Hot airballoon safari in the serengeti national park

Hot airballoon safari in the serengeti national park  : A Serengeti hot-air balloon safari allows you to see the magical Serengeti from above. A balloon safari is an adventure activity in which participants travel in a hot air balloon to view wildlife and landscapes from above, providing 360-degree panoramic views. Drifting above the African savannah plains while watching herds of animals beneath you is an unforgettable Safari experience.

A balloon safari in Africa is an expensive activity for most of us, but in all honesty, it is worth every dollar spent on this exclusive safari in the sky! In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know and provide detailed information about what to expect on a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania’s Serengeti.

ABOUT THE SERENGETI

The Serengeti has developed into one of the most famous national parks in the world, a World Heritage Site, and one of the most significant areas of biodiversity on our planet since its early beginnings in 1921, when the first steps were taken to protect this area. The Serengeti National Park was established in 1951 and now covers 14,750 km2. It is a part of the larger Serengeti eco-system, which also includes the Masai Mara, Grumeti, and Maswa Game Reserves, and is adjacent to the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Loliondo Game Controlled Area. A park with an abundance of bird and animal life is defined by its diverse landscape, which ranges from the traditional plains in the south to the gallery forest in the west and the hilly woodland in the north. A typical safari day can be as diverse as the topography and full of surprises.

The Migration

Since 1989, we have flown on the warm coastal winds that bring volcanic ash to the south’s fertile grass plains. Animals choose to have their young here in the millions. The fact that this is “the largest ungulate migration on earth” is receiving a lot of attention, and it is difficult to describe the sight of hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, Thomson’s gazelle, and zebra moving in unison in pursuit of food and reproduction. As it travels across the grassland and toward that distant horizon, it tells the story of each individual while also illustrating the vastness of nature. Although the wildebeest migration occurs every year, you have to be in the right place at the right time to witness it.

Conservation

We are honored to contribute to the ongoing efforts to preserve this outstanding aspect of our past and our future. We back the Frankfurt Zoological Society’s vital anti-poaching efforts. In the 1950s, Bernhard Grzimek, who served as President of FZS for more than 40 years, played a key role in the creation of the Serengeti, and the organization continues to uphold his dedication to the park today. Additionally, we believe that it is through education that neighboring communities will come to understand the significance of conservation and its value. The sustainability of this magnificent ecosystem and the participation of its people in its management for future generations are directly impacted by a safari in Tanzania.

A HOT AIR BALLOON SAFARI IN THE SERENGETI: EVERYTHING TO KNOW

The Serengeti is a natural wonder that is high on many travelers’ wish lists. It is renowned for its amazing variety of wildlife, breathtaking scenery, and alluring lakes—a true jewel of Africa! If you don’t have the best vantage point, which is the air, it will take several trips to see and experience everything that this enormous 14,750 km2region has to offer. There is simply no better or more thrilling way to see Africa’s incredible landscapes and animals than on a balloon safari in the Serengeti.

As you rise with the sun and gently bob through the air in whichever direction the morning winds take you, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. A pride of lions, towers of giraffe, or herds of wildebeest can be seen running across the Serengeti plains just a few hundred meters below you, and as you watch them, your eyes dart to every possible angle. Adrenaline-fueled elation and “wow” and “ohhh” are the only words you can muster. It is most definitely worthwhile because it is one of those excursions that you will never forget.

How does a hot air balloon work?

The buoyancy principle governs how a hot air balloon operates. It consists of a sizable, hot-air-filled, envelope-shaped balloon. Typically, the envelope is made of heat-resistant, lightweight materials like nylon or polyester. Passengers and the pilot stand inside a basket or gondola that is attached to the balloon.

 Using burners powered by liquid petroleum gas, the procedure begins by heating the air inside the envelope. The air is heated by the flame produced by the burners, which causes it to expand and lose density relative to the surrounding air. The balloon consequently becomes buoyant and starts to rise.

Since the balloon cannot be directly steered, it moves with the wind. However, by adjusting the heat inside the envelope, our pilots can regulate the balloon’s ascent and descent. The air inside the envelope gets hotter as more heat is added, which increases lift and causes the balloon to rise. The air inside the envelope cools down as the heat is reduced, becoming denser and causing the balloon to descend.

 The pilot gradually reduces the heat to land the balloon while allowing the air inside the envelope to cool and slow the ascent. By releasing some of the hot air from the envelope, the pilot, with the assistance of the ground crew, maneuvers the balloon toward the ground as they search for a suitable landing location.

The fundamental ideas that guide a hot air balloon are straightforward but powerful. The pilot can control the altitude of the balloon and navigate the skies by adjusting the temperature of the air inside the envelope. It’s a special and peaceful way to fly and take in the incredible vistas below.

When is the best time of year for ballooning in the Serengeti?

