Balloon Safari

Drift silently above the Serengeti at sunrise. Watch the plains come alive below — elephants, giraffes, and predators moving freely as the first light touches the horizon.
The Experience

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Morning

A hot air balloon safari is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience — drifting above the African wilderness at sunrise brings that promise vividly to life.
At dawn, around 5:00 a.m., you'll be transferred from your lodge to the launch site in the heart of the wilderness. The morning air is crisp, so warm layers are recommended. As the first golden light touches the sky, you'll watch the balloon inflate — a spectacle punctuated by the roar of burners, building anticipation for the adventure ahead. You'll meet your professional pilot, who will guide you through important safety procedures, including boarding and landing positions. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee or tea with biscuits before your journey begins. Then, almost effortlessly, the balloon lifts gently off the ground.
Once airborne, the wild becomes peaceful and quiet, interrupted only by the occasional burst of the burner. You'll drift gracefully over the endless plains, taking in sweeping panoramic views. From this unique vantage point, you may spot elephants moving below, giraffes browsing treetops, or predators returning from a night's hunt. As you rise higher, wildlife becomes less aware of your presence, allowing for rare and undisturbed sightings.
The flight typically lasts one hour, depending on the weather. During this time, you'll truly appreciate the vastness of the Serengeti as herds and towers of wildlife cross the plains below — perfectly capturing the magic of an East African safari from above.
As your journey ends, the descent may be a bit bumpy, adding a final touch of adventure before a gentle landing in the bush. Upon touchdown, celebrate with a champagne toast — a classic ballooning tradition. The experience concludes with a beautifully prepared bush breakfast set in the heart of the wilderness. Under the open African sky, you'll enjoy a full English-style meal surrounded by the sounds and beauty of nature — the perfect ending to a truly magical morning.
At a Glance
  • Dawn departure from your lodge, around 5:00 a.m.
  • Approximately one-hour flight over the Serengeti plains
  • Undisturbed wildlife sightings — elephants, giraffes, predators
  • Champagne toast on landing — a classic ballooning tradition
  • Full English-style bush breakfast in the open wilderness
  • Available year-round in Central Serengeti; other regions timed to the Migration
Where This Runs
Locations
Central Serengeti (year-round) · Southern Serengeti / Ndutu · Western Serengeti · Northern Serengeti — timed to coincide with the Great Wildebeest Migration in each region.
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All activities are arranged as add-ons to any of our safari packages. Tell us what interests you and we'll factor it into your dates and route.