Have any questions?
Flying over one of the world’s oldest national parks offers breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife encounters, particularly during the Great Migration, making for an unforgettable experience.
You can enjoy hot air balloon rides year-round! The wildebeest migration moves through different regions of the Serengeti, offering opportunities for sightings. Check our interactive map on the homepage for migration details.
Yes, balloon rides operate during both the rainy seasons in the Serengeti. The short rains (November-December) bring scattered showers, while the long rains (March-May) are heavier. Fortunately, it usually rains in the afternoons or at night, making early mornings ideal for ballooning. Just be prepared for some muddy roads when travelling to the launch site.
On average, recreational hot air balloons fly between 1,000 and 3,000 feet (305 to 914 metres) above ground. We typically reach a maximum altitude of around 2,500 feet (762 metres) to give passengers a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the Serengeti's endless plains (and also to get the preferred wind direction). However, we fly much lower during most of the journey for wildlife spotting.
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. All our pilots hold commercial ballooning licences and have extensive flight experience, including specialised training in flying over the Serengeti. Our ground crew is trained in safety protocols, flight preparation, and emergency procedures to ensure a smooth, safe experience from start to finish.
In Tanzania, the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) is in charge of safety standards for hot air ballooning. They make sure operators follow safety rules, including pilot training and equipment checks, to keep everyone safe in the skies.
We are fully equipped with emergency communication systems, and all our pilots are trained in emergency response. The crew conducts pre-flight safety briefings for passengers and remains in contact with the balloon throughout the flight.
Our balloons, baskets, and burners undergo regular, thorough inspections and maintenance by our trained technicians. All equipment is serviced to meet and exceed aviation safety standards, ensuring each flight meets the highest safety requirements.
Yes, all our flights are covered by comprehensive insurance to ensure the highest level of safety and peace of mind for our guests.
Yes, for safety reasons, children under six, pregnant women, and anyone with recent spinal or other major surgery are not permitted to fly.
It’s easy! You can book directly through the ‘Book Flight’ option on our website for instant confirmation and a secure process. If you're booking through a tour operator, please ask them to book your ride with us on your behalf.
Yes. We accept digital payment and credit/debit card payments.
You can book up to six months in advance, but seats become more limited as your travel date nears, particularly during peak season. To secure your spot, we recommend booking early. If you're already in the Serengeti and decide to fly with us, contact our sales team to check last-minute availability.
If your balloon ride is cancelled due to bad weather, you can choose to either reschedule for another day or receive a full refund. Your safety is our priority, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your plans
Absolutely! We’d love to organise a private balloon ride for you. Get in touch with our sales team for pricing and availability.
On the morning of your flight, we’ll pick you up from your lodge and transport you to the launch site. After your balloon ride and a delicious breakfast, we’ll drive you to the Visitor Centre, where you can connect with your safari driver for the next leg of your adventure.
We have restroom facilities at the launch site and also provide light refreshments, including coffee and snacks, ensuring a comfortable pre-flight experience.
Upon landing, you'll be greeted with a traditional champagne toast to celebrate your flight. From there, you’ll enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in the heart of the bush, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views. Our team will then drive you to the Visitor Centre, where you will meet your safari driver to continue your adventure.
Yes, you can take photographs and videos during the flight to capture the spectacular landscapes and wildlife below but we recommend securing your devices with a strap to avoid any accidental drops during the ride.
We suggest dressing in layers because those early mornings can be a bit chilly, but don’t worry—it warms up as the day goes on. We also strongly recommend wearing long sleeves and full pants to protect yourself from insects and mosquito bites. Comfortable closed-toe shoes are a must since the terrain around the launch and landing sites can be uneven. And don’t forget to carry your sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen.
Hot air balloons fly using the principle that warm air rises. The air in the balloon’s envelope is heated using burners, making the air inside warmer than the cooler air outside, causing the balloon to lift off and float. When landing, the pilot gradually reduces the heat and releases some hot air from the top of the balloon to gently touch down. It’s one of the oldest and safest ways to fly.
The balloon envelope is made of durable, heat-resistant hyperlast fabric, designed to withstand high temperatures from the burners. The fabric is lightweight yet strong enough to hold the air that lifts the balloon. The basket, or gondola, is usually made of woven wicker or rattan. These materials are strong, lightweight, and flexible, which helps absorb impact during landing, making it safe and comfortable for passengers.
Our burners are fuelled by propane.
Not really. While our pilots can choose varying altitudes to catch different wind currents, giving some directional control, hot air balloons cannot be steered in the traditional sense since they lack engines for propulsion. Essentially, we go where the wind takes us!