We are fortunate that almost every day of the year in the Serengeti, the weather is favorable for hot air ballooning. Every morning, the balloon flights takes off and fly to the following regions:

• Serengeti’s central region: All year.
• December–March in Ndutu Area, Ngorongoro Conservation Area, and Serengeti
• May through October in the western Serengeti
• June–January in the northern Serengeti

Although there are no guarantees, if you’re in the right place at the right time, you have a good chance of seeing a lot of wildlife on a safari. Safari wildlife viewing varies depending on the time of year and location, and the wildebeest migration moves through the ecosystem year-round. In the Serengeti, it typically rains in the late afternoon, evening, or at night; the driest time of day is early in the morning, which is also when the balloon fly!

Serengeti hot-air balloon safari: What to Pack?

Following the completion of your hot air balloon safari reservation, a staff member will go over some crucial details regarding your early morning pick-up, what to bring, and what to expect. One day prior to the balloon safari, we attended this pre-briefing at the Seronera visitor center in the center of the Serengeti. This pre-briefing typically happens the evening before you leave for your Serengeti balloon safari at your lodge.

What should you bring on your balloon safari? It is advised to wear comfortable shoes and safari-style clothing. For the chilly mornings, pack a lightweight sweater or windproof jacket. It’s a smart idea to pack sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. Wearing a hat during the balloon ride might not be the best idea, but you’ll be glad you did during the bush breakfast on the Serengeti plains.

Binoculars are a must-have if you want to see the wildlife and birdlife up close. Bring a camera or a smartphone as well. From a hot air balloon, there is so much to film and photograph in the Serengeti!

There is no wind chill because the hot air balloon flies with the wind. In addition, the balloon heats up, so you will undoubtedly feel the warmth. The air gets warmer as you ascend over the Serengeti. So there is no need to overdress in layers. Because the Serengeti hot air balloon safari begins before sunrise, be prepared to rise and shine (very early)!

Balloon ride pick-up and transfer

You will leave your lodge between 4:00 and 5:00 in the morning because your balloon adventure begins before sunrise. You will be picked up by a driver, and he or she will transport you in safety to the location where the balloon safari will begin.

Waking up to a sky full of stars and seeing the Serengeti come to life is something special. If you’re fortunate, you might spot some animals while traveling. For instance, it might be thrilling to see a lion and a hyena along the road.

Coffee, tea, and a safety briefing

The staff welcomes you as soon as you arrive at the starting location. Even though it is still dark, the sky is already a stunning shade of purple. You can sip a hot beverage and eat a cookie while the staff gets the balloon ready for the flight. The hot air balloon is heated to provide the necessary lift for flight. While the balloon fills up with more hot air, the crew uses ropes to hold the basket in place.

You will be given basic safety instructions and a safety belt just before takeoff. You will be instructed by the staff on where to sit in the basket and what to expect from the flight. You can enter the basket and fasten your belt to the basket when the balloon is ready to take off. You won’t experience motion sickness because the basket moves with the wind and does not sway.

Each hot air balloon has four compartments that can accommodate 12 to 16 passengers. This guarantees beautiful views, enough room for everyone, and increased safety in the basket.

Serengeti Hot-Air Balloon Safari: What to Expect?

Before leaving your lodge, you can grab a coffee and a light breakfast because pick-up is at the crack of dawn, usually around 5 or 5.30 AM. You might see nocturnal animals on your way to the launch site that you would not have seen during the day.

 While the balloon is being inflated, the pilot gives a pre-launch safety briefing. The balloon can ascend to a height of 1,000 feet during its hour-long flight, revealing the Serengeti’s vast magnificence and breathtaking panorama below. Your balloon’s altitude can be precisely controlled by the pilot, who will occasionally soar above the trees so you can get up-close views of specific animals.

When you arrive, you will be greeted with champagne and a toast to “maisha marefu,” which is Swahili word for “long life. A magnificent bush breakfast in the Serengeti follows, capping off what will undoubtedly be one of the most exciting experiences ever.

What wildlife can you see on a hot-air balloon safari in the Serengeti?

On a Serengeti balloon safari, you can see a wide variety of animals. A lion pride, giraffes, an elephant herd traversing the plains, different hyenas, birds, and numerous plains game species like wildebeest, topi, zebra, and other antelopes will all be visible to you. Being able to see the Serengeti from above is an unforgettable experience!

Pop the champagne!

After spending about an hour admiring the Serengeti plains from above, the pilot looks for a suitable landing area and issues a landing announcement to prepare for the descent. Everyone must sit on the bottom of the basket while facing the same way for the landing. A safe landing is guaranteed if you adhere to those guidelines.

Your skilled pilot will pop the champagne after exiting the basket to toast a wonderful flight experience over the enchanted Serengeti. After the toast, the driver will drive you to a gorgeously decorated breakfast location in the Serengeti plains.

Champagne bush breakfast

While your anticipation for the Serengeti balloon ride is still high, you will travel to the breakfast location, where you will be treated to a sumptuous champagne bush breakfast with fresh fruits, juices, and both warm and cold dishes like eggs of your choice, sausages, and pancakes. The chefs make the food from scratch while taking into account all dietary restrictions. A thrilling hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti has no better way to come to an end!

Balloon flight certificate!

You will receive a personal Serengeti balloon flight certificate as soon as everyone has finished breakfast. This is a nice memento of an unforgettable experience in the air. After this celebration, you will be driven back