Overview: Balloon Safari over the Serengeti
The balloon experience starts before dawn. Depending on your camp’s location, you will be collected as early as 04:00 and taken to the balloon launch site. As the balloon’s huge envelope is filled by fans powered by a mobile generator, you will be briefed on safety precautions, and what you are likely to see. Finally, with the balloon still safely tethered, you climb aboard at about 06:30, just as the sun is about to break above the horizon. The basket is quite deep, with compartments and rails to grasp for safety and to brace yourself. When the full complement of passengers is loaded, the pilot starts the burner, the balloon is released, and you lift off.
For the next hour (flight times vary from 50–70 minutes) you drift above the plains with the winds, tracked by the ground crew in their vehicles. Depending on conditions, you may fly high over the forest, peering into vultures’ nests and watching baboons waking in their tree-top roosts, or swoop just a few metres above the dew-covered grass as zebra and antelope scatter. Skilled pilots can follow streams, to glide just yards above snorting hippos or prides of lions taking water, and skim the savannah low enough to capture aerial wildlife photos. However for much of the flight, you’ll soar like a tawny eagle through the dawning landscape as the sun transforms from a burnished orb on the shadowy horizon to a brilliant disc above the plains. You may have other balloons – often strikingly patterned – accompanying your flight.
Landings vary: as you descend, the balloon may drag the basket onto its side, leaving the passengers grasping the rails in a giggling cluster of arms and legs; or if the breeze is kind your pilot may execute the perfect finish, setting the basket upright onto suitable ground as the balloon collapses neatly to one side.
A full bush breakfast will be waiting for you after you land, with photos and certificates part of the fun, and you’ll toast your success with sparkling wine.
You'll then continue your day with game drives and other activities, depending on what you’ve planned with your guide.
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.
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: Expert Africa only books excursions as a part of a full, Expert Africa itinerary.
- Start location
- Any of Expert Africa's camps in the vicinity of the Serengeti National Park
- End location
- Back at your safari camp
- Meals included
- Full bush breakfast & drinks
- Duration
- Three hours - approx. one hour flight
- Maximum group size
- Usually 16
Ballooning over the Serengeti: Picture Gallery
What to look forward to.
Balloons often fly low over the plains.
You start the experience at dawn…
…with the basket on its side, as the balloon is first inflated by fans.
The pilot is in charge of this process, which takes about half an hour.
Once you're aloft, it's amazing what you'll spot, from lions…
…to birds in their nests…
…and indignant hippos…
After landing, it's time for more photos…
…and a slap-up bush breakfast, with sparkling wine.
Balloon Safari over the Serengeti reviews
19 independent first-hand comments from our travellers.
Ideas for holidays which can include Balloon Safari over the Serengeti
Add this experience to these trip ideas or contact us to start planning your own tailor-made safari to Tanzania.
Fringe-eared Oryx Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Stay in three superbly positioned camps during this exploration of Tanzania’s famous Northern circuit. Excellent views over the surrounding area, remoter locations and game-rich habitat make for an exciting and varied safari experience.
US$6,520 - US$10,870 per person
Avocet Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxurious safari explores three iconic African reserves from exclusive lodges in unbeatable locations. A very high standard of food, care and guiding ensure that you can focus on the amazing experience.
US$7,740 - US$11,660 per person
Tinkerbird Fly-in Safari
8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Explore Tanzania’s famous northern circuit with safari in Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and the Serengeti National Park. Four smart sister camps offer a high level of care, first-class guiding and wide range of activities.
US$8,630 - US$12,000 per person
Longclaw Fly-in Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Explore the varied habitats of Tarangire National Park and the Serengeti from three luxurious and remote bush-camps. Enjoy bush walks and night drives, and keep watch for the great migration as you explore the iconic grasslands.
US$8,080 - US$10,470 per person
Honeyguide Fly-in Safari
7 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Four contrastingly styled lodges offer fast access to some of Northern Tanzania’s most notable safari destinations. With a range of available activities from luxurious accommodation, the safari includes relaxation and indulgence as well as traditional safari pursuits.
