Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Experience the magic of Tanzania from above with an unforgettable balloon adventure
Balloon safaris are a romantic and evocative way of experiencing the wilderness of East Africa, as you gracefully and silently fly over the plains teeming with herds of wildlife in the early morning. Typically, a balloon safari begins between 6 am and lasts for around 1-2 hours, during which you will likely see the magnificent wildlife below over several square kilometres of the game park.
Balloon safaris are held regularly only in the Serengeti and take off from 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. The safari is followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush, a fitting end to your memorable flight in the wild.
Capacity
Maximum 16 adults
Duration
Approximately 1 hour flight
Departure
Early morning (5:00 AM)
Restrictions
Children under 7 not allowed
Our Balloons
We use top of the range Cameron & Ultra Magic A315 & A415 balloons. The balloons are colored in acacia green & Savannah gold to blend with the natural colors of the Serengeti.
Our balloons are equipped with state-of-the-art 'whisper & stealth' burners, ensuring minimal noise disturbance to wildlife while providing the necessary power for a smooth and controlled flight.
Safety is our top priority, and all our equipment is meticulously maintained and operated by experienced pilots who know the Serengeti ecosystem intimately.
The Balloon Safari Experience
Pre-Flight & Takeoff
At 5:00 AM, you'll be collected from your central Serengeti lodge or camp and transferred by Landrover to our launch site near Maasai Kopjes. Here you'll meet your pilot, receive a briefing, and watch the inflation of your balloon. At dawn, you'll take off, rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take you.
The Flight
Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below. At other times, you'll ascend to 1000 ft. (300m) or more to see the enormity and wonderful panorama of the Serengeti. Between burner burns, there is silence apart from the natural sounds below.
Landing & Breakfast
After about one hour in the air, you'll land and celebrate in the traditional manner with champagne before sitting down to a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in 'Out of Africa' style with bone china, linen table cloths, and King's silver. After breakfast, you'll receive your Serengeti Balloon certificate and be driven back to Seronera, arriving around 9:30 AM ready to continue your day's activities.
Available Locations
Serengeti
Our main launch site is in the central Serengeti (Seronera area), convenient for guests staying at Serena Lodge, Seronera Lodge, Sopa Lodge, or any of the central Serengeti camp sites, including our camp Mapito.
Western Serengeti
We also have launching areas in Western Serengeti, Kirawira, making balloon safaris comfortable from Serena and Kirawira, Mbalageti, Grumeti River Lodge, and other western lodges.
Other Locations
Balloon safaris are also available in Ndutu and Tarangire National Park, offering different landscapes and wildlife viewing opportunities depending on the season.