Pick-up from your camp
Central Serengeti
The balloon company's car collects you from your camp in the central Serengeti at around 5 am and drives you to the launch site. Exact times depend on your camp and on sunrise.
Central Serengeti · Sunrise · About 1 Hour in the Air
Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari
See the plains wake up from above
- About 1 hour in the air
- Bush breakfast
- From 7 years old
A balloon rising above the acacias.
Overview
Few things on safari match floating over the Serengeti as the sun comes up. The balloon drifts with the wind over the Seronera valley while animals move below, and you land to a breakfast laid out in the bush.
The flight is an add-on to a safari that includes at least one night in the central Serengeti. The balloon company runs the flight; we book it, plan your safari around it and your guide meets you after breakfast to continue the game drive.
Flights go at sunrise all year, weather permitting. Seats are limited, so book early for the busy months. The price is set by the balloon company and passed on to you without a mark-up.
- TripCentral Serengeti
- TripEarly Morning
- TripAdd-on to a Safari
- WhenFrom 7 Years
Why travellers choose it
- 01
A view of the Serengeti nobody forgets
- 02
Calm air and soft light at sunrise
- 03
Bush breakfast after landing
- 04
Fits into any of our central Serengeti safaris
Day by day
Your journey
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05:00
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Sunrise
Inflation and take-off
Seronera area
The crew fills the balloons first with cold air, then with heat. You climb into the basket, listen to the pilot's safety briefing, and lift off as the sun rises.
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In the air
About an hour in the air
Over the Seronera River valley
The balloon goes where the wind takes it, so no two flights are the same. The pilot changes height to follow the river or to rise over the plains. You may see giraffes, elephants, buffalo, hippos and, in some months, the wildebeest herds; nothing can be promised.
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Breakfast
Landing and bush breakfast
Serengeti plains
After landing you are driven a short way to a breakfast set up in the bush. Your safari guide meets you there or nearby and the game drive continues.
- Bush breakfast
The balloon only flies when the weather allows; if a flight is cancelled, we tell you straight away what the balloon company offers. Minimum age is 7 years.
The route
Where the journey goes
- By road
- Day number
The line shows the order of the trip, not the exact road. Press ↻ to play it again.
Prices
Work out your price
See every price in one table
Price Per Person — Shared Balloon
| Traveller | Price Per Person |
|---|---|
| Adult, flights in 2026 | about $599 |
| Child 7–16 years, flights in 2026 | about $545 |
Private trip for your group only: the more of you share the vehicle and guide, the lower the price per person. For 7 or more people we send a quote.
How booking works: a 30% deposit confirms your trip and the balance is paid on arrival in Tanzania, before the trip starts. We reply within 3 hours. Booking terms
What you pay for
Included and not included
Included
- Shared hot-air balloon flight of about one hour
- Pick-up from your camp in the central Serengeti
- Bush breakfast after landing
- Meeting your safari guide after the flight
Not included
- The safari itself (add the flight to one of our Serengeti safaris)
- Tips for the balloon crew
- Travel insurance
- Any price change by the balloon company before you book
Questions
Before you book
Can I book the balloon on its own?
It is an add-on: you need to be staying in the central Serengeti the night before. Add it to any of our safaris with a central Serengeti night.
How much does it cost?
About US$599 per adult and about US$545 per child aged 7 to 16 for flights in 2026, the balloon company's own price, passed on without a mark-up.
Is it safe?
Flights are run by licensed balloon operators with experienced pilots and only fly when the weather is suitable.
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Plan your trip
Ask us about dates and prices
Tell us your dates, where you are staying and how many of you are travelling. We reply within 3 hours.