Is a Serengeti Hot Air Balloon Safari Worth It – Honest Review
With ‘Serengeti Balloon Safaris’ Company
Serengeti Balloon Safaris Review • travel review post & photos by Jeanie A
Visiting the Serengeti and looking into booking a Hot Air Balloon safari? I opted to go with ‘Serengeti Ballon Safaris’, and this is my honest review of how it went, what I loved, and tips to help you enjoy it even more.
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A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti is often described as a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but with prices typically ranging between $500 to $700 USD per person, it’s also one of the biggest splurges you can make during a Tanzania safari. So… Is it actually worth it?
After experiencing a Serengeti hot air balloon firsthand, I can honestly say that it was one of the most memorable parts of my entire Tanzania trip. That being said, I understand that it’s not the right fit for everyone and there are a few things I wish I had known before booking. Here’s my honest review to help you decide whether a Serengeti balloon safari is worth the high price tag.
During my time in Tanzania, I opted to safari with Msangai Adventure Safaris. They put together an incredible 5 day itinerary exploring the best of Tanzania, with an expert guide, countless wildlife sightings, cozy accommodations, and delicious food!! I can’t recommend them enough.
We were picked up early in the morning at 4:40 AM from our campsite. Our driver was right on time, and there were quite a few people that were picked up from our campsite to experience the tour with us.
To be honest, I thought that pick up before sunrise was going to be tough for me, but it turned out to not be that bad! But a 4:40 AM pick up did mean having to wake up at ~3:50 AM for me, which is INSANE. But I managed, and it helped that I had bedside coffee to wake up to.
“Night” Safari
Since we were picked up before sunrise, our drive to the launch site became a mini night safari! Where you can potentially spot nocturnal animals out and about in the ~1 hour drive it takes to get to the campsite. On our drive, we were able to spot Zebra and my first Hyena!! Which was pretty exciting for me since I haven’t seen one at all.
Launch Site Arrival
We arrived at the launch site while it was still dark out, and some balloon engines were being ignited where the fires lit up the whole area. This was such a cool site. As we exited our truck, our driver told us which balloon number we were assigned to and to not forget it since they will call out group numbers when they’re ready! This wasn’t really hard to keep track of since we pretty much parked right in front of the balloon we were going to board.
Pre-launch Coffee, Tea & Treats
The balloons were still being prepped, so we had some time to drink some provided ginger coffee, ginger tea, and eat some cookies. I suspect the ginger is to help with any potential motion sickness, which I really appreciated, and I think it did work for me. However, I have never tried ginger coffee before and it was so interesting. Literally tasted like coffee mixed with ginger.
Loo With A View
The launch site also had a toilet called a “loo with a view”. This is hilarious because the toilet is literally blocked by 3 walls and the 4th side is just opened out to the open wild field. So if you’re sitting, your view is looking out at an open field where wildlife may lurk lol (and it’s still dark!). And if you’re not sitting (like males don’t need to), then your back is facing towards the open field haha.
Using the loo with a view might have actually been my most nervous moment of this entire experience because of whatever wildlife can potentially be out there while I’m in a vulnerable state. Oh and because I don’t know if there are any spiders around the toilet eek.
Anyways the toilet itself is like a regular camp toilet with no actual piping, but you can pump water into the top basin to help it drain to the bottom collection reservoir.
Launch Prep
As part of launch prep, we were each given a belt that just simply wraps around our waist and buckles like a seatbelt. This is to act as our safety harness that keeps us attached to our spot in the basket.
Photos are included in the tour, so a photographer does go around and takes photos of you with the inflating balloons in the background. Definitely take advantage of this because the photos came out so good!
Then around 6:15 AM, our group number was called by a balloon captain, who would be our actual captain for us. We gathered around the balloon basket laid on its side and were given a Safety Briefing. The Safety Briefing entailed how to board the balloon, what to do during launch, landing, and disembarking the basket.
Boarding the Basket
We are then told to break up into smaller groups so that we know which part of the basket we’re going to board in. The basket is split into 4 quadrants where 4 people can fit into 1 quadrant. So if you’re in a group, you can stay together.
Also, you are pretty much tethered to the seat you board in at, so you can’t really walk around the basket to a different spot, which makes sense. But if you want to be at one of the farther outer edges for even more panoramic view, then try to be the fourth person to board in your assigned quadrant. If not, you’ll still get good views anyways!
