BALLOON SAFARI
From 5,900 USD
Serengeti Safari Balloon is a unique and thrilling experience that allows visitors to witness the vast expanse of Serengeti National Park from a bird's eye view. The Serengeti Safari Balloon is a hot air balloon ride that takes place at dawn, providing an unmatched view of the beautiful Serengeti landscape as the sun rises over the horizon.
The hot air balloon ride lasts aprroximately from one to three hours(Depending), during which time visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views of the vast plains of the Serengeti, the beautiful wildlife, and the stunning natural features of the park, including rivers, hills, and valleys. The Serengeti Safari Balloon experience is perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers, as it provides a unique perspective of the park and its inhabitants.
The Serengeti Safari Balloon ride begins early in the morning, usually at around 5:00 am, and visitors are transported from their accommodations to the launch site. After a brief safety briefing and inflation of the balloon, visitors climb aboard the basket and begin their ascent into the sky. The ride itself is gentle and tranquil, with the only sounds coming from the burner and the occasional whoosh of the wind.
After the hot air balloon ride, visitors are treated to a lavish champagne breakfast in the middle of the Serengeti, which includes a variety of fresh fruits, pastries, and other delicacies. The breakfast is served on tables that are set up in the middle of the park, providing visitors with a unique opportunity to enjoy a meal in the midst of the Serengeti's beautiful landscape.
Overall, the Serengeti Safari Balloon is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers visitors an unparalleled view of one of the world's most beautiful natural wonders.
Serengeti Balloon Sites
A Serengeti balloon safari is a fantastic once in a lifetime experience, particularly suitable for a bird’s eye-view game viewing experience on your Above Kilimanjaro Expeditions wildlife safari in Northern Tanzania. Hot air balloon rides leave from four sites in the Serengeti:
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Ndutu area; December to March. We make the most of the short-grass plains and woodland to view the migration from above as it lingers here for the calving season of the wildebeest in their hundreds of thousands.
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Central Serengeti; wildlife gathers year-round in the Seronera River Valley where there is permanent water. The Great Migration passes through around May and June.
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Western Serengeti; includes the Grumeti River, scene of theatrical crossings during the Great Migration in June and July, when hundreds of thousands of gnu, brave the giant Nile crocodiles, and many perish while others detour to avoid the perilous river.
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South Serengeti plains, the wildebeests assemble from December onwards, to calve in February, producing 8000 newborn every day on a three-week marathon, a sight not to be missed on your personalized nature travel in Serengeti.
Price of Serengeti Balloon Safari
Minimum two persons sharing, in addition to cost of safari itinerary arranged by Above Kilimanjaro Expeditions :
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Balloon Flight Cost - Serengeti Standard = US$600 per person.Enjoy a thrilling bird's-eye perspective of the wildlife, the endless plains, and its numerous Kopjes.
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Balloon Flight Cost - Serengeti Private (couples) = US$4,900 per person.Whether it’s a wedding anniversary or any other special occasion, hot air ballooning will always be one of the most original memories for a couple. As a gift from husband to wife or girlfriend to boyfriend or as a joint experience the couple has always wanted to do – hot air ballooning is definitely top of the list.
Other balloon destinations; It is also possible to charter special private balloon flights in the Grumeti Reserve for honeymoon couples on their romantic trip in the Great Plains of Serengeti, as well as a Tarangire balloon safari and Ruaha balloon safari. Contact us for more information.
Balloon Excursion Notes
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Start location and time: Various launch sites, pre-dawn
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Duration of excursion: 3 hours in total
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End location: Various locations, depending on the flight
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Maximum size of group: Usually 16
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Meals included: A full bush breakfast, with sparkling wine, is included after landing
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Availability: Balloon flights are available every morning, subject to suitable weather conditions. If the flight is cancelled because of poor weather, you will be re-booked on a later flight or your money refunded.
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Height and age restrictions: The basket height is 1.2m (4ft). Children need to be at least 1.2m in height and can then fly at the pilot’s discretion, depending on their age and maturity.
Please Note: Above Kilimanjaro Expeditions only books balloon excursions as a part of a full Above Kilimanjaro Expeditions itinerary. We partner with many reputable balloon operators and you can book your wonderful balloon safari through Above Kilimanjaro Expeditions as we handle all ground operations like 4x4 safari vehicles, lodge/camp bookings, park fees etc. If you have any difficulty booking a Tanzania Balloon Safari at any point, please do get in touch with us for more information.
FAQs
When is the best time of year for ballooning in Serengeti?
We are fortunate that the weather in the Serengeti is suitable for ballooning almost every day of the year. We fly in the following areas every morning: Serengeti - Central – Year Round Serengeti/Ngorongoro - Ndutu - 20 Dec – 31 March Serengeti - Western - June – October
What about the "rainy season"?
We prefer to call them the GREEN SEASONS. The ‘long rains’ (late March to early June) & the ‘short rains’ (November to mid December). In the Serengeti, the great migration passes through Central Serengeti during the green seasons. At these times it USUALLY rains late afternoon and during the night. Mornings are USUALLY bright and clear with gentle winds (ideal ballooning weather!). The landscape is lush, green and dust free (yes, your vehicle may get stuck in the mud – but our balloon won’t!) In Ruaha – rains tend to fall from November to April/May. During the rest of the year, rain is unusual but as ever, we can’t completely predict the weather.
Do I need to book in advance?
We do strongly recommend that you book in advance. We have limited capacity and this exclusive adventure is frequently fully booked.