Hot Air Balloon Serengeti Safari | Great Migration & Grumeti + Reviews

The Unforgettable Hot Air Balloon Serengeti Safari | Great Migration & Grumeti + Reviews. Flying in a Hot Air Balloon over the expanses of Serengeti National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can be enjoyed on any Serengeti safari. The balloon lifts off at dawn, around 6:00 a.m., gliding silently over the savannah grasslands below, where you may glimpse a variety of wildlife.

The hour-long flight concludes with a ”Champagne Bush Breakfast” at the wilderness landing site. The balloon is piloted by a completely qualified and experienced pilot, and the balloons are typically manufactured by Cameron, a specialist British manufacturer of hot air balloons. The basket sizes differ, and it is advisable to book the ride in advance, as space is typically limited to a maximum of 16 passengers per balloon, and often less when flying with a smaller basket. Images are provided by Governors Balloons.

Hot Air Balloon Serengeti Safari Cost

Hot Air Serengeti balloon safari Prices for the 2026 season in Serengeti vary from $600 to $799 per person, depending on the camp or lodge from which you fly. In certain circumstances, 7 to 16-year-old minors are eligible for child rates. Children under the age of seven are not permitted.

Passengers must be at their respective Lodge or Camp reception desks between 4:00 and 5:00:15 a.m., depending on their proximity to the take-off site. The flight typically takes off between 6:00 and 6:15 a.m.; you will be picked up for a road transfer to the departure site. During the flight, you will fly over diverse ecosystems of the Serengeti. Approximately one hour after landing, a delectable sit-down breakfast with wait staff and a full hot breakfast “in the bush” accompanied by chilled sparkling wine or champagne is served. After breakfast, you will be transferred back to your hotel, with a brief game drive en route.

Hot Air Balloon Serengeti Safari Booking

Booking the Serengeti Balloon flight safari: Please submit us your preferred date for the balloon flight, which must be no earlier than the second day of your Serengeti stay. We need to know where you will be staying in Serengeti the night before your balloon flight in order to determine if a transfer to the nearest take-off site is feasible. There is a possibility, albeit an uncommon one, that the balloon will not take off due to adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds or heavy rain. In the event that a balloon does not take off, passengers will receive a full refund, less minimal administration fees.

Hot Air Balloon Safari at Grumeti

Hot air balloon rides over the Serengeti are an option for guests at Singita Grumeti. This experience provides guests with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to witness the expansive Serengeti at sunrise through our partnership with Serengeti Balloon Safaris, our recommended supplier in the area.

It is encouraged to pre-book this activity through Singita bookings before to arrival, but it can also be scheduled upon arrival at the lodge.

General Information

  • Three Balloon sizes available: 8, 12 & 16 passengers. Balloons carrying 12 & 16 passengers are on request.
  • Flights are conducted daily, throughout the year (weather permitting), except at Singita
  • Mara River Tented Camp where daily flights are available from June – November only.
  • Flights are approximately one hour, subject to wind speed and direction.
  • Children over the age of 7 are welcome. There is no upper age limit.
  • Guests must be reasonably mobile and fit to fly.
  • Passenger weight is calculated at an average of 80kg.
  • Operating since 1990, Tanzania’s balloon industry is regulated by the Tanzanian Civil Aviation Authority.
  • All pilots hold commercial balloon pilot licenses.
Grumeti Reserve

When is the best time of year for ballooning in Serengeti?

Thankfully, ballooning is a viable option for nearly every day of the year in the Serengeti.

All year round in the Central Serengeti, and from 20 December to 31 March in the Ndutu Area and Ngorongoro Conservation Area/Serengeti, we fly daily. May 15th through March in the Western Serengeti Ecosystem. North Serengeti: June 15th until January 15th. Although there are no assurances, if you happen to be in the correct spot at the right time, you have a decent chance of witnessing a plethora of animals during your safari. This, of course, depends on the time of year and the area. Additionally, the wildebeest migration occurs across the ecosystem year-round.

We fly in the early morning when it’s dryest in Serengeti, which is in the afternoons, evenings, or at night.

Do you operate year round?

Yes, we are open every day of the year in the heart of the Serengeti. The following Serengeti regions are open to our seasonal operations: Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Central Serengeti, and the Ndutu Area (all year round) Western Serengeti: 20 December – 31 March Northern Serengeti (June–October): Starting from July 1st to November 15th An early morning balloon ride offers a new vantage point over the Serengeti and is now a regular part of safari days.

Hot Air Balloon Serengeti Safari Reviews

Great balloon flight over Serengeti

We had an amazing trip whereby our pilot Zumo was very friendly and professional. The security was clear and the take off smooth. We felt very safe. The balloon followed the Mara river perfectly and we could see several animals which Zumo pointed out. Soft and smooth landing and a pleasant breakfast followed with good quality food. Thanks Zumo and fhe entire team of Serengeri Balloon safari. We would definitely recommend this company for this must-do activity!

Date of experience: July 15, 2023
Client: Pim v, From Willemstad, Curaçao2

WOW! An extraordinary experience that’s not to be missed when in the Serengeti.

There are very few things that I will get up at 4:00am for, but this one I would do again in a heartbeat. The staff of Serengeti Balloon Safaris are all professional and fun. The vistas are magnificant from up in the air and the breakfast served afterwards is terrific. An absolutely memorable and worthwhile experience that I would definately do again. It’s not inexpensive, but it’s worth every penny.

Date of experience: July 14, 2023
Client: BabsDan, From San Francisco, CA

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon

What and incredible once in a lifetime experience. My husband and I woke up super early to enjoy a sunrise balloon safari. The ability of the balloon to go up and down so that you could be close to see the animals was so awesome. I didn’t expect to cruise so close to the ground and see the animals up close. The pilot was so knowledgeable and was really great at navigating the balloon. I felt so safe and relaxed. After the balloon landed we were treated to so champ and a beautiful bush breakfast. I have to say from the moment we were picked up from our lodge to the moment we were dropped off all the staff was so nice and professional. If you’re even considering doing a balloon safari I highly recommend this company.

Date of experience: July 13, 2023
Client: swtp99, From Fresno, CA