Serengeti National Park is a protected area, part of the Serengeti-Mara EcoSystem and is one of the top attractions in Tanzania well known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The Serengeti is home to a wide variety of animals including the Big Five and others such as cheetah, giraffe, zebra, hyena and various antelopes.

 

The Serengeti is also known for its all year round wildebeest migration, during which millions of wildebeest and zebra heading across in search of food and water. The Serengeti is considered one of the best places in Africa to observe wildlife in its natural habitat, and it’s a popular destination for wildlife viewing and photographing. Not only on game drives als on walking safaris.

 

A walking safari involves exploring a national park on foot.  It’s a wonderful experience on safaris, for more intimate and immersive type of activity, but also on a balloon safari you witness the vast open plains from the sky combined with a magical African sunrise.

 

Where does the hot-air-balloon fly in Serengeti? 

There are several set locations in Serengeti to start your balloon safari. The best location for this exclusive game-viewing activity from the sky depends on the density of wildlife in a certain area of Serengeti National Park, the location of your safari lodge.

Central Serengeti offers a great diversity of wildlife including wildebeests, elephants, giraffes, zebras and the highest concentration of large predators in Serengeti.

The balloon company offer also in Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, and three locations in Serengeti National Park. Apart from a balloon location near Seronera, they also have a starting point in Northern Serengeti in Kogatende and in Togoro in Central Serengeti.

Kogatende is often referred to as the Switzerland of Serengeti, because of the landscape with hills and the majestic Mara River flowing through the area. This is also the place where the great wildebeest migration can be witnessed between July and November. Between May and July, the Togoro area is a great place to see the great migration as well. Togoro is known as the ‘golden plains of the Serengeti’ dotted with Acacia and Sausage trees.

 

What to bring on a hot-air-balloon safari in Serengeti?

After booking your balloon safari, a staff member from the balloon company will explain some important information about your pick-up in the early morning, what to wear and what to expect. The pre-briefing takes place mostly in the evening before the balloon safari in your lodge. 

It’s recommended to wear safari clothing and comfortable shoes. Bring a light windproof jacket or sweater for the cold mornings. To protect yourself from the sun bring a hat or cap and sunscreen. 

Don’t forget a pair of binoculars to have a closer look at the wildlife and birdlife. Also bring your smartphone and a camera. There’s so much to video and photograph in Serengeti from a hot-air-balloon! Your personal belongings can be stored at the bottom of the balloon basket. 

It’s not so cold in the morning high up in the air. The hot air balloon floats with the wind so there is no wind chill. Apart from that, the balloon gets heated, so you will definitely feel that warmth. As you climb over the Serengeti the air also warms up. 

In this pre-briefing they will also communicate the exact pick-up time at the lodge. Be prepared to get up very early, because the hot air balloon safari in Serengeti starts before sunrise!

 

Your balloon adventure starts before dawn, meaning you will depart from your lodge around 4am in the morning. The balloon company pick you up and transfers you from your camp. The driver take you safely to the starting point of the balloon safari.

 

There’s something special about waking up under a sky full of stars and watching the Serengeti come to life. The drive take about 45 minutes, witnessing the first light in the form of a purple sky. When you’re lucky, you might see some animals along the way.

You arrive at the starting point and you’re welcomed by the staff. It’s still dark at that point, but the sky is already turning into beautiful purple colors. While the staff is preparing the balloon for the flight, you can enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee with a cookie. The hot air balloon gets heated to give it the much-needed lift to fly. The crew holds the basket with ropes while the balloon is getting filled with more hot air.

Shortly before departure, you will receive simple safety instructions with a safety belt. The staff will tell you how to position yourself in the basket and what to expect during the flight. When the balloon is ready for departure, you can enter the basket and secure your belt to the basket. The basket doesn’t sway because it moves with the wind, so you don’t have to worry about motion sickness.

Each hot air balloon can carry up to 16 guests, divided into four compartments. This allows extra safety in the basket, everyone will have enough space, and lovely views are guaranteed! 

When everyone has entered the basket, the balloon pilot is ready for take-off! Your pilot will heat the hot air balloon, and it will smoothly lift in the air. After take-off, you will soon witness a perfect sunrise over the Serengeti plains.

 

It’s such an exciting and peaceful experience! The balloon flow with the wind there is no turbulence and you won’t hear a loud motor. It’s just you and the hot-air-balloon drifting over the Serengeti plains, with a birds-eye view of the animals beneath you and the sunrise in front of you.

The flying altitudes, controlled by the pilot, vary between 300 meters above the ground and skimming treetops for a panoramic view of the Serengeti. The average flight lasts about one hour. Depending on the weather conditions and finding a place for landing it can take a bit longer.