Daily balloon flights start at 06:00 from four launch sites within Serengeti National Park: one near Seronera throughout the year, and others in the Ndutu region (from 25 December to 15 March), in the Western Corridor (from June to October), and in northern Serengeti (from July to October).
The experience
Balloon safaris aren’t cheap, but they’re definitely worthwhile. Seeing the boundless Serengeti grasslands from above the treetops as the sun rises is a once-in-a-lifetime event. Since our departure time is so early in the morning, you might be able to see some nocturnal predators preparing for the day.
The pilot will likely take you on a low-level flight to spot wildlife, but most flights will also include time spent flying higher so you can take in expansive vistas of the Serengeti. Pilots with a lot of experience can glide just meters over grunting hippos and meandering giraffes while following rivers and streams. You can get some amazing pictures of wildlife from the air if you fly low enough. As you drift with the wind across the plains, the balloon crew follows you in their cars below.
The Great Migration and the Rise of Hot-Air Ballooning
Large herds of wildebeest and zebra cluster in the Ndutu area between December and March, so booking a flight there is your best shot for watching the Great Migration. You might be able to get a bird’s-eye view of the Great Migration from other vantage points as well, but keep in mind that the herd moves around and might only remain in one place for a few days at most. That’s why you need lady luck on your side.
Why do balloon safaris cost so much?
Expenses are high for balloon trips, especially in remote places like Serengeti National Park. Balloons need to be in good shape, so after about 850 flight hours, they need to be changed. More than $100,000 can be spent on one balloon. One must also think about how much fuel and crew will cost to run the balloon trip. There are six people on each crew, plus a professional pilot. Ten more people (per balloon) work behind the scenes to get the balloon off the ground and into the air. This means that a lot of people are involved. There are also vehicles for recovery, vehicles for moving, and backup activities. Last, protection fees make up a big chunk of the total price.