When my smaller group was called, we swiftly loaded in, one by one. We put our bags near our feet and we are attached to our seat. Then we anxiously waited for launch!
The Launch
Our captain was very vocal and gave us amazing instruction and information as we were launching. I actually expected the launch to be a bit bumpy but it was actually really smooth and fun!! Within minutes, we were told that it was okay to stand up and man… this was an incredible moment. I have never rode a hot air balloon, but the sight of the landscape, the sun slowly rising, and the view of the other balloons surrounding us was just amazing.
The Ride
The balloon ride took a little more than an hour, but the entire ride was so breathtaking. Within the first few minutes, we were witnessing the sun rise above the horizon, turning the lands golden, and spotting wildlife right below us. And as we floated above the Serengeti, we saw the vastness and the diversity of these lands that we wouldn’t have been able to see from the ground. We started in the Serengeti’s flat plains and floated north where the land below became more dense with grass, more trees, tons of waterholes, and some mountains.
As for wildlife, we spotted another hyena, a lion drinking water, hippos chilling, elephants, wildebeests, zebra, and a cute warthog family. This was just an awe-inspiring and incredible balloon ride and I wish it lasted longer!
All that being said, our balloon captain also really made this ride extra enjoyable! He helped spot animals, gave us fun facts about them, and even told some jokes. He was just so fun and knowledgeable which really added to the overall experience.
Also, during the ride, a GoPro is attached somehow to the balloon and the captain does tell us to look at the camera when he takes a picture. Another great souvenir to remember this experience.
The Landing
Sadly the balloon ride had to end, and what makes the landing so interesting is that the winds determine the landing. The captain can’t control the balloon’s direction, so when it’s time to land, he just has to pick a spot that he thinks is a smart landing site.
So he instructs us to sit back down, and he again is very vocal about what he’s doing while also telling some jokes haha. But he told us that the landing looks that it can be bumpy, but it wasn’t even at all! It was so smooth and in no time, we were back laying on our backs.
We were told to detach and disembark from the basket, which we did, and a photographer was alrady ready to take some photos of us with the basket!
Champagne Toast
I don’t know how, but somehow there was already a cute little table with champagne glasses, champagne, sparkling cider (for the non-alcohol drinkers), and mango juice on top. I’m sure it was being put together while we were taking photos lol. But when everyone was out of the basket, we were handed our champagne glasses and staff came around to pour our drink of choice. For a mimosa-like drink, the mango juice and champagne together made what they called a “Serengeti Sunrise”, which I absolutely loved.
When everyone had their drink, the captain told us a little story about the history of champagne toasts after hot air balloon rides and that we were just following that tradition. I mean, I won’t complain haha. We toasted, drank our drinks, and if people wanted, could get seconds poured out.
Bush Breakfast
At some point, we loaded into our driver’s truck and we made our way to the bush breakfast spot. Since landing sites are always unexpected, the time it takes to get to the breakfast spot seemed uncertain but it took about 30 minutes.
When we arrived at the breakfast spot, it was so cute!! Long tables, fully decorated, set with plates and a bucket of champagne bottles! Seating was free-for-all, and menu laid out so we can swiftly choose our order when it’s time.
Also there was another “loo with a view” here! At least the sun was fully out so you can sorta see what’s out there while you go lol. A manual hand-washing station was also set up so that you can clean up a bit before eating too.
Then when it was time to be seated, we all took our seats, got out champagne poured out and made our food order. I opted for the English Breakfast with a Swahili Twist and it was delicious!!
Towards the end of breakfast, we were each handed our flight certificate, another cute way to remember this experience.
Souvenir Opportunity
At the end of breakfast, a table is set up where we have the opportunity to buy some souvenirs. There were shirts, jackets, hats, and even ties! Obviously I loved this experience so much that I had to get yet ANOTHER souvenir hahah. I went with a shirt since that was the only thing that fit me.
Return to Safari Guide
After breakfast, we hopped back into our driver’s truck and headed to a Rest area where our guide waited for our return. There are TONs of trucks and guides here but it really didn’t take long for us to find ours lol.
