Hot Air balloon Safari in Serengeti
A hot air balloon safari in Serengeti offers one of the most exclusive and memorable game-viewing experiences in Eastern Africa. It’s one experience you are sure to remember long after your safari in Serengeti National Park. 
A hot Air balloon safari in Serengeti offers a rare perspective over the greater Serengeti ecosystem, which covers an area of about 14,750 square kilometers in Northern Tanzania. Tourists not only get to spot herds of Wildebeest, lions giraffe and elephants from about 1,000 feet but also the beautiful landscape/savannah plains. A hot Air Balloon safari offers a different experience to game drives because it doesn’t follow established trails. The Balloons float freely over the Serengeti hence allowing rare sights of places not accessible by car.
Hot Air balloons in Serengeti are organized following strict regulations from the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority. Only certified and experienced pilots are allowed to operate these commercial balloons. On 
completing training, the Pilot must know how to steer the balloons by observing changes in wind direction at different altitudes. This skill requires high-level training and knowledge of the terrain below. A balloon can take between 12 to 16 guests and the experience lasts for about an hour. Companies licensed to operate Hot Air balloons in Serengeti include Miracle Experience and Serengeti Balloon Safaris. You might be interested in our 3 Days Ngorongoro and Serengeti safari package and information about what to do while in Tanzania.
How the Air Balloon Safari is Organized and What to expect
Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Serengeti launch between 5:30 and 6:15am. All registered participants are expected to be awake between 4:30am and 5:00am. Most of the Air balloon flights start from Central Serengeti or close to Seronera. This is where most of the action is especially during the great wildebeest migration. Resident animals are plenty here even when others migrate.
Once you are ready for the day, a driver will be waiting with a car outside your tented camp or lodge ready to take you to the launch site when it’s still dark. Once you get to the launch site, you will find the balloon crew working tirelessly to set things up. The balloon envelope is inflated using powered fans after which the propane burners are fired up. Once everything is set for launch, you will undergo briefing by the pilot. The pilot will advise everyone on what to expect when ascending and how to handle descent.
The pilot and other crew members will help you board the balloon. The balloon is divided into 4 to 6 compartments to allow for enough viewing space and balance. Once everyone is onboard and in position, 
the balloon slowly lifts of the ground. There is no noise or jerking movement. Everything is so smooth and ascent very slow as you quietly watch the earth disappear beneath. As the balloon goes up the sky, a separate chase crew will track its movement from ground and ensure that they meet the balloon on landing. This tracking crew includes hospitality staff, those setting up ground logistics and Drivers.
The Pilot will adjust riding currents to between 150 to 900 feet depending on what needs to be seen below. What can you expect to see while on the hot air balloon? Expect to see elephants and other herbivores grazing close to rivers, predators moving in groups and tall giraffe nibbling at acacia leaves. The Pilot acts as the Guide and will help point out interesting terrain, identify specific wildlife or herds of migrating animals. It is also possible to identify the chase crew tracking your movements using jeeps down below.
After observing the endless savannah and wildlife for one hour from above, the pilot will begin descending at a selected point. Landings can be bumpy or smooth depending on the weather. Expect the Basket to tip before stopping as it touches the ground. The chase crew will help with securing the balloon and help everyone disembark. After this, you will be taken for bush Breakfast at a suitable location (Often under a thorn tree). Breakfast is served on long table sets and consist of hot coffee, fresh fruits, bread and eggs (on order). Everything ends with a champagne toast in memory of the first French balloonist in the 18th century. You might want to check out our 3 Days Serengeti safari or the 6 Days Serengeti and Gorilla Trekking safari package.
The Best Time for a Balloon Safari in Serengeti
The best time for a balloon safari in Serengeti is during the dry season. This occurs between June and October. The savannah grass is not too tall allowing one to easily observe wildlife. Moreover, the winds are calm especially in the morning and the visibility is clear. One can observe wildlife grazing from miles away because of clear visibility during the dry season. The peak season for wildebeest migration occurs between July and September. One can get breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti during a balloon safari around this time.
Whereas June to October is excellent for Balloon Safaris in Serengeti, it is important to note that the activity is arranged all year round. Most of the balloon safaris are organized in Central Serengeti and in Ndutu which is found in the Southern end. Between January and March, thousands of Wildebeest give birth to young in Ndutu. When that happens, Balloon Safaris are concentrated in the area. One can get an aerial view of predators stalking newborn wildebeest and the drama that arises as mothers protect calves.
Why is the wet season (April, May and November) not popular? During the wet season, weather gets foggy in the morning hence increasing cancellation rates for scheduled balloon launches. With the above information, visitors planning to undertake a balloon safari in Serengeti should choose the season based on what they wish to see. The best time to observe the great migration in Northern Serengeti is in late July. The best time to watch predators in action is in February around Ndutu. Central Serengeti offers the best and most reliable sightings of wildlife all year round.
The cost of an air balloon safari in Serengeti
A balloon safari in Serengeti cost between $550 and $650 per person. The price depends on the season and the particular company organizing the launch. The price includes bush breakfast with champagne, aviation insurance and one hour in the sky. The price also includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel/lodge. It’s a common practice to tip the ground crew and pilots though it isn’t compulsory.
It is important to note that Air Balloon Operators use part of the money received to pay concession fees to the Tanzania National Parks Authority. This fee gives them the permission to launch their Air balloons within the park. The concession fees help the government fund airspace monitoring and wildlife conservation. It is important to book your balloon safari in advance especially if you are planning to do it between June and October. Flights sell out weeks in advance during the peak season.
A balloon safari can be arranged through your lodge or Tour Operator. Most Tour Operators offer balloon safaris as an add-on activity or as part of the overall itinerary. The price of a balloon safari in Serengeti is fixed and there may be no room for negotiation unless you are traveling in a large group.
Things to Consider when planning for your balloon safari in Serengeti
If you are planning to take your first balloon safari, ensure you are not prone to dizziness. Take precautions against other motion sicknesses and listen attentively during the safety briefing in the morning. The pilot will explain how to posture during takeoff and landing.
It is also important to note that balloon safaris in Serengeti start early in the morning. It can be very cold. Dress in layers early in the morning and remove off the top layers once it starts getting warm with sunrise. To tackle the morning cold, park long sleeved clothes, fleece and closed shoes.
Wild animals are sensitive to scented lotions and perfumes. Avoid them because you will be having breakfast in the wilderness. A hyena can small something from miles away and could be attracted by your presence. Make sure you travel with a good camera to capture images of the animals and the beautiful landscape. Your camera should have extra battery because they lose power easily at high altitude.
Do not travel with a heavy bag because the balloon basket has limited space. Move with a water bottle, phone and Camera. Eat light breakfast knowing that you will have breakfast immediately after touching ground.
Ensure that you use the bathroom before leaving your lodge for the balloon safari. There are no suitable bathroom facilities at the starting point.
Last but not least, book your balloon safari early enough because flights fill up weeks before the day of the launch. It is highly recommended that you Tip the crew in cash if you find the experience interesting. Tipping is not a requirement but $10 to $20 per person is what tourists give out to each member of the crew.