Tour Overview
Summary: Sunrise balloon safari followed by a champagne toast and a bush breakfast
Price: $595 per person
Duration: 5 hours (5.00AM – 10.00AM)
Location: Central Serengeti / South Serengeti / West Serengeti
Logistics
Easily incorporated into any itinerary.
Seasons
Balloon safaris can be incorporated into your itinerary during any month of travel. The Central Serengeti launching site (available year round) is a great option any month with abundant resident animal sightings and spectacular scenery. The South Serengeti launching site offers the opportunity for an aerial view of the Great Migration on the open plains from mid-December to early April and similarly at the West Serengeti launching site from roughly mid-May to early July.
Itinerary
You will be picked up at 5.00 am from your lodge and will be driven to your awaiting balloon at the specific launching site. If you have selected any of our private luxury camps, your driver will transfer you to the nearest lodge where you will meet up with the other guests. Keep an eye out for nocturnal predators as you may encounter them returning from their nightly hunting forays on your game drive to the launching site. Arrive at the balloon-launching site for a quick briefing from your pilot. As the blush of dawn glows to the east, you will take off and float above the vast Serengeti.
From a unique aerial perspective, watch in awe as the sun rises in molten splendor. Soar in the quiet hush of morning as the vast savannah below is washed in a rising crescendo of golden light, illuminating the details of the African landscape in vibrant colors. With a little luck, you will have good game viewing opportunities while you glide peacefully above the Serengeti. Please keep in mind that every flight is different and wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. However, you will undoubtedly enjoy the spectacular views and the serene quiet as you aimlessly drift along with the prevailing winds.
Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon while sometimes flying at treetop height and at other times ascending to 1000 feet. Flight time is about one hour depending upon conditions. Scout vehicles will track your location from the ground and will be waiting for you wherever the winds have carried the balloon.
Your balloon safari ends with a delightful champagne toast and an elegant breakfast at the landing site. A lavish breakfast is served in the bush with weighty silver, delicate china, and fine linen tablecloths. Breakfast consists of tropical fruits, freshly baked bread, eggs, sausage, bacon, mushroom, and tomato.