Ever gone on a hot air balloon safari? If you have had the opportunity to drift soundlessly over incredible African landscapes and see the wildlife from the air, it’s something you are sure to remember forever. Until now, hot air ballooning has been primarily available in Namibia’s Sossusvlei, Kenya’s Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti. But finally this incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience is on offer in Botswana’s Okavango Delta. One of Africa’s most prized and achingly beautiful regions, the Delta features some of this magical continent’s greatest concentrations of wildlife.
The Okavango Delta is not only one of the world’s great marvels but also one of Africa’s most important and unspoilt wilderness areas. Situated in Botswana, the Delta is formed when the Okavango River flows into the flat, arid and dry Kalahari Desert. This creates a myriad of waterways and attracts thousands of birds and animals seeking water in the dry season. This unique environment is not only one of the top Botswana tourist attractions but has been voted one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and appears on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
The wet season sees most of the larger animals leaving the Delta to graze in the lush greenery that surrounds it, returning during the winter months. Some of the wildlife that can be found when booking a Botswana safari in the Okavango Delta include Hippos, African Buffalo, Wildebeest, Elephant, Crocodile, Zebra, Giraffe, Lechwe, Topi, Sable Antelope, Black and White Rhino, and Baboon. Predators include Cheetah, Lion, Leopard, Brown and Spotted Hyena and African Wild Dog. The Delta is also home to over 400 species of birds, as well as 71 recorded species of fish including Tigerfish, Catfish and Tilapia.
Breaking news is that for the first time, Air Ventures in association with An African Anthology are offering visitors hot air balloon safaris over this unique landscape from Kadizora Camp. Ask one of our consultants to book this unforgettable experience for you to avoid disappointment although it can be booked directly at Kadizora Camp. Perfect if you’re planning a Botswana honeymoon or wanting to treat your partner to something romantic and WOW – it’s an unmissable Okavango Delta activity! The hot air balloon basket can take just the two of you or alternatively a maximum of four guests per trip.
Kadizora Camp lies on the banks of a lagoon and tributaries in the northern part of the Delta that features more savannah-type terrain. The camp comprises of ten luxury tents, set along a peninsula in the shade of ancient trees; each offering complete privacy with sweeping views of the Delta and the perfect location for a Botswana safari honeymoon. The camp is a short 40-minute flight away from Maun, which in turn connects to all major hubs in Southern Africa.
Typical Summer Hot Air Ballooning Itinerary (1 November to 31 May)
04h00 Wakeup call
04h30 Guests to be driven to the launch site
05h30 Enjoy tea and coffee while the balloon is being inflated
06h00 Take off and enjoy the 45-minute flight over the Okavango Delta
07h00 Land back at the launch site and enjoy a celebratory champagne, tea or coffee and receive a personalised certificate
07h30 Guests to be driven back to Kadizora Camp
Typical Winter Hot Air Ballooning Itinerary (1 July to 31 October)
05h00 Wakeup call
05h30 Guests to be transferred to the launch site
06h30 Relax with a tea or a coffee while the balloon is being inflated
07h00 Take off, and enjoy the 45-minute flight over the Okavango Delta
08h00 Land back at the launch site and enjoy a celebratory champagne, tea or coffee and receive a personalised certificate
08h30 Guests to be transferred back to Kadizora Camp
The Okavango Delta is truly one of the finest places in Africa to see this continent’s incredible array of birds and animals. Floating silently over the breathtakingly beautiful Delta on a hot air balloon safari with a soaring eagle’s eye view of the animals may just be the perfect accompaniment to one of the other famous Okavango Delta activities which is the mokoro ride which offers guests a frog’s eye view over the lily pads and reeds along the waterways of the incredible Okavango Delta.
