Balloon Safari

A panoramic view of the Serengeti Plains

Many people consider a dawn flight over the Serengeti plains as one of the “must do” safari experiences. You will rise up over the African plains just as the dawn breaks, amidst skies awash with pink and gold. An hour later, your balloon sets down on the savanna, where you are served champagne and a full English breakfast. Around mid-morning, you return by road, game-viewing all the way, to join your group and continue the day’s exploration of the Serengeti.  Because of limited space, advance reservations are highly recommended.

You will be picked up at 5am from your chosen lodge in the Serengeti and will be driven to your awaiting balloon at the launch site. Keep eyes out for nocturnal predators as you may encounter them returning from their nightly hunting on your game drive to the launching site. Upon arrival at the balloon-launching site you will receive a quick briefing from your pilot. At dawn you will take off and float above the vast Serengeti while the sun rises over the savannah below.  With a little luck you will have good game viewing opportunities while you drift above the Serengeti.  Please keep in mind that every flight is different and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.  However, you will undoubtedly enjoy the spectacular views and the serene quiet as you aimlessly drift along with the prevailing winds. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon while sometimes flying at treetop height and at other times ascending to 1,000 feet. 

Flight time is about one hour depending upon the conditions. Scout vehicles will track your location from the ground and will be waiting for you wherever the winds have carried the balloon.  Your balloon safari ends with a champagne toast and an elegant breakfast at the landing site. Breakfast is served in the bush with silver, china and linen tablecloths. Breakfast consists of tropical fruits, warm, freshly baked bread, eggs, sausage, bacon, mushroom and tomato. After breakfast you will be transferred to the pick-up area arriving at about 9.30a.m where will be waiting for you to continue the day’s scheduled activities as indicated on your personalized safari itinerary.

A balloon safari can be incorporated into any itinerary which includes at least one night in the central or Northern Serengeti. Late May through late June and early November through early December are especially good times in the Central Serengeti and July through early October are especially good time in the Northern Serengeti to schedule a ballooning expedition.  The wildebeest and zebra migration may be thundering through the Serengeti during these times.

Note: If you are interested in a balloon safari the cost is US $600 per person per trip. You can purchase your balloon safari directly from the balloon safari representative upon your arrival in the Serengeti, but we cannot guarantee you the availability. The only way we can guarantee you availability is to reserve with us in advance, so that we can reserve you a spot as early as possible.