Why You Should Fly on a Balloon over the Serengeti

Why You Should Fly on a Balloon over the Serengeti, Over the years, the Serengeti has maintained its unique ecosystem, hosting millions of animals in its diverse habitats. The park hasn’t changed much since the first time humankind discovered it. Such uniqueness causes over 350,000 visitors yearly who crave many things, including its very own wonder, the Great Migration, the Big Five, and a variety of animals. If that isn’t enough, the vast expensive plains, which bear its name, stretch farther than you could see.

But we know game drives are not enough to appreciate the natural beauty. Watching wildlife and landscape from another angle, like from a colorful balloon, is awesome. That’s why we think you should consider flying on a balloon on your next Serengeti safari.

And here, we are about to describe balloon safaris, how to organize, what to expect, the cost, and why you should book this unique aerial adventure.

A Serengeti balloon safari is an aerial adventure over the vast wilderness. It not only offers you another perspective to view wildlife, but a thrilling adventure in itself in a wildlife-rich park like the Serengeti.

The experience itself

Balloon flights early in the morning at around 5:00 a.m. A gentle knock on the door or tent will get you up for this thrilling morning adventure. You start with an energizing morning snack and a cup of coffee to activate your senses. Shortly after tea or coffee, you will be taken to the launch site.

The launch site can be a few kilometers from the camp (some camps have their own launch sites very close). You arrive there and find the pilot and his support team preparing everything for take-off.  The pilot is an experienced person with more than 1,000 flight hours. So, he will assess the weather conditions if it’s perfect for flying a balloon.

Afterward, the pilot will give you a short briefing on the experience, safety precautions, and, more importantly, what to expect. Next up is boarding into the basket. Then, the pilot starts filling the balloon with hot air until it lifts you up. The take-off stage can be a bit bumpy, but it will stabilize thanks to gentle winds, especially during the dry season.

The first part of the flight will proceed at night (almost half an hour). Depending on the winds, the balloon may start floating just a few meters above trees, giving you unforgettable views just beneath the balloon.

The last part of the flight coincides with the beautiful sunrise. Watch the vast plains of Serengeti turning into amber and rose. This time, you’ll see a lot of animals as they come to life in a cool, beautiful morning. Big elephant herds can appear as tiny bodies moving below. Lions, buffalo, and wildebeest also create a striking image from the air.

The pilot will take you along the Seronera River (if you fly in the central Serengeti), where there’s much to expect, including predatory movements and big, black hippos. After an hour, the pilot will start the descent, which might be bumpy as well. Hold tight as you land at a prepared landing site to finalize your experience.

After a safe landing, thanks to the expert pilot, you’ll be welcomed to a celebratory breakfast at a peaceful setting. Here, you’ll enjoy your favorite meal (preorder your meal), accompanied by a glass of champagne. Congrats, you just experienced the Serengeti plains from atop. Now it’s time to reflect and take a look at those beautiful photos you captured during the flight.

How to organize a balloon flight.

From our experience, most safari packages don’t include a balloon safari. So, if you have a request for it, and usually comes with an extra charge. The average cost for a balloon safari in the Serengeti is $450 per person. Price changes depending on the operator, with some camps charging up to $600 per person.

 

When to fly a balloon in the Serengeti.

Balloon flights go smoothly in the dry season, which runs from June to October. At this time, the weather is predictable, with gentle winds blowing you in a specific direction. Additionally, there’s less rainfall interruption, allowing you to fly a balloon any time you want.

In terms of experiences, balloon flights flown between June and September come with interesting views of the Great Migration. The big herds sweep the plains in early mornings, hence elevating your experience.

Why should you fly a balloon over the Serengeti?

To view wildlife from atop, a balloon safari beats traditional game drives because it enables you to navigate above dense, impenetrable forests. It’s something worth adding to your wildlife experience.

To see the Great Migration, a balloon flight brings the views of this giant mammal migration much closer to you. Watch the herds spread across the plains or cross the rivers in the relentless quest for green pasture.

The bottom line

It’s always inspiring to enjoy a gentle glide over the African savannah. We’ve seen visitors go from flight-fearing individuals to experienced balloon passengers just because the flight is more than an adventure. On your next Serengeti safari, consider treating yourself with this brilliant experience. We are here to help you achieve it. Please give us a call.