Serengeti hot air balloon safari is a dawn flight of about an hour over the plains followed by a bush breakfast in the open. You rise in the dark, drive to the launch site, lift off as the sun comes up, drift above the herds then land and eat a cooked breakfast set on tables in the grass. This guide covers the dawn schedule, the breakfast, what to wear, why to book ahead, the weather and who may not be suited.
What a balloon flight is like
The experience begins before sunrise. You are collected from your camp in the dark, usually with tea or coffee waiting and driven to the launch site where the crew inflates the balloons. As the first light comes, you climb into the basket, the pilot gives a safety briefing and the balloon rises gently. The flight itself is quiet apart from the burners.
From the air, the Serengeti looks different. You see the shape of rivers, the pattern of tracks, groups of animals moving across the plains and the long shadows of the early sun. The balloon drifts with the wind so the route is not fixed and the pilot adjusts the height to give good views. Animals are usually seen as small shapes so this is a flight for the landscape with wildlife as a bonus.
The dawn schedule
The timetable is early. Expect pick-up well before sunrise, a flight of around an hour and a landing in the morning. The crew follows the balloon in vehicles and meets you at the landing site. You may be asked to brace in a set position for the landing, which can be a firm touch down and the crew will explain how.
After landing, there is a short ceremony often with a toast and a certificate. You then have a bush breakfast and a game drive back to camp so allow most of the morning. Because the day starts so early, many travelers rest at midday and take a short afternoon drive instead of a long one.
The bush breakfast
The bush breakfast is part of the appeal. Tables are laid with cloths and fine china on the grass and a cooked meal is served by the crew, often with fruit, eggs, bread and hot drinks / coffee. It takes place out in the open so you eat with the horizon around you and sometimes, animals in the distance.
Sparkling wine is a common part of the celebration though arrangements differ, so going through what we can offer you with emphasis on your dietary needs when you book is important for proper planning. Our team keeps watch for wildlife during the meal and you will be asked to stay close to the group. It is relaxed and sociable and often the part that guests remember best.
What to wear
Mornings are cool and the basket is open so dress in layers. A fleece or light jacket, long trousers and closed flat shoes are sensible. Wear neutral colors and bring a hat for the landing same for the breakfast as the sun rises. Gloves and a scarf can be welcome in the cool months.
Avoid loose items such as scarves that could catch, large hats that blow off and open sandals. Secure your camera strap and bring a small bag you can carry without help. A camera with a zoom is ideal though the experience is worth enjoying without a lens as well. Wear sunscreen since the sun is strong by the time you land.
Booking ahead and weather
Balloon flights are popular and the number of baskets is limited so booking as early as you can ideally when you planning the trip. Peak season fills first. Ask us to schedule the flight early in your stay in the Serengeti so that if the weather stops it, you have another morning to try.
Weather decides everything. Flights go ahead only when the wind, the cloud and the visibility are safe plus the decision is made on the morning. A cancelled flight is a safety matter and it can happen on any day. Our policy for cancelled flights before you book is available and confirming what your travel insurance covers is crucial as well. We tell you what the arrangement is when we quote.
Who may not be suited, and practical tips
A balloon flight suits many people but not everyone. You need to climb into the basket which may involve a step or a ladder, stand for the flight and take a brace position for landing. Travelers with mobility problems, back or neck issues, heart conditions or pregnancy should talk to their doctor and to our team first. People who dislike heights usually find the flight gentle but not all do. Minimum ages and weight limits apply and they vary, so all that information is vital to us during the planning.
Practical tips: sleep early the night before, eat lightly, wear layers, and keep your hands free. Follow the pilot’s instructions without delay. Tell us about any health condition when you book. The flight is a highlight for many travellers, and our Serengeti guide helps you decide where to stay. Check the Tanzania safari packing list for what to bring.
We start with your dates then choose lodges, guides and transport to suit you. We explain what is fixed and what can change and our team looks after the trip from the first message to the last transfer. Browse our Tanzania safaris or tell us your plans on the Plan My Safari page.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a Serengeti hot air balloon flight?
The flight lasts about an hour, and the whole morning takes longer. You are collected before sunrise, fly at dawn, land, enjoy a bush breakfast and then drive back, usually by mid to late morning. Plan to rest in the afternoon after the early start.
What happens at the bush breakfast?
After landing, the crew sets tables in the open grass and serves a cooked breakfast, often with fruit, bread, eggs and hot drinks. A toast is common, though arrangements vary. Tell us about any dietary needs when you book so the crew can prepare.
What should I wear on a balloon flight?
Dress in layers, because the dawn is cool and the sun is strong by landing. A fleece, long trousers, closed flat shoes and a hat work well. Avoid loose scarves, large hats and open sandals, and keep your hands free for the landing.
What if the weather cancels my balloon flight?
Flights run only when wind, cloud and visibility are safe, and the decision is made that morning. Book early in your Serengeti stay to leave a spare day. Ask about the operator's cancellation policy and check what your travel insurance covers.
Who should not take a balloon flight?
Check with a doctor and the operator if you have mobility, back, neck or heart problems, or are pregnant. You must climb into the basket and brace for landing. Minimum ages and weight limits apply and vary. Tell us about any health condition when you book.
