with no notice the morning of the originally scheduled ride after I already drove out to the farm. After driving out the 2nd time very early in the morning, they did not show up at the rescheduled time, and I left the farm to go do something else in a nearby town. The business owner called me hours later and asked where I was... Obviously not waiting around for you. I drove back and did the balloon ride, but the guy was kind of a jerk and the ride was really lame- much shorter than expected and the balloon only flew very low. We had to help pack up the balloon after landing and we both got all muddy. It was a really bad experience. Read more Written 28 September 2022
• PatNcube 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Scam alert:GoBallooning I paid and booked in October for my November flight with GoBallooning which offers hot air balloon flights and breakfast. I booked through their website.My flight was cancelled and I had paid 6800 for myself and a friend. I have been blueticked and ignored ever since they agreed to send me a refund form. Do not book with them,they are just a Scam and arent afraid of the law.Save your money for another activity. They also have poor communication and have no value for customer service. I will do all that I can legally because we can not allow such people to take advantage of us and discriminate me & my friend just because we are not South Africans. Read more Written 8 December 2020
• CTownian 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles AVOID AT ALL COST!! GoBallooning has disappeared!! Or at least they do not respond to emails or phone-calls. I bought two vouchers for a special trip and now cannot use them as they do not respond to any communication. I also cannot get a refund if no-one will reply!! Avoid at all cost! Read more Written 25 November 2020
• Fatimads 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles What a Disappointment and Birthday surprise ruined What a disappointment dealing with this establishment. I booked a suprise flight for my husbands birthday. I was so excited until the day before the flight was scheduled when late in the afternoon i got communication that it was cancelled to do bad weather. This provider does not have any idea about customer service . Poor to non existent communication, I had to run after them to get my flight details and no responses until last minute when was told it was cancelled due to weather. I understand that, but the whole process once I paid for the trip was an issue with them. After the cancellation, I immediately requested my refund as I was leaving CT the next day. I had to email, SMS and call (no responses) to follow up continuously and only when they felt like it did I get a response. I was told to send my banking details, and then nothing happened. I had to go the legal way to get my refund. People, be careful if you book with them expect to be messed around. Read more Written 13 October 2020
• Trek668170 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Con artist PLEASE READ!! Arranged for my proposal to be done, paid upfront, to get to site and find out double booked. Johan doesn't even live in CT and won't respond to me for an explanation. Completely ghosting me since payment, scam artist. PLEASE don't use his services, and go to ballooning Cape Town. Read more Written 11 September 2020
• Daniela M 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor communication and still waiting for a refund We booked a flight 4 months in advance as a special honeymoon trip. Unfortunately the flight was cancelled due to high winds twice. The communication has been awful - I had to call four times to find out, 12 hours before the re-scheduled flight to even find out it was going on. Drove all the way there to be told it was cancelled. I have been chasing for 2 weeks for a refund and I keep getting fobbed off. We paid a lot of money for the flight and I should not be chasing for a refund. I would not recommend this company at all. Read more Written 22 March 2020
• _hannecorbett 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Disappointed Booked 5 months ahead due to family from the US visiting. To make it short because they screwed up the complete booking and we were not able to fly despite previous communication that everything was in order. I did get a refund but that was not really what I wanted. We booked 2 nights accommodation close to the pickup which was in vain. Not a nice experience at all. Read more Written 13 February 2020
• Robert C 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Doesn't process refunds when flights are "Cancelled" I'm inclined to believe this service is a scam. The flight was "cancelled" and it has been a nightmare trying to get my money back. It takes literally minutes to electronically process refunds and this company is taking almost a month and continually ask for extra days. I have reported them as a scam and have still not recieved my money. Worst worst experience for tourism in Cape Town. I was there with friends house shopping in Cape Town and I will not stop tracking these guys until I get my money. I have proof of all the bogus stories I have recieved about issuing my refund. Read more Written 13 January 2020
• glenns409 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent We met Conrad very early in the morning at a Vineyard near Stellenbosh. After the crew arrived and set up the huge ballon we were off. What a peaceful experience and something that e always wanted to do. The whole experience was worth every penny and we will al aye have fond memories of that morning. Read more Written 4 December 2019
• danielhaynes83 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic experience. Amazing service! You must do it! Hot air ballooning was a bucket list item for my wife and we finally managed to do it as a treat for our 15th wedding anniversary. It was everything we hoped it would be. By far the most piece-full method of travel in the world and an unforgettable experience floating over the cape Winelands. We would like to thank Conrad and his team for a magical day. Extremely experienced and knowledgeable and willing to share their stories with you and teach you the ways of ballooning. We will most certainly be back whenever we have visitors as this is our new favorite thing to recommend to anyone visiting Cape Town (and as locals for the last 8yrs we have done it all at this point)! Once again.. thank you!! Read more Written 11 July 2019
• GoodtimesAddict 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Once in a lifetime, breathtaking ballooning experience with highly professional pilot and crew. I highly recommend GoBallooning for a very relaxing and safe experience. From the moment we arrived until the breakfast afterwards everything went smooth and very well organised. Read more Written 8 July 2019
• utsavranasaria 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing Ballooning Experience Awesome and perfectly organised Ballooning adventure with Go Ballooning in Capetown. Professionally organized with client safety being the top priority, we couldn't have asked for more. Our scheduled flight had to be moved as Conrad (pilot) didn't feel safe enough due to turbulent winds. Company is perfectly fine with refunds, but no compromise on safety.... awesome.... way to go guys... Next day, we did the flight and experience was really nice. Flew upto 800 feet I guess and never felt any fear or nervousness. Our group had 2 children and they loved it. Conrad is an awesome pilot and shared lot of information on Ballooning as a whole. Lovely 1.5hours flight followed by some sparkling champagne and sumptuous breakfast. Fairly priced with respect to competition and one of the must do while in Capetown. Cheers Read more Written 4 May 2019
• gemma-bluff 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Experience of a lifetime This was a bucket list dream come true! The most phenomenal experience that takes you over the Cape Winelands at sunrise. An excellent pilot who made us feel very secure and gave the smoothest flight. We got to fly just meters off the ground to over 1km above, which allowed for a variety of perspectives and breathtaking views. We couldn't have asked for a more unique experience! Coffee before sunrise, champagne on landing and a wonderful breakfast from Klein Joosenberg's team. Thank you Go Ballooning for a truly remarkable experience. Read more Written 24 April 2019
• LittleAl38 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Beautiful Experience I had such an amazing time going on the Balloon! We had coffee while we watched the balloon get set up. Once in the balloon I was nervous to take off as I am a bit scared of heights but I was made to feel safe by the pilot and the crew. I am so glad I put my nerves aside and went in the balloon, the views were stunning! It was a seriously awesome experience to watch the sun rise above the vineyards! We even saw buck and animals running through the fields as we flew overhead, which was really cool! After the flight we had champagne and then went for a lovely breakfast with everyone! I couldn’t recommend this experience enough, it’s a once in a life time adventure! Absolutely beautiful! Read more Written 11 April 2019
• 867jackt 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles I expected more I was expecting more. The view was not very special, I thought we would see nice landscape but it was mostly dry area and roads. The pictures on the web site are much better. We were 6 people in a 4 man basket. I was sqweezed in with my friend in a quarter basket. But the staff was friendly and experienced and it was an interesting experience. Read more Written 26 March 2019