US$7,660 - US$8,550 per person
Lovebird Fly-in Safari
5 days • 2 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Visit two consistently impressive wildlife destinations during this excellent-value safari in northern Tanzania. Enjoy a range of walks and cultural visits from sister camps at the Ngorongoro Crater and in the heart of the Serengeti.
US$3,190 - US$4,730 per person
Hadeda Ibis Guided Safari
7 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This great-value safari, led by your own naturalist guide, journeys through the stunning landscapes of Northern Tanzania’s Great Rift Valley in a private 4WD, focusing on its three top national parks.
US$4,860 - US$5,190 per person
Firefinch Drive-Fly Safari
9 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Enjoy a combination of privately guided and shared game drives during this good-value exploration of Northern Tanzania. Explore game-dense regions from three comfortable bases where there are a variety of activities on offer.
US$7,790 - US$10,280 per person
Flufftail Guided Safari
10 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Stay in three uniquely special camps as you safari across the Ngorongoro Crater and iconic Serengeti Plains with your private guide and 4WD vehicle: a trip of comfort and autonomy, filled with excellent wildlife.
US$11,190 - US$14,720 per person
Gorillas and Serengeti Safari
11 days • 4 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Combine three iconic experiences – Rwanda’s gorillas, and the Serengeti plains and awe-inspiring Ngorongoro Crater in Tanzania.
US$10,920 - US$11,860 per person
Martial Eagle Fly-in Safari
9 days • 3 locations
NAIROBI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This stylish fly-in safari visits two of Africa’s most iconic parks, the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya and the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania.
US$10,500 - US$14,310 per person
Secretary Bird Fly-in Safari
8 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Chosen for comfort and relaxation as much as for its range of activities, this safari makes for a leisurely trip featuring stunning accommodation and swift access to many of northern Tanzania’s best wildlife regions.
US$10,100 - US$13,300 per person
Marabou Stork Fly-in Safari
13 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Four luxurious camps enable exploration of Tanzania’s north and southern regions. With a range of land and water-based activities available throughout, decidedly comfortable accommodation and applicable long-stay discounts, this adventurous safari is excellent value.
US$13,390 - US$18,440 per person
Gorillas and migration
9 days • 3 locations
KIGALI AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
This luxury safari combines two iconic wildlife experiences, firstly trekking the mountain gorillas in Rwanda, then flying to the northern Serengeti in search of the wildebeest migration and spectacular river crossings.
US$14,770 - US$19,300 per person
Crowned Hornbill Guided Safari
6 days • 3 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO KILIMANJARO AIRPORT
Explore Tanzania’s renowned northern circuit with a private guide during this driven safari. Stay in three well-positioned and economical lodges that provide fast access to fantastic wildlife viewing and cultural visits to local communities.
US$3,960 - US$5,220 per person
Regal Sunbird Fly-in Safari
12 days • 5 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Experience the highlights of Tanzania with a safari in the country’s famous northern parks followed by historic Stone Town and the palm-fringed beaches of Zanzibar, staying in high-quality accommodation throughout.
US$7,780 - US$12,040 per person
Dik Dik Safari
12 days • 4 locations
KILIMANJARO AIRPORT TO DAR ES SALAAM AIRPORT
Combine safari with peace and relaxation on Zanzibar’s white-sand shores during this exploration of Tanzania. Stay in three high-quality sister camps within Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park before concluding with a stay on Michamvi Peninsula.
US$7,310 - US$9,390 per person
Other excursions in Tanzania
Inspiration and great ideas for other experiences in Tanzania to include in your safari.
Safari in Ngorongoro Crater
Typically a full day
To drive into the Ngorongoro Crater is to immerse yourself in a renowned wildlife park. Prides of lion and clans of hyena patrol amongst herds of zebra, wildebeest and Thomson’s gazelle, whilst flocks of crowned cranes keep out the way of jackals. Come for elephants with big tusks, too. And then there are the rhino…
More about Ngorongoro Crater safari
Lake Manyara Safari
Half-day or full-day
Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Rift Valley escarpment, Lake Manyara National Park makes a great safari destination. Here, along with elephant herds and plains game, you’ll find jungle-like forests that are home to blue monkeys, a soda lake tinged pink by flamingos and some of Tanzania’s best birding.
