Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Tanzania are popular in Serengeti. You can stretch our eyes as far as you can see while up the sky. Flights take-off from here because the climate is almost perfect and the winds blow gently and reliably throughout the year. Each hot air balloon safari flight is a different journey dictated by the direction of the wind, where the sights and sounds rise from the ground to meet you. It is one of the romantic and evocative ways of experiencing the wilderness of East Africa as you gracefully and silently fly over the plains crowded with herds of wildlife in the early morning.
There are things that are worth getting up early for, and a hot air balloon safari is certainly one of them. Rising before the birds and heading out from your camp in Serengeti in the silence towards the launch-site is all part of the anticipation. Perhaps one of the Serengeti’s more indefinable inhabitants will be caught in a hunt by the headlights on this nocturnal game drive to the take-off points.
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Tanzania hot air balloon safari are held regularly in the Serengeti and take off from the designated sites (in the seronera area) where the disturbance to animals is kept to a minimum. Your safari vehicle drops you off at the take-off site and picks you up from your landing site. Often a balloon trip is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, raising a glass to your time in the skies. You can have a short walk around, stretch or cheer up with a couple of friends as we take care of your earthly concerns. This marks the fitting end to your memorable flight in the wilderness.
While not an inexpensive venture, a balloon safari proves its worth with an unparalleled experience. Drifting tranquilly above the canopy as dawn breaks grants you a unique perspective of the boundless Serengeti plains. Departing in the early morning, you might catch sight of nocturnal predators preparing for the day ahead.
Most flights feature sections at varying altitudes, offering uninterrupted panoramas of the Serengeti. Skilled pilots navigate low enough for potential wildlife sightings, often skimming over rivers where hippos grunt and giraffes wander. This proximity allows for stunning aerial wildlife photography. Your journey is guided by the wind, with ground crews tracking your path from below.
To maximize your chances of witnessing the awe-inspiring Great Migration, consider booking a flight over the Ndutu area, where vast herds of wildebeest and zebra gather between December and March. While other locations may offer sightings from above, it’s important to note that the migration is constantly on the move. The herds may only linger in a specific area for a short time, sometimes just a couple of days, so luck plays a significant role in your experience.
Private balloon bookings are available and are becoming increasingly popular. Please inquire with us for rates and availability
We are fortunate that the weather in the Serengeti is suitable for ballooning almost every day of the year. We fly in the following areas every morning: Central Serengeti : Year Round Ndutu Area, Ngorongoro Conservation/Serengeti: 20 Dec – 31 March Western Serengeti: June – October Northern Serengeti: 01 July – 15 November. Safari wildlife viewing varies depending on the time of year and location, and the wildebeest migration moves through the ecosystem year-round so although there are no guarantees, if you’re in the right place at the right time, you have a good chance of seeing plenty of wildlife.
The price is US$599 per person all inclusive in a shared balloon. This includes collection from your camp or lodge (early!) and transfer to the launch site for a sunrise take-off. After a wonderful flight of approximately 1 hour, we will give you a champagne toast on landing and then a ‘full english’ breakfast under a tree before returning you to your safari guide at the Seronera Visitors Centre or some other mutually agreed location. The price does not include park entry fees, which are usually covered in the tour operator package.
Each Balloon cost over US $100,000 but we retire them after only 850 hours to ensure that they are in top condition. They use a significant amount of fuel per flight and involve a minimum crew of six men plus professional pilot to get them in the air plus a further ten employees behind the scenes for each balloon. In addition, there are the retrieving vehicles, logistics, back up etc. We operate in a remote area. There is a very substantial sum in the form of concession fees for every passenger to Tanzania National Parks towards conservation funds.
Ballooning is subject to suitable weather. If your flight is cancelled because of poor weather, you will be re-booked on a later flight If possible, otherwise your money will be refunded.
We do strongly recommend that you book in advance, directly with us
We prefer to call them the GREEN SEASONS. The ‘long rains’ (late March to early June) & the ‘short rains’ (November to mid December). In the Serengeti, the great migration passes through Central Serengeti during the green seasons. At these times it USUALLY rains late afternoon and during the night. Mornings are USUALLY bright and clear with gentle winds (ideal ballooning weather!). The landscape is lush, green and dust free (yes, your vehicle may get stuck in the mud – but our balloon won’t!).
Yes, we do not carry children under the age of 7 years. There is no upper age limit, however passengers must be reasonably mobile, fit to fly and prepared for an adventure. Ballooning is not suitable for pregnant ladies, people with mobility or health conditions (heart conditions, brittle bones, neck or back conditions). Passengers must be able to bend their knees, hold on to rope handles with both hands for take-off and landing and be able to climb into and out of the basket. Balloon passenger weights are calculated at an average of 80 kgs. Passengers weighing 50% + more than this (i.e. 120kgs / 265lbs / 19 stone) may be charged for two places.
It can be cool in the early morning, but often warm later, therefore a jacket or sweater that can be removed later is a good idea. A hat is recommended (particularly for the ‘follically challenged) as radiant heat from the burners can be uncomfortable. We suggest long trousers, long sleeves, preferably in natural fibres and stout shoes. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars. You can bring a camera bag or small backpack with you in the balloon.
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