Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti — Is It Worth It?

A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti is one of the most memorable experiences in African travel. It is expensive — $500-$600 per person — but there is simply no other way to see the landscape from this perspective. The silence, the scale, and the sunrise light make it unforgettable.

If your budget allows, do it. If it does not, do not stress — a ground-based safari is still extraordinary. The balloon is a luxury, not a necessity.

4:30 AM: Wake-up call at your lodge. It is dark and cold. A vehicle picks you up and drives to the launch site.

5:30 AM: Arrive at the launch site. The balloon crew is inflating the envelope with powerful fans and burners. The flames light up the pre-dawn darkness. You can take photos of the setup.

6:00 AM: Climb into the basket (divided into compartments, 12-16 passengers total). The pilot gives a safety briefing. The burner roars, and you lift off — silently, smoothly, almost imperceptibly.

6:00-7:30 AM: Float at 200-1,000 feet above the Serengeti. Sunrise turns the plains gold and pink. Below, you see herds of wildebeest, zebras, elephants, and giraffes from above — a completely different perspective than ground level. You may drift over rivers, kopjes, and acacia woodland.

7:30 AM: The pilot finds a landing spot. The touchdown is a gentle bump or a slight drag — part of the fun. Crew members assist with disembarking.

8:00 AM: Champagne breakfast in the bush. A fully set table with white linen, eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, pastries, and sparkling wine. The pilot presents each guest with a certificate. You are back at your lodge by 9:30 AM, in time for a morning game drive.

Balloon safaris operate in the Serengeti year-round, weather permitting. The main launch sites are in the Central Serengeti (Seronera) and Western Corridor. Some operators also fly from the Northern Serengeti during migration season.

Best time: The dry season (June-October) has the most reliable weather. The wet season is still possible but more likely to be cancelled due to wind or storms. Operators will refund or reschedule if weather cancels.

Book a hot air balloon safari as an add-on to any of our Serengeti safari packages.

The balloon is a photographer's dream — but it comes with challenges. The basket moves gently, but you cannot lean out. Lenses fall through gaps if dropped.

• Bring a wide-angle lens (16-35mm) for landscape shots and a zoom (70-200mm) for wildlife detail
• Use a neck strap — never hand-hold a camera over the basket edge
• Shoot early — the best light is in the first 20 minutes after sunrise
• Expect haze — morning atmospheric haze is common; embrace the mood
• Video is stunning — the silence makes for incredible footage with natural sound

Hot air ballooning in the Serengeti has an excellent safety record. Pilots are internationally certified, balloons are inspected daily, and operations follow strict weather protocols. Flights are cancelled if wind speeds exceed safe limits.

The main risk is motion sickness (rare, but possible) and the early start (tired children may struggle). Pregnant women are typically not permitted. There is no age limit, but children under 3-4 may not enjoy the early wake-up and long duration.

Balloon safaris cost $500-$600 per person, including the flight, champagne breakfast, and certificate. This is in addition to your regular safari costs.

Book in advance — especially during peak season (July-October), when demand is highest. Your safari operator can arrange it, or you can book directly with balloon companies like Serengeti Balloon Safaris.

Add a balloon safari to your itinerary.