What I Loved
The sunrise views
Watching the sun rise over one of Africa’s most famous landscapes was unbeatable. The colors of the sky and the golden light covering over the Serengeti was one of the most beautiful scenes I saw during my trip.
A unique perspective
Going on a balloon safari gave us such a unique and awesome perspective of the lands and the wildlife. You literally can’t get this experience any other way. A traditional game drive will put you at eye level with wildlife but from a balloon, you get a different appreciation for the landscape and how animals move across it.
Surprisingly peaceful
What was really surprising to me because I sort of saw this experience as sort of a thrill, but it was actually surprisingly really peaceful. Like once we got in the air, there was a sense of calm and quiet as we gently floated above the Serengeti. And I actually really loved it.
The Staff!!
Our driver who picked us up from our campsite, the landing site, and returned us back to our safari guide was amazing! He was so funny and personable and sort of an underrated part of this tour, so kudos to Omoud (not sure how to spell it lol)
And our balloon captain, Captain Barry, was also another delight and really enhanced the experience. His fun facts, silly jokes, and his ballooning skills that kept us safe really made this tour an experience of a lifetime. So big shout out to Captain Barry, Omoud, and the Serengeti Balloons Safaris company.
Is It Worth It?
👍 Pros
⚠️ Cons
Incredible sunrise views over the Serengeti
One of the most expensive safari add-ons
A unique perspective you can’t get on a game drive
Wildlife sightings from the air aren’t guaranteed
Peaceful and quiet experience once airborne
Very early morning wake-up (around 4–5 AM)
Amazing photography opportunities
Flights are weather-dependent and may be delayed or canceled
Includes a memorable champagne toast and bush breakfast
Requires additional transfers to and from the launch site
Opportunity to spot wildlife while floating above the plains
Animals appear much farther away than during a game drive
A true once-in-a-lifetime bucket list experience
May not be worth the cost if you’re on a tight budget
Tips to Make the Most of Your Adventure
1. It is PRICEY!!!!
It’s not secret that riding a hot air balloon is pricey. To hot air balloon in the Serengeti, prices will range from $500 to $700. Booking and paying while you’re already in the Serengeti at one of the Rest Areas will come out cheaper than buying ahead of time. Maybe $20 cheaper.
2. It is an Early Morning
Expect to wake up super early in the morning. For our 4:40 AM Pick-up, we woke up at 3:45 AM
3. Weather Matters
Flying depends on having good weather. If the weather is deemed to be unsafe to ride in, then your balloon ride can be cancelled.
4. Bringing a small bag or backpack is Perfectly Fine
You are allowed to bring a small bag or backpack, as long as it’s able to fit between or legs since you can’t be wearing if during takeoff and landing. I brought my North Face backpack and it fit perfectly well between my feet during takeoff and landing.
5. Bring a Camera
If you have a nice camera, bring it!!! Flying above the Serengeti is a picture perfect memory you won’t want to forget. Of course, your camera phone perfectly works too.
6. tether your phone to You via a Lanyard, Or Attach a Strap to Your Camera
To avoid any accidental drops and to fly stress-free with your phone and/or camera, then get a lanyard to strap for both! You’ll fly completely stress-free that you won’t accidentally drop your phone off the balloon down into the wild.
7. Wear a Jacket or Windbreaker
It gets really really cold during Serengeti mornings, and especially while you’re flying above it. So bring a jacket or windbreaker to keep you cool!
8. Wear Jogger Pants, or wear tall socks you can tuck your pants into
At both the launch site and landing site, you will be walking in tall dry grasses, so to avoid dry grass or bugs to get into your pants, where jogger pants or wear tall socks where you can tuck the bottom of your pants into so there is no way critters can crawl into your pant leg. You’ll feel way more comfortable knowing they can’t enter!
If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to add to your Serengeti safari (and the price fits your budget (or maybe you just ask your future self for forgiveness 😊 ), then don’t hesitate to book it! Going with Serengeti Balloon Safaris as the hot air balloon company is also a no-brainer, so I hope this review encourages you to book your balloon safari with them!
Would you ride on a Hot Air Balloon over the Serengeti? Let me know in the comments below!
Jeanie has traveled to over 50 countries and has a love for new experiences, visiting iconic attractions, and finding breathtaking views. Hoping to help plan unforgettable adventures, Jeanie aims to inspire others to visit new places through her travel stories and photography.
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