Experience a Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Ride: A Unique Safari Adventure
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Imagine floating high above the Serengeti in a hot air balloon, taking in the stunning views as the sun rises over the savanna. It’s one of those bucket-list experiences you’ll never forget. From up there, you’ll see herds of wildebeest, giraffes stretching their necks, and maybe even a lion or two lounging in the morning sun. In this post, I’ll share why a Serengeti hot air balloon ride with Serengeti Balloon Safari Tours should be at the top of your adventure list!
The day before your balloon flight, your safari guide will take you to Central Seronera Visitor Center to visit the Serengeti Balloon Safari’s booth to sign your liability waiver. You’ll also be told what time you’re going to be picked up in the morning for your hot air balloon flight. Be prepared: it’s early, really early!
Keep in mind that it will be pretty cool in the dark early morning hours, but the day will warm up quickly, so dress in layers to ensure that you don’t overheat as the day goes on.
My pickup time from Acacia Central Camp was 4:50 AM, however, the driver arrived at 4:30 AM and since I was ready to go, we were off! We drove for about 45 minutes to pick up additional passengers at another camp and after that another 45 minutes to our launch site in Central Serengeti.
Multiple balloons will likely be launching from the same site and you’ll be directed to yours and meet your crew. A light breakfast of hot tea and hot air balloon-shaped cookies are provided and a bush toilet is available for use before launch. There’s a safety briefing and you’re given a harness to put on that will attach to the inside of the hot air balloon basket. You’ll also be assigned your spot in the basket, told how to load, and given an order in which to load. All of this is for safety reasons, so it’s important to follow crew instructions
There’s a roaming staff photographer taking photos during all of this and before long the balloons will begin inflating and eventually launching and you’ll be up, up, and away!
Hot air balloon safari flights stay really low to the ground so that you can more easily view the animals. My pilot told us that we flew between 600-1,000 feet, which was far lower than I flew when I hot air ballooned in Albuquerque. While we were airborne we saw lions, giraffes, a huge herd of wildebeest migration, a watering hole full of hippos, zebra, gazelles, and more that I’m probably forgetting!
We flew for a little over an hour and all too soon, it was time to land. Landing areas vary based on the wind, but we landed in a grassy area near the other balloons and were greeted with a champagne toast. After that, it was a short walk to three large dining tables where the staff set up a full English breakfast. You’ll dine with your balloon-mates and your pilot, drink more champagne, and receive a commemorative certificate for your flight.
There are more bush toilets set up for use (with the best view of the Serengeti you’ll ever have in a restroom!) and there’s WiFi available. The staff also sets up a table with things like hats and t-shirts that are available for purchase, so have some cash on hand for that (as well as for tipping your crew!)
Once everyone is done eating, shopping, and using the facilities, we’re loaded into the safari vehicles that had picked us up that morning. You’ll get dropped off at Seronera (where you signed the waiver yesterday), the park’s visitor information center area to meet your safari guide and continue on with your day!
What’s Included
- Pickup at your accommodations in the Central Serengeti and drop off at the Central Seronera Visitor Center
- Tea and cookies while waiting for your balloon launch
- Exciting travel to the launch site before dawn, with potential wildlife sightings along the way
- Your balloon flight with breathtaking views and wildlife observation
- Champagne or sparkling cider toast upon landing
- Breakfast (Full English or there was an alternative vegetarian-friendly option)
- Photos (during breakfast we received a card with information as to how to access photos taken by their roaming staff photographer)
- Commemorative flight certificate
- Use of wifi and bush toilets at breakfast
What’s Not Included
- Merchandise (t-shirts, baseball caps, etc are available for purchase)
- Tips for your crew
Price
$599 USD per person
Wildlife and Migration
One of the most magical aspects of a hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti is the unparalleled view of the wildlife below. From the vantage point of a hot air balloon, you can witness the incredible diversity of animals that call the Serengeti home. Here are some of the highlights:
- Wildebeest migration: The Serengeti is world-renowned for the Great Wildebeest Migration, where millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles traverse the vast Serengeti plains in search of fresh grazing grounds. Seeing this spectacle from above is a truly awe-inspiring experience.
- The Big Five: The Serengeti is home to the Big Five—lions, leopards, elephants, buffalo, and rhinoceros. From your hot air balloon, you may spot these majestic creatures roaming the landscape, along with other wildlife such as cheetahs, hyenas, and giraffes.
- Birdlife: The Serengeti is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with a wide variety of bird species to observe. From eagles and vultures soaring high above to ostriches strutting across the plains, the birdlife in the Serengeti is as diverse as it is fascinating.
A hot air balloon safari offers a unique perspective on the Serengeti’s wildlife, providing an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most iconic ecosystems.
Let’s Go on Safari!
Is It Safe to Ride a Serengeti Hot Air Balloon?
When it comes to hot air balloon safaris in the Serengeti, safety is paramount. Reputable tour operators go to great lengths to ensure that every passenger has a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are some of the key safety measures you can expect:
- Pre-flight briefings: Before your hot air balloon ride, you’ll receive a thorough briefing on safety procedures, emergency protocols, and what to expect during the flight. This ensures that everyone is well-prepared and knows what to do in case of an emergency.
- Experienced pilots: The pilots who operate hot air balloon safaris in the Serengeti are highly trained and experienced. They undergo rigorous training and have extensive experience flying in the region, ensuring they can handle any situation that may arise.
- Regular maintenance: Hot air balloons are subject to regular inspections and maintenance to ensure they are in top working condition. This helps to prevent any technical issues during your flight.
- Weather monitoring: Pilots closely monitor weather conditions to ensure that the flight is safe and enjoyable. If the weather is not suitable for flying, the flight will be rescheduled to ensure your safety.
- Emergency equipment: Hot air balloons are equipped with essential emergency equipment, such as fire extinguishers and first aid kits, to handle any unexpected situations.
By choosing a reputable tour operator, you can rest assured that your hot air balloon safari will be a safe and unforgettable journey.
Is a Serengeti Balloon Safari Worth It?
Absolutely! I’ve flown in a hot air balloon before and doing a hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti was a completely different (and incredibly magical) experience! Beyond seeing animals from the air, the flight gives you an appreciate for the vastness of the Serengeti and the variety of the landscape.
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Lori Barbely
Hi, I’m Lori. But you can call me Lors. I’m a middle-aged New Jersey-born gal, currently based in Orlando, Florida. My background is in editorial travel photography and writing and I've been to more than 30 countries. I’m obsessed with tropical locales and my favorite city is Tokyo. Have camera, will travel! I’m a Disney adult, Lord of the Rings fan, certified crazy cat lady, and sushi addict! I hope this blog inspires your wanderlust. Feel free to follow me on Instagram for snippets of daily life on and off the road.
