Reviews: Balloon Safari over the Serengeti

"An early morning start gave a little night drive en route to the balloon site: the occasional animal including a hippo crossing the road.
Interesting watching the preparation of the balloons - 6 of them! There were 14 passengers in our balloon, 3 or 4 in each compartment of the basket. It was entertaining to be lying on your back to start then being lifted upright by the balloon.

It was a lovely alternative view of the scenery, and a very pleasant gentle motion, surprisingly fast when you tried to take photos of a particular animal below. The animals did not like the sudden hiss of the gas being turned on: herd animals fled and lions sought shelter against bushes or each other. The gazelles were very impressively camouflaged.

The wind took us along the trajectory of a river - very interesting to see the foliage from above and all the hippos in the pools. We flew over a couple of prides of lions, one with a kill, and up to a tawny eagle on top of a tree - obviously a regular perch. It was fun to see an eagle from above.

When we landed there were hyenas just in front, running from us, and a large herd of zebra on the slopes of the hill in front.

The breakfast was welcome, though the champagne (supposedly "traditional") and colonial dress were rather weird and gratuitous." Read more about this whole safari

"They were very prompt on pickup and take-off, and very thorough on briefings. This was our first balloon ride, so we appreciated the detailed descriptions of how to handle take-off and landing.

The pilots were very professional, yet personable, and seem to truly enjoy interacting with the guests.

The champagne toast after landing was handled well and in a fun manner. "Proper" English breakfast was quite filling and tasty. We enjoyed the "Loo with a view"." Read more about this whole safari

"Spectacular and peaceful way to see game as the sun rises over the Serengeti.

Drift low over the Mara river for about an hour before landing a having a bush breakfast by the river.

Requires early morning start but well worth it." Read more about this whole safari

"well organized and very interesting by the different view of the region and animals
worth the experience" Read more about this whole safari

"It was an early start to reach the balloon flight so the unusual drive in the dark was pitted with orange hyena eyes and following a strolling male lion. I felt that I had an experience before I got there.

The site of the 140 foot high yellow and green striped balloon, lifting from the ground with a team or engineers blasting fire and gas elements with the help of huge fans was exciting in itself. I arrived under an amazing starlit sky to be rewarded with a beautiful Serengeti sunrise.

I was a little anxious but being able to speak to the English pilot at length was wonderful. He was open and obviously loved what he did and was happy to share any technical and personal information that put me at rest.

This balloon company asks you to enter the basket whilst it is on its side, apparently this is unusual. Whatever the protocol, the take off was so smooth and magical. Apart from the odd blast of the gas burners it was as quiet as the dawn with a birds eye view of morning in the Serengeti. My photos are great considering I'm no photographer." Read more about this whole safari

"A fun adventure. Our driver was a bit of a daredevil but now that we are back on the ground, we loved it!" Read more about this whole safari

"Although I was disappointed that the ride didn't take place on the day that was scheduled due to too much wind, I was able to make the ride the next day.l

What a wonderful pilot. Everyone knew what he was doing. I don't like heights but I had no problem with this soundless, windless ride 1500 feet up in the sky! Well done!" Read more about this whole safari