Pre-dawn · Aerial · Champagne
The Serengeti
from a thousand feet
as the sun rises
drift up just as the sun does, and watch the plains unfold beneath you in perfect silence — herds scattering gold across the grass, the horizon endless. it ends, as it should, with a champagne breakfast in the bush. a splurge, yes. unforgettable, absolutely.
5 a.m.Departure
1 hourTime aloft
From $599Per person
Up to 16Passengers per basket
SerengetiBest location
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a different view
the safari add-onno one regrets
there are perhaps three or four things every safari traveller eventually does and then tells everyone about. the hot air balloon over the serengeti is one of them. a pre-dawn pickup from your camp. a drive to the launch site in the dark. the balloons inflating by the light of their burners. you climb in. you lift off into the silent purple-grey before sunrise. you drift for an hour over the plains as the sun comes up, your shadow racing along beneath you. you land in the middle of nowhere — and find tables of champagne, croissants and bacon waiting in the bush.
we recommend the balloon so often that it comes up in the planning of almost every safari. it isn't cheap — about $600 per person — and it asks for a 4:30 a.m. wake-up. it's also one of the most consistently rewarding single things you can do in africa. we've arranged it hundreds of times for hundreds of travellers. the "would you recommend it" rate is essentially 100%.
the practicalities: balloons fly mostly over the central and northern serengeti in the dry season (june–october) and again in february–march. space is limited and books up — especially in peak season, when flights can sell out a month ahead. we secure your place at the time of booking. the flight is weather-dependent; in rare cases (high winds) it's cancelled and either rescheduled or refunded.
the dimensions
what makes thisexperience itself
01
dawn lift-off5 a.m. start
Pre-dawn pickup, drive to launch site in darkness, watch the balloons inflate. Lift-off coincides with sunrise (typically 6:15 a.m. in the Serengeti). Pure magic.
02
silent drift1 hour aloft
The balloon moves with the wind — no engine noise, just the occasional burst from the burner. Herds below largely unconcerned. Wildebeest, zebra, elephants seen from a perfect aerial angle.
03
champagne bush breakfaston landing
Landing in a random spot. The ground crew has tables set up nearby with champagne, croissants, bacon, eggs, fruit. A proper bush breakfast — easily one of the best meals you will eat in Africa.
04
available regionswhere you fly
Central Serengeti (Seronera, year-round), Northern Serengeti (Kogatende, July-October), Southern Serengeti (Ndutu, January-March). Tarangire has limited balloon options. No Ngorongoro flights (volcanic terrain).
where to do this
the best parksfor this experience
01
serengeti — central
year-round flights from seronera region
Explore park → 02serengeti — northern
july-october flights over mara river crossings region
Explore park → 03serengeti — southern
january-march flights over calving plains
Explore park → 04tarangire
limited season — usually june-october only
Explore park →
Best time
year-round over the central serengeti, season-dependent elsewhere. demand peaks june–october — book well ahead. the calmest weather, and the best chance of flying, comes in the dry season (june–october, january–february).
practical matters
what thisactually involves
Duration
3-4 hours total (4:30 a.m. pickup, 5:45 a.m. lift-off, 6:45 a.m. landing, breakfast, return to camp ~9 a.m.)
Budget
$599-650 per person
Best for
Honeymooners · Photographers · Once-in-a-lifetime travellers
Type of trip
Pre-dawn · Aerial · Champagne
An honest note
weather-dependent. about 5% of flights are cancelled for wind, with a full refund or reschedule. minimum age varies by operator (most accept 7+, some 10+). the maximum weight limit is around 110kg/240lb.
common questions
things travellersoften ask
About $599-650 per person, depending on operator and season. This includes pickup from your camp, the balloon flight (approximately 1 hour aloft), the champagne bush breakfast on landing, and return transfer to camp. Park fees are typically already included in your safari permit.
Balloons over the Serengeti have an excellent safety record. Pilots are commercial-licensed with years of African experience. Pre-flight weather assessments are strict — flights are scrubbed if conditions are not ideal. Safety briefings cover landing position (everyone braces in the basket). Landing is the most physical part — sometimes the basket tips on landing.
Layers. Cold at dawn (10-15°C), warming quickly once airborne with the burners. Long sleeves, light jacket or fleece, neutral colours (no white for the bush dust). Closed shoes — sandals are not appropriate.
Most operators accept children from age 7+ (some from 10+). The flight is suitable for most children, though they must be tall enough to see over the basket edge (typically 1.2m / 4 feet). Discuss with the operator at booking.
In peak season (June-October), balloons can book out a month or more in advance. We secure your slot at the time of your safari booking. Off-peak, 1-2 weeks notice is usually enough. Last-minute booking in February-March is often possible.
plan this experience
ready forhot air balloon safaris?
tell us your dates and what matters most to you. we design every balloon itinerary personally.