More to explore in Stellenbosch

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

A Must Do In Cape Town - Hot Air Balloon Flight In The Cape Winelands provided by GoBallooning

• Tanzania Tourism
• Tanzania Accommodation
• Tanzania Bed and Breakfast
• Tanzania Holiday Rentals
• Tanzania Flights
• Tanzania Restaurants
• Tanzania Attractions
• Tanzania Travel Forum
• Tanzania Photos
• All Tanzania Hotels
• Tanzania Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Tanzania
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

Honest opinion on the Serengeti hot air balloon? - Tanzania Forum

• Africa    
• Tanzania    

Honest opinion on the Serengeti hot air balloon?

• Australia Forums
• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Holiday Rentals
• Africa forums
• Tanzania forum

My trip is coming up and I keep going back and forth on whether I want to do it. I don’t see many reviews about it so for those who’ve done it, do you think it’s worth the $600? Do you see the animals clearly from the aerial view?

7 replies to this topic

It 599$ it lifetime experience fly over serengeti national Park with incredible scenery view and wildlife too as well breakfast under Acacia trees somewhere in wilderness.

If you can afford it go head to experience wild in different feeling

Depend which month but full recommend

Following is best time and month for balloon safari if you want to explore the great migration with balloon safari

Here is recommend December to March you can do balloon safari in Southern serengeti

April/may is long rains season bot suitable for my experience

Mid May to June Western corridor of serengeti

Mid July to October Northern serengeti national

The rest of year Central serengeti (Seronera)

If you look at the reviews of the providers on tripadvisor, the reviews are largely positive. It's seems a bit hit and miss as to how many animals you see, so for us we're approaching it with the view that it's about the experience of going on a hot air balloon, seeing some amazing landscapes, and bonus if we also get to see lots of animals - we are not going on the balloon with the specific purpose of getting a close view of the wildlife. The whole holiday for us is supposed to be a once-in-a-lifetime but if we did end up becoming repeat visitors I would be expecting the hot air balloon to be a one-off to experience on our first visit only :)

Honest opinion? Don't bother.

If you want the experience of Hot Air ballooning then it is cheaper, a lot cheaper, at home.

