Firm extends hot balloon safaris service to Tarangire

MANYARA: SERENGETI Balloon Safaris has announced its successful first flight over Tarangire National Park, marking its official extension of its hot balloon service within the crucial wildlife sanctuary.

The flight included 22 guests in two balloons, launching from the northwest Silale swamp and landing in the lush Tarangire valley.

Highlights of the flight included sightings of elephants, buffalo and various bird species.

After landing near the Tarangire River, guests enjoyed a luxurious out of Africa breakfast under an acacia tree.

This new route in Tarangire offers a diverse and scenic alternative to the Serengeti, marking the fourth national park where Serengeti Balloon Safaris operate.

“Both balloons launched just after sunrise from the northern end of Silale Swamp and climbed to around 800ft over a large expanse of woodland to gain some speed and the far-reaching views whilst traversing the ridge,” said Serengeti Balloon Safaris Marketing Manager, Mr Pascal Kirigiti.

Also read: Tarangire gets boost from Friends of Serengeti

“On descent over the woodland canopy on the western side of the ridge we had some good sightings and headed past Tarangire Sopa Lodge to the open areas close to the Tarangire River” said one of first travellers, Ms Claire Warner.

Adventurers sighted in flight of many elephants, buffalo, porcupine, waterbuck, bushbuck, white headed vulture, many hornbill, African green parrot and reedbuck.

“Both balloons made gentle 2-knot landings at a nice open area dotted with baobab trees near the river. Breakfast was under a tree to the east of the river after champagne by the road near landing.

In all a very good opening flight for Tarangire,” Ms Warner noted. “Consistently at the forefront of ballooning in Tanzania, we are always looking to develop and improve our customer experiences and this new route over Tarangire is testament to this ambition,” Mr Kirigiti explained.

Tarangire is the fourth national park in which Serengeti Balloon Safaris fly; namely Serengeti year-round all over the park following the migration movements, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority where it operates from December to March, Ruaha from June to October and now Tarangire from June to March.

With an increased number of safari goers choosing to focus their safari within Tarangire, Manyara and Ngorongoro, guests won’t need to forgo the magic of a balloon safari, as they will now be able to experience it in the heart of Tarangire.

“Tarangire is such a stunning landscape to enjoy from the air and we are thrilled to now be welcoming guests from June – March.

With a huge variety of wildlife, biodiversity and geology to enjoy it is one of my favourite places to fly and we look forward to sharing it with your guests,” said the Managing Director of Serengeti Balloon Safaris – Mr John Corse