Balloon Safari’s
Recommended Locations
Probably the most beautiful balloon flight in the world and the ultimate Safari Experience at 5:00 am, Serengeti Balloon Safaris will collect you from your central Serengeti lodge or camp, and transfer you by Landrover to our launch site near Maasai Kopjes.Here you will meet your pilot, receive a briefing and watch the inflation of your balloon at dawn we take off, rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take us. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.
At other times he will ascend to 1000′ or more to see the enormity and wonderful panorama of the Serengeti. From time to time the pilot must put more heat into the balloon with the powerful whisper burners. In between these burns, there is silence apart from the natural sounds below.
Imagine sitting at a table under the shade of a classic umbrella tree on the Serengeti Plains.The table is laid with bone china and king’s silver cutlery. The flight is for about one hour depending on conditions, and eventually you must land. You celebrate in the traditional manner with champagne (well, an excellent sparkling wine) before sitting down to a full English breakfast. Fresh tropical fruits, warm freshly baked bread and English traditional breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, mushroom, tomato are all served by stewards in customary Swahili dress. 9:30 am Arrive at Seronera ready to continue your day’s activities.
This adventure will fit in with all safari itineraries that include a night in central Serengeti (Serena Lodge, Seronera Lodge, Sopa Lodge, Mbuzi mawe Camp or any central Serengeti camp site) Or Western Corridor Camps ( Grumeti River Camp, Kirawira Camp, Mbalageti Camp). The Flight will last for about 1 hour.Over some of the most amazing natural wilderness
Q
I am on an organised safari with a set itinerary.Can I do this?
A
Yes, providing you are staying at any of the central Serengeti lodges (Seronera, Serena, Sopa, Mbuzi Mawe /Central Campsites) or Western Corridor luxury camps (Kiriawira, Grumeti River or Mbalageti)We collect you before the flight and return you to Seronera Lodge or Western Corridor rendezvous point at 9.30am to join the rest of your party & continue your day’s activities.
Q
Do I need to book in advance?
A
We strongly advise you to book in advance with your tour operator to secure your place.There are only three balloons in the entire Serengeti and this exclusive adventure is frequently fully booked.
Q
How much does it cost?
A
The price is US $499 pp (central Serengeti & Western Corridor), this is also the rate that you will pay if you book ‘standby’ on a space available basis in the Serengeti. This balloon safari is available from tour operators and travel agents worldwide, and the price may vary due exchange rates, local taxes, contract rates etc.
Q
When is the best time of year for ballooning in Serengeti?
A
We are fortunate that the weather in the Serengeti is suitable for ballooning almost every day of the year.
Q
When is the best time of year for game viewing?
A
Our flying areas ( Seronera Valley & Western Corridor) have resident game populations year round. The wildebeest migration is a ‘moveable feast’ and is impossible to predict with accuracy. We expect big herds in Seronera Late May through June and again November / December. In The Western Corridor July/August can be particularly rewarding.
Q
What about the ‘rainy seasons’?
A
We prefer to call these the GREEN SEASONS.The ‘long rains’ (late March to early June) & the ‘short rains’ (November to mid December).The great migration passes through the central Serengeti during the green seasons.At these times it USUALLY rains late afternoon and during the night.The mornings are USUALLY bright and clear with gentle winds (great ballooning weather!).The landscape is lush and green and dust free (yes, your vehicle may get stuck in the mud – but our balloon won’t!).
Q
Are there any restrictions?
A
We do not carry children under the age of 7. There is no upper limit, however passengers must be reasonably mobile, fit to fly and prepared for an adventure.
Balloon passenger weights are calculated at an average of 80kgs. Passengers weighing 50% + more than this (i.e. 120kgs / 265lbs /19 stone) may be charged for two places.