Hot Air Ballon Safari in Serengeti, Maasai Mara

Hot Air Balloon Safari

Flying over the Masai Mara or the Serengeti in a hot air balloon is one of our most exclusive activities. The adventure begins at dawn, as the sun rises, and it is one of the most incredible experiences you can have in Africa.

The hot air balloon rises, and you will float gently over the plains of the magnificent Masai Mara or Serengeti. We can assure you that seeing the first rays of the sun on the savannah in the distance will take your breath away.

Slowly, the horizon will flood you with images of animal herds, trees like the beautiful baobabs, vast meadows, and all kinds of vegetation and wildlife you would never have imagined. You will be immersed in the most genuine sounds of nature.

A balloon safari is a unique experience that lets you observe and enjoy wildlife from a different perspective. Next, our guests will enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast with sparkling wine in an unforgettable setting, the amazing African Savannah.

Feel like a bird, contemplating the Mara or Serengeti below you from a privileged vantage point. Book your hot air balloon safari with us.

Special arrangements are made for you to depart before the crack of dawn. This gives you a rare chance to witness the awakening of the surrounding wildlife and a wonderful sunrise.

How to Prepare for a Hot Air Balloon Ride

If this is your first time flying in a hot air balloon, you should know what to expect and be prepared for the adventure ahead. Here’s a quick yet comprehensive guide to getting ready for a Serengeti hot air balloon safari:

What should you know about Balloon Safari?

As our first piece of advice for first-time flyers worldwide, we recommend booking your safari in advance before you arrive in Tanzania.

This helps us prepare for your arrival. We suggest staying in the country for a couple of days after your booking date in case your safari changes.

Hot Air Balloon flights depend on weather conditions

We may have to cancel your flight if it rains or there are strong winds. Allowing a few extra days in the country will let you reschedule your excursion to a later date while still enjoying the fun and thrill of the adventure.

Be fearless and worry-free

While you might worry about feeling cold during your ride, the altitude lowers the ground temperature by only a few degrees, which is usually offset by the heat from the burner and the beautiful sunrise.

However, it is chilly on the way to the launch site. In summer, you might consider dressing lightly and bringing a spare jacket; in winter, you usually need more appropriate and protective clothing.

Rare cases of Motion Sickness

Thirdly, leave the motion sickness medicine in your hotel drawer. While flying at high altitudes for over an hour might seem daunting to some, the leisurely pace of a hot air balloon gliding with the breeze is so smooth and relaxing that motion sickness rarely occurs.

Similarly, if heights tend to be a problem for you, we would like to reassure you that the balloon’s constant, gentle movement and the vastness of the plains ensure you won’t focus on that single point meters below, which might make your stomach drop into your socks.

Professional pilots

We want to emphasize the landing, just as with any other vehicle in flight. We have professional pilots on hand to inform and guide you through the entire process.

Your hot air balloon will most likely descend slowly to the ground and settle upright, allowing you to climb out. Do not worry if the landing is a little bumpier than intended; this is normal. This should not dissuade you from taking this incredible journey.

Things you might consider before a hot air balloon ride

Clothing

Seasonal temperatures and practicality are two key factors to consider when choosing clothing for this trip. Let’s not forget that flying a hot air balloon over the Serengeti is an adventure, and like most excursions in the wild, comfortable clothing is the best choice.

Depending on the season you visit, it may be most practical to wear traditional safari clothing. This clothing will keep you covered in most weather conditions. In winter, you may need a few more layers, especially since take-off usually happens before dawn and you might experience a slight chill.

We also recommend wearing clothes that are loose enough to allow a full range of motion. You will be asked to climb in and out of the wicker basket at take-off and landing, which might be challenging if your clothes are too restrictive.

Lastly, wear comfortable shoes, such as cushioned sneakers, as you will be standing for the duration of the ride and taking a few steps in the savannah for the bush breakfast. We suggest wearing closed shoes.

Food & Beverages

You may bring your own bottle of water or juice and a few snacks, but it is not always necessary, as you will be offered coffee, water, and biscuits before takeoff and on board.

We also do not recommend drinking too much fluid before a hot air balloon ride. However, please ensure that any plastic bottles and wrappers you bring do not fall out of the basket if you plan to bring food and beverages.

As a company that actively works to reduce its environmental impact, we ask for your cooperation in being extra careful with your waste.

Safari backpack

A small backpack or bag is recommended to store your valuables and necessities you do not want to carry on board. Our drivers will keep your belongings in the car. A small satchel, purse, or camera bag is usually sufficient, as you do not need many items for the trip.

Your camera

There will be plenty to photograph, from pre-flight preparations to a safari and bush breakfast to the drive back to your hotel. A hot-air balloon ride offers a distinct advantage over regular safaris: you can spot and capture the unique landmarks of the Serengeti, Maasai Mara, Tarangire, and neighboring parks from a bird’s-eye view.

From a height, you will be able to grasp the sheer magnitude and feel of the Great Wildebeest Migration, the Mara River crossing, giant indigenous Baobab trees, and the park’s booming wildlife, including elephants, lions, giraffes, antelopes, crocodiles, waterbucks, and much more.

When it comes to capturing your memories of this trip, you pick your gear. Whether you use your professional DSLR, a small camera, or even your smartphone is up to you.

However, we recommend securing your equipment with straps to prevent your camera from falling overboard. Similarly, please carefully stow your gear before touchdown, as your camera could fall and break during a rough landing.

Extra equipment

If you want to bring extra accessories such as selfie sticks, additional batteries, and memory cards for your devices, you may. However, please be mindful of the limited space in the wicker basket and of other passengers’ experiences.

A pair of binoculars

For many safari fans, a pair of binoculars is among the best pieces of equipment to bring on a hot-air balloon ride. While you may easily spot the Great Migration from a distance, binoculars let you get a closer look at the parks’ flora and fauna.

Observe lions lounging in low branches, calves running through the bush, crocodiles in the Mara and Grumeti rivers, and much more, all unobstructed. Binoculars are also available onboard.

Take note of the following

Blankets

While we all like to be on the safe side, bringing blankets if you are concerned about getting cold is not recommended. Bulky covers can take up a lot of space, which may prevent you and others from moving around to enjoy the 360° view. If flying in winter, a few layers of clothing and the heat from the balloon’s burner should be enough to keep you warm.

Jewelry

Wearing jewelry is not usually restricted during hot air balloon safaris. However, we remind passengers to securely stow or fasten their valuables during the ride to prevent bracelets or other jewelry from slipping off and spoiling their experience of this unique adventure.

Hats

In some cases, passengers like to bring a hat or cap to protect their heads from the burner’s heat or to prevent their hair from blowing into their faces.

While this is not compulsory, we recommend a slightly tight-fitting hat or baseball cap to prevent it from flying off during the ride if you decide to cover your head.

Bathroom Breaks

While we offer a light snack or coffee and biscuits before the flight, please note that drinking too much fluid is not recommended, as you won’t be able to use the restroom during the safari. You will have access to the restroom with a view of the breakfast site once you have landed.

When packing for a hot-air balloon ride in Tanzania, here is everything you need to know. If you haven’t yet booked your trip with us, don’t wait any longer. Visit our Bookings page to view all our offers, circuits, and destinations.

Special arrangements are made for you to depart before the crack of dawn. This gives you a rare chance to witness the awakening of the surrounding wildlife and a wonderful sunrise.

Feel like a bird, contemplating the Mara or Serengeti below you from a privileged vantage point. Book your hot-air balloon safari with us.