An hour over the plains at sunrise
A balloon lifts off before dawn and drifts for roughly an hour over the Serengeti at heights ranging from treetop to several hundred metres, landing for a bush breakfast on the plains. It is the most expensive hour on most Tanzanian itineraries and almost nobody who does it regrets the money.
Pickup is in the dark, usually around half past four, and you drive to the launch site to watch the envelopes being inflated. Flights lift off with first light. Height varies through the flight: pilots drop low over rivers and woodland to look for game, then climb for the wider view.
Landing is in an open area where a breakfast table has been set up. You are driven back to camp afterwards, usually arriving mid morning, which means the rest of that day is normally light on game driving.
Flights are weather dependent and can be cancelled, usually with a refund. Most operators have weight limits and minimum age requirements, and baskets are shared compartments rather than private. The cost is significant, commonly several hundred US dollars per person, and it is charged separately from your safari price.
If budget is tight, a balloon flight is the clearest example of something to drop in favour of an extra night in the park.
Seasons shift year to year. Treat these as a guide and confirm with your operator.
Most reliable weather and the highest chance of flying on your chosen date.
Good conditions and the southern plains are full of migration herds.
Long rains. Cancellations are more frequent.
One morning, best placed in the middle of a Serengeti stay.
Answer a few questions and get a complete day by day plan with a printable route map, matched to a verified Tanzanian operator. Free to plan, no commission on anything you book.