Hot Air Ballooning During the Wildebeest Migration – As the large, candy-striped balloons begin to rise from the ground like giant lollipops, the sun also rises behind the mountains, casting a golden glow over the landscape. Balloon safaris usually take off just after dawn to enjoy the soft light, cooler weather, and active animals during sunrise.
The direction of the balloon and the sights you see depend on the wind, but your pilot controls the altitude, which changes based on what is around you. The pilot might fly close to the treetops, offering great chances to take photos of the animals below. At other times, the pilot may rise more than 1,000 feet to show the vast landscape.
Imagine floating over endless plains, moving just above the trees in complete silence, while watching wildlife, including the Big Five—lion, elephant, leopard, rhino, and buffalo. From this bird’s-eye view, you can see millions of wildebeests, zebras, and impalas traveling together.
It feels like being in a dream, with every moment revealing something new and wonderful. The flight usually lasts 45 minutes to 1 hour, during which you drift silently over herds of grazing animals. The view includes vast plains, rolling hills, and a beautiful African sunrise, with the cool morning breeze on your skin adding to the magic.
Flying in a hot air balloon is hard to describe in words. The beauty of the landscape unfolds like a living painting, and the endless horizon stretches in every direction, making it an unforgettable experience that refreshes and inspires.
The wildebeest migration is one of the most amazing natural events on Earth. Over two million wildebeests, zebras, Thomson’s gazelles, and impalas move together in colorful herds across the plains between June and October. They travel from the southern Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara in Kenya in search of food and water. Watching this incredible event from a hot air balloon is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Seeing the colorful balloon rise into the sky at dawn and floating above the migration is unmatched.
During the migration, herds cross the Mara and Grumeti rivers, facing predators and strong currents. This creates a thrilling and dramatic scene to witness from a hot air balloon. Herds may wait for days at the riverbanks, afraid of the rushing water and crocodiles.
Eventually, their migratory instinct forces them to leap into the water. Many animals, especially young calves and the weak, may not survive the currents, crocodiles, or mud. After the crossing, the riverbanks are littered with carcasses, and vultures fight over the remains. On the other side, predators like lions, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards take advantage of the weakened herds, feeding on the survivors.
After enjoying the aerial view of the herds grazing in the tall Savannah grass, the balloon gently lands. Shortly after, the breakfast truck arrives, following the balloon’s path. Here, you are served a champagne bush breakfast. Chairs are set around a table filled with plates of sweet pawpaw, pineapple, chocolate croissants, muffins, crispy bacon, and sizzling sausages. French champagne is opened to celebrate this unique meal in the wilderness.
I could describe the balloon ride endlessly, but you truly have to experience it to believe it. If you love nature and wildlife, watching the great wildebeest migration from a hot air balloon is an experience you should not miss.