Serengeti Balloon Safari – Experience the Great Migration from the Skies
Imagine floating high above the endless golden plains of the Serengeti, witnessing one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on Earth—the Great Wildebeest Migration. A Serengeti balloon safari offers a breathtaking, bird’s-eye view of millions of wildebeest, zebras and other wildlife as they traverse the vast savannah in search of fresh grazing lands & water.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure
Your journey begins before sunrise, as you are driven to the launch site in the heart of the Serengeti. As the first light of dawn paints the sky in shades of orange and pink, you’ll watch in awe as the Serengeti hot air balloon Safari inflates, ready to carry you on an unforgettable aerial adventure. Here are our sample packages which can include Serengeti Balloon Safari :-
10 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
8 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Calving Safari
6 Days Serengeti Wildebeest Migration Safari
6 Days Short Tanzania Honeymoon Safari
For more options please visit our page Tanzania Safari Packages. Thank you!
Once airborne, you’ll glide silently over the Serengeti, capturing panoramic views of the migrating herds, hunting predators, and untouched wilderness below. From this unique vantage point, you’ll witness the raw beauty of nature as thousands of animals move in perfect harmony across the landscape.
What to Expect on Your Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
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Early Morning Departure: A pre-dawn pickup from your lodge or camp, followed by coffee and a safety briefing.
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Scenic Flight (50–60 minutes): Soar above the Serengeti at varying altitudes, giving you both sweeping views and close-up encounters with wildlife.
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Unmatched Wildlife Viewing: Watch wildebeest, zebras, lions, elephants, and other animals in their natural habitat.
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Champagne Bush Breakfast: After landing, celebrate with a traditional champagne toast followed by a sumptuous bush breakfast in the wild.
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Certificate of Flight: Take home a special certificate as a memento of your incredible experience.
Best Time for Serengeti Balloon Safari During the Migration
The Great Migration moves through different parts of the Serengeti throughout the year. Here’s where you’ll find the best balloon safari experiences:
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December to March (Southern Serengeti – Ndutu Plains): Witness thousands of newborn calves as wildebeest give birth.
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April to June (Central & Western Serengeti): Watch massive columns of wildebeest moving towards the Grummet River.
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July to October (Northern Serengeti – Mara River): Experience the dramatic river crossings, where wildebeest face crocodile-infested waters.
Why Choose Serengeti Balloon Safari?
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Unparalleled Views – No other safari offers the same sweeping, unobstructed perspective of the migration.
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Exclusive & Intimate – Limited passengers per balloon ensure a personal and immersive experience.
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Silent & Serene – Unlike game drives, a balloon safari allows you to observe wildlife in their natural state without disturbance.
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Perfect for Photography – Capture stunning aerial shots of the Serengeti’s landscapes and wildlife.
Detailed Info: Serengeti Migration Balloon Safari
The Serengeti hot air balloon safari is an iconic, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that elevates the world’s most spectacular wildlife event—the Great Migration—into a serene aerial spectacle. Over 1.5 million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras, and gazelles thunder across the Serengeti National Park’s endless plains in search of fresh grass and water, pursued by predators like lions, cheetahs, and crocodiles.
From a balloon, you witness this drama from above: River crossings, calving seasons, and vast herds dotting the golden savannah, all framed by acacia trees and dramatic sunrises. This experience isn’t just sightseeing—it’s a peaceful, eco-friendly glide that reveals the park’s 5,700 square miles in a way no game drive can match.
Best Time to Go: Aligning with the Migration and Weather
Timing is crucial for combining optimal balloon conditions with migration highlights. The dry season offers the clearest views and calmest winds, reducing cancellation risks (which rise during wet months due to fog or rain). Here’s a seasonal breakdown tied to the migration’s path:
| Season | Months | Migration Highlights | Balloon Launch Areas | Why It’s Great for Balloons |
| Calving Season | Dec–Mar | Southern Serengeti (Ndutu): 8,000 calves born daily; predators feast on newborns. | Ndutu/Southern Serengeti | Lush short grass post-rains; high wildlife density for aerial spotting. |
| Western Corridor | Apr–Jun | Grumeti River: Dramatic crocodile-filled crossings; herds build momentum. | Western Corridor (Grumeti Reserve) | Transitional weather; fewer crowds, but monitor for early rains. |
| Peak Dry Season | Jul–Oct | Northern Serengeti: Mara River crossings; massive herds in “Switzerland of Serengeti” hills. | Northern Serengeti (Kogatende/Lamai) or Central (Seronera) | Golden light, low grass for visibility; calm mornings ideal for flights. |
| Year-Round Option | All Year | Central Serengeti: Resident Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, rhino); migration loops back. | Seronera (Central) | Reliable operations; evergreen water sources attract animals. |
Pro Tip: July–September is peak for northern river crossings—book 6–12 months ahead. Avoid March–May rains, if possible, as flights depend on weather and may be rescheduled or refunded.
