Hot Air Balloon Safaris

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Hot air balloon Tanzania

Serengeti Hot air balloon flights

Balloon Safaris in Tanzania are very popular in the Serengeti. From up in the sky, you can see far and wide. Flights take off here because the weather is almost always perfect, with gentle winds blowing steadily throughout the year. Each balloon ride is different, guided by the wind, letting you see and hear everything below as you float. It’s a romantic and special way to experience East Africa’s wildlife as you glide quietly over the plains filled with animals in the early morning.

Waking up early is definitely worth it for a balloon safari. Getting up before sunrise, leaving your camp in the quiet, and heading to the launch site is part of the excitement. During this early drive, you might even spot one of the Serengeti’s elusive animals hunting in the dark, caught in your headlights on the way to the take-off spot.

Benefits of a Serengeti Balloon Safari

Experience the Serengeti from above with a balloon safari, offering breathtaking views, wildlife spotting, and a unique adventure over Tanzania’s iconic plains.

Highlights

Unique Perspective

A balloon safari lets you see the Serengeti from above, showing how big and connected it is.

Access to Remote Areas

Balloons can go to places vehicles can’t reach, letting you see hidden parts of the Serengeti and rare wildlife.

Low Impact on Nature

Hot air balloons are gentle on nature, offering a sustainable and eco-friendly way to explore the Serengeti.

Unforgettable Experience

A Serengeti balloon safari is an amazing adventure that creates memories you’ll treasure forever.

Balloon Safari Serengeti Price

The balloon safari costs about 600 USD, including the ride, transfers, and a champagne bush breakfast.

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Best Time for a Serengeti Balloon Safari

Timing is everything for a Serengeti balloon safari. The best months depend on weather and wildlife activity. Here’s a breakdown

June to October (Dry Season)

  • Why Go? Clear skies, cooler mornings, and the Great Migration in full swing.
  • What You’ll See: Millions of wildebeests and zebras crossing the plains.
  • Pro Tip: Book early—balloon rides sell out fast during peak season!

December to March (Short Dry Season)

  • Why Go? Fewer crowds, lush greenery, and baby animals born during this time.
  • What You’ll See: Predators like lions and cheetahs hunting near waterholes.

Tip: Always check weather and location of the Great Migration before you book.

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What to Expect on a Serengeti Balloon Safari

Wondering how a balloon safari works? Here’s the step-by-step:
  1. Pre-Dawn Pickup: Your day starts early—around 4:30 AM—with a ride to the launch site.
  2. Balloon Prep: Watch the crew inflate the balloon as the sky lightens.
  3. Takeoff: Climb aboard and lift off smoothly as the sun peeks over the horizon.
  4. Flight: Float for 45-60 minutes, guided by the wind, with a skilled pilot pointing out wildlife.
  5. Landing & Breakfast: Touch down gently, then enjoy a champagne breakfast in the bush.
The whole experience lasts about 3-4 hours, leaving you with memories—and photos—to treasure.

Where Do Balloon Safaris Happen in Serengeti?

The Serengeti is huge, so balloons fly in different areas depending on the season:

  1. Central Serengeti (Seronera) – Year-round flights. Best for general wildlife.

  2. Western Corridor – May to July. Good for migration crossing rivers.

  3. Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, Lamai) – July to October. See the Great Migration crossing the Mara River.

  4. Ndutu (Southern Serengeti) – December to March. Great for calving season.

Pro tip: Your safari planner (like Sursee Safari Tours) will choose the best balloon launch site based on your travel dates.

What to Expect: Balloon Safari Day Schedule

Here’s a simple breakdown of what happens on the day:

🕓 4:30 – 5:00 AM: Pick-Up

  • A safari vehicle picks you from your lodge or camp.

  • You drive to the launch site in the dark.

🎈 6:00 AM: Launch & Flight

  • Watch the crew prepare and inflate the balloon.

  • Climb into the basket with your pilot and other guests (8–16 people).

  • Take off gently as the sun begins to rise.

🐘 6:00 – 7:00 AM: Flight Over Wildlife

  • Float 100–1,000 feet above the ground.

  • See elephants, giraffes, lions, wildebeests, and more.

  • The pilot may fly low or high depending on wind and animals.

🥂 7:15 AM: Champagne Toast

  • After landing, celebrate with a traditional champagne toast.

  • A fun way to say “you did it!”

🍳 7:30 – 8:30 AM: Bush Breakfast

  • Enjoy a hot breakfast under a tree in the wild.

  • Served on a proper table with staff and fresh food.

🚐 9:00 AM: Return to Camp

  • Head back to your lodge and relax or go on a regular game drive.

How Long is a Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Ride?

  • Flight time: About 1 hour in the air.

  • Total experience: Around 5 hours from pick-up to return.

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What Animals Can You See From the Balloon?

The animals you’ll see depend on the area and time of year. But here are some common sightings:

🐘 Elephants

🦓 Zebras

🦒 Giraffes

🦁 Lions

🐃 Buffalos

🦌 Wildebeests

🐊 Crocodiles (near rivers)

🐦 Birds like vultures, eagles, and storks

If you’re lucky, you may also spot cheetahs, leopards, or even a rhino (very rare).