If you want to do something 'daring or unusual' on a special trip then do it but don't expect much other than a drain on your budget.

These things scare the wildlife, all you will see is their backsides racing away from the fearsome thing in the sky making roaring noises. And the recovery vehicles leave tracks and possibly damage the ecology under their wheels.

You can do a bush breakfast without a balloon if it is the 'romance of safari' you seek.

Is this honest enough?

It is a sublime experience, but as Ryalie says, you should not look on it as primarily a game-viewing experience. You'll be too high up most of the time for any close-up views, and by the nature of ballooning, you'll have to keep moving. Rather, you should see it as a way to see the wildlife in the context of the glorious landscapes. And by the way, disturbance to the wildlife is minimal, since much of the time the balloon is too high to bother anything, and in any case much of the wildlife has become habituated to the sight and sounds of the balloon.

As I say, people love it, and I've hugely enjoyed the adventure on the occasions I've done it.

There's no one answer fits all, but I do like the way Ryalie approached the thinking.

They've really been wanting to do a hot air balloon ride.

Consider for yourself that it's a nice experience but not always AMAZING. That it might be your only chance. I'd say for people that have few concerns with the money and some interest in the activity, it's probably worth giving it a try. (I don't recall anyone saying that they regret doing it. Or not doing it, for that matter.)

We booked it for our twin daughters when they were 17 as a ‘well done for passing your exams and making it through lockdown’. It is a lot of money, but I think it was worth it. Gave them a memory to cherish, and a good story for the pub. They did see lots of animals, including a leopard on the ground which we’d never seen before - in their photos you can quite clearly see it looking up at them!

We haven't done the hot air balloon in the north but have done two in Ruaha and yes, expensive but well worth it as far as we were concerned. The first one was a bit late in the season and there wasn't a lot of wildlife about even on the ground as there had been rain so they didn't need to come to the river. It was very calm so we flew quite high and could see the confluence of the Sand and Ruaha rivers and all the trails that we drove.

We enjoyed it so much that we saved up, got a good early bird deal and did it again last year. This time it was earlier in the year and windier so we flew lower and saw a lot of game which I have to say didn't seem bothered by it.

We certainly have no regrets about doing it.

• Where to stay in Tarangire in July 02:53
• Where to base for two nights 02:48
• Tanzania E-Visa Application - Payment Processing Problems 02:24
• Floods in Tanzania 02:18
• Getting a Tanzania visa on arrival 02:08
• Seronera vs Ndutu for December today
• Serengeti Rest House yesterday
• Locations to visit in National Parks yesterday
• Looking for recommendations on my extra day yesterday
• Honest opinion on the Serengeti hot air balloon? yesterday
• New Camp Locations?? Elephant Springs & Acacia Ngorongoro yesterday
• When in Feb? AND Tarangire or not? yesterday
• Advice on travel 3rd week of May yesterday
• Southern Tanzania or Uganda in January yesterday
• Getting a Visa on Arrival--good idea? 120 replies
• A warning about Serengeti safari tours 6 replies
• Precision Airways - Luggage Restrictions 20 replies
• Recommended tour company in Sydney, Australia? 16 replies
• How safe is Tanzania? 162 replies
• Opinion on Mosi Guard Natural insect repellant? 16 replies
• Has anyone travelled with Bench International? 4 replies
• Swagman Tours v's Tauck - or any other suggestions? 62 replies
• Precision air - Baggage restrictions 14 replies
• African Overland Tours / Escape4Africa 10 replies

Tanzania Hotels and Places to Stay

• Yellow Fever, General Health Advice and Vaccinations for Tanzania.
• If you have started to plan a safari, here's some good tips on how to go about this>
• Kenya Versus Tanzania which is better
• Looking for a Tour Operator...Here's a good starting point. Mark 11 and other info.
• Can I take a drone there to use for photography
• I want to learn about the Tanzanian people and their culture, is that possible?
• THINKING OF GETTING A HENNA PAINTING WHILE YOU ARE IN TZ? READ THIS FIRST!!!
• What can I do for medical care while I am in Tanzania
• What to pack - how can I squeeze in everything I want to take
• All the parks and all the safari operators are confusing, isn't there a summary?
• Is malaria a serious disease, what can happen if I skip my malaria medications?
• What are the electrical requirements for Tanzania
• How do I keep bugs away? And how do I handle bites?
• What you need to know about Self Drive.
• Books on Tanzania and Africa in general
• Are you planning a Lake Natron Trip?
• Are you thinkg of taking a young child on safari
• Ellie's Blog Great description of some popular camps and the Eastern Serengeti
• Shep's Blog Great information on recent (2021) off the beaten path travel
• Lodges and Camps Close to KIA and Arusha National Park
• Volunteering in Tanzania especially an orphanage good advice in new and older posts.
• All You need to Know about Visa on Arrival