What to Expect: A Step-by-Step Itinerary
A typical balloon safari lasts 4–5 hours total, starting pre-dawn for sunrise magic. It’s operated by licensed companies like Serengeti Balloon Safaris (pioneers since 1989) or Miracle Experience, with baskets holding 8–16 passengers in compartments for 2–4 people (great for couples or photographers). Flights are wind-guided, covering 10–15 km at 300–1,000 feet altitude.
Detailed Half-Day Itinerary
- Pre-Dawn Pickup (4:00–5:30 AM): Your lodge/camp arranges a transfer to the launch site (e.g., Seronera year-round or Kogatende in peak season). It’s chilly (50–60°F/10–15°C), so layer up. En route, spot nocturnal animals like hyenas.
- Launch Site Briefing (5:30–6:00 AM): Meet your pilot (often with 20+ years’ experience) and crew. Watch the balloon inflate with propane burners—listen for wildebeest calls echoing across the plains. Safety demo: No loose items; baskets have outward views for all.
- Sunrise Flight (6:00–7:30 AM, 45–60 Minutes): Board and lift off gently. Drift silently over the savannah as the sun gilds the horizon. Spot herds grazing miles away, giraffes weaving through acacias, or a pride of lions stirring. In migration season, you might hover above riverbanks teeming with zebras or witness a crossing from afar. The stable basket is photographer-friendly—no engine noise disrupts the peace.
- Landing & Celebration (7:30–8:00 AM): Soft touchdown (pilots aim for open spots). Toast with a traditional “Out of Africa”-style champagne ceremony—sparkling wine flows as the crew recounts the flight.
- Bush Breakfast (8:00–9:30 AM): Transferred to a lavish spread under an acacia: Fresh croissants, fruits, eggs, bacon, cheeses, and coffee/tea. Fine china on white linens amid the wilderness—elephants might photobomb. Return to camp by 10:00 AM for a well-earned rest.
Sample 3-Day Integration Itinerary (for a Full Migration Trip):
- Day 1: Arrive Arusha, transfer to Serengeti (6–8 hr drive/fly 45 min-1hour). Afternoon game drive spotting residents; overnight central lodge.
- Day 2: Balloon safari at dawn, followed by migration-focused game drives (e.g., northern river views). Evening sundowners.
- Day 3: Morning calving/calf-tracking drive, depart via Arusha.
Practical Tips: Preparation and What to Pack
- Booking: Arrange via Back to Africa Safaris to get best price $589 per person. Fits most itineraries; private charters available for honeymoons. Kids 7+ welcome; weight limits ~300 lbs/persons
- Cost: ~$589–$600 USD per person (includes flight, breakfast, transfers, concession fees, VAT). No negotiations for small groups; large groups may get discounts.
- Weather and Safety: 95% success rate in dry season; full refunds for cancellations. Pilots are licensed; balloons FAA-inspected.
- Packing Essentials:
- Warm layers (fleece, hat, gloves) for altitude chill.
- Camera/binoculars in a secure bag (no dangling straps).
- Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses (UV intense at height).
- Small snack if prone to motion (rare, as it’s smooth).
- Comfy closed shoes for dewy grass.
Recent Traveler Insights: Videos from X users capture the thrill—hear zebra brays during inflation or see 124-passenger mass flights over herds. One reviewer called it “a dream come true,” praising seamless service and wildlife proximity.
Why It’s Worth Every Penny: Unique Perspectives and Sustainability
This isn’t a thrill ride—it’s meditative, revealing the migration’s scale (e.g., herds like Rivers from above) and hidden gems vehicles miss. Eco-impact is low: Balloons are quiet, low-emission, and regulated. Pair it with walking safaris (learn bush medicine) or boat trips for a multi-angle adventure. As one X post raves, it’s “nature’s greatest show from the sky.”
Ready to soar? Contact Back to Africa Safaris for 2026 slots—spots fill fast during migration peaks. This is Africa at its most boundless.
Book Your Serengeti Balloon Safari Today!
A Serengeti balloon safari during the Wildebeest Migration is an unforgettable bucket-list experience. Whether it’s the dramatic crossings of the Mara River or the birth of thousands of calves in the Ndutu Plains, seeing it from above is truly magical.
Don’t miss out—secure your seat today and witness Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacle from the skies!
You must be in Serengeti to do this breathtaking Hot air Balloon safaris. Normally is booked together with one of our safaris package that is reaching Serengeti. Book Now!