More about Lake Manyara Safari
Olduvai Gorge visit
One - two hours
See for yourself the renowned archaeological site of Olduvai (or Oldupai) Gorge, which lies en route between the Ngorongoro Crater and the Serengeti National Park. Famed for the discoveries of early hominin remains as well as the Laetoli Footprints, the site offers beautiful views, an engaging museum and potentially the opportunity to visit an active dig.
More about Olduvai Gorge visit
Safari in Arusha National Park
Half day or full day
Arusha National Park offers some lovely walking in the foothills of Mount Meru and canoeing on the Momela Lakes, plus gentle game drives.
More about Safari in Arusha NP
Mto Wa Mbu Village Walk
Two to three hours
Discover the intricacies of day-to-day life in the large Tanzanian village of Mto Wa Mbu with a knowledgeable local guide. This is not a village set up for tourists; Mto Wa Mbu is a real community and offers a chance to see a side of the country that many visitors pass by.
More about Village Walk
Lake Manyara Treetop Walkway
Usually one hour
Experience the forest of Lake Manyara National Park from a whole new perspective – high up in the trees. The first suspended walkway in Tanzania, it stretches underneath the canopy for 370m between the mahogany and fig trees, giving intrepid visitors a unique view of the surrounding flora and fauna.
More about Manyara Treetop Walk
Maasai Village Visit
Two to three hours - afternoon activity
Gain an authentic insight into Maasai life, visiting one of the villages in the highland areas of the Ngorongoro Crater. Far from being a commercialised, contrived experience, this is a genuine opportunity to visit a real village, and to be welcomed by the villagers.
More about Maasai Village Visit
Day Hike on Mount Kilimanjaro
Full day
Experience Africa’s highest mountain – in just a day. In the company of a private guide, hike through the forests of Mount Kilimanjaro’s western side to an altitude of 3,400m. From here, explore the Shira Plateau and its surroundings, perhaps spotting wildlife along the way.
More about Kilimanjaro Day Hike
Empakaai Crater Hike
Half day, two - three hour walk
Spend a half day hiking through the Empakaai Crater, in the Highlands area of the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), led by an experienced guide and accompanied by a ranger.
More about Empakaai Crater Hike
Chimpanzee habituation experience
One or two days
A chance to catch a glimpse of a unique group of chimpanzees that are in the process of being habituated on Rubondo Island. Trek, in search of these remarkably human-like creatures, follow their calls, and with luck spend some time watching them in their natural environment.
More about Chimpanzee experience
Olmoti Crater walk
Half day - two to three hour walk
Follow an ancient Maasai cattle trail on this private hike up the Olmoti Crater, led by an experienced guide and accompanied by an armed ranger. The crater may not compete in size with the neighbouring Ngorongoro Crater, but the birding is good, the mountain views wonderful, and the array of ferns is a botanist’s dream.
More about Olmoti Crater walk
Crater Rim Walk
Half day - two hour walk
For some fantastic views, and the chance to see flora and fauna up close, take a walk along the rim of the magnificent Ngorongoro Crater. Led by an experienced safari guide and accompanied by an armed ranger, you will be able to take in the scale and beauty of the landscape from a different perspective.
More about Crater Rim Walk
Balloon Safari over Ruaha
Three hours - one hour flight
Varied and scenically stunning, Ruaha National Park features rolling hills, woodlands, open plains and two wide meandering rivers: the Ruaha and the Mwagusi. What better way to view it than from the air, at sunrise? A balloon safari offers just this, the landscape unfolding below your basket as you float almost silently above.
More about Ballooning in RuahaTanzania fact file
Useful information to help you prepare for your trip in Tanzania
Flights to Tanzania
How to get to and within the country
LGBT travel in Tanzania
Attitudes, the law & our experiences
The Great Wildebeest Migration
Info to maximise the experience
Tanzania general info
Essential travel information
Tanzania Safari Guides
The benefit of a private safari guide
Tipping in Tanzania
Expectations & guidelines for tipping
Weather & climate
The best time to visit Tanzania