Hot Air Balloon Flights in Serengeti National Park - Discover the Serengeti from a Unique Perspective

Ready to Experience the Magic of the Serengeti?

This guide is just the beginning of your journey toward an unforgettable African adventure! If you’re dreaming of witnessing the Great Migration, spotting the Big Five, or soaking in the endless beauty of the Serengeti, now is the perfect time to start planning.

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Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari Launch Locations

Balloon safaris in Serengeti take off daily at 06:00 from four different launch points in the park. The launch sites include one near Seronera, operational year-round, and others in the Ndutu region (from December 25 to March 15), the Western Corridor (from June to October), and Northern Serengeti (from July to October).

Your Balloon Safari Experience

A hot air balloon ride in Serengeti is definitely an experience worth the cost. As you float peacefully above the treetops with the sun rising over the horizon, you’ll be able to take in the vast Serengeti plains from a unique and unforgettable perspective. Departing early in the morning gives you the chance to spot nocturnal predators beginning their day.

During most flights, your pilot will take you to higher altitudes for panoramic views of the landscape, but there will also be moments where you fly lower, getting closer to wildlife. Expect to glide just above herds of giraffes or hover near rivers filled with hippos. Flying low offers the perfect opportunity to snap stunning wildlife photos. The balloon’s movement is determined by the wind, while a ground crew follows along to track your path.

Ballooning and the Great Migration

To maximize your chances of witnessing the Great Migration, the Ndutu area is your best bet, as large herds of wildebeest and zebras gather there between December and March. While other launch areas also offer the chance to see the migration, the herds are constantly on the move, and you’ll need some luck on your side to catch them during your flight.

Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Flight Price

The cost of a Serengeti hot air balloon ride is $599 per person, which includes the $40 Tanapa ballooning fee. This price covers transportation from your lodge or camp to the launch site, the balloon ride itself, and a champagne breakfast after the flight. Your flight will last between 50 and 70 minutes, and depending on where you land, your breakfast will be set up at a different location each time. The balloon can accommodate up to 16 passengers.

Planning Your Balloon Safari

Be ready for an early start. If you’re departing from the Seronera area, transfers begin at 05:30, and from other lodges, it’s typically around 04:00. Remember to bring some warm clothing and a bag to keep your personal items, like cameras and binoculars, secure. Balloon safaris are extremely popular, especially during peak season, so it’s best to book in advance to ensure you get a spot.

What If the Weather Doesn’t Cooperate?

Ballooning is weather-dependent. If conditions aren’t suitable for flying, your flight will be rescheduled to the next available slot. If rescheduling isn’t possible, you’ll receive a refund.

Why Are Balloon Safaris So Expensive?

Operating a balloon safari is costly, particularly in remote areas like Serengeti National Park. Balloons need to be kept in excellent condition and are typically replaced after about 850 flight hours, with each balloon costing over $100,000. The operation involves a team of six people for each flight, including the licensed pilot, and another ten staff members behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. Add to that the cost of fuel, recovery vehicles, transfer vehicles, and conservation fees, and it’s clear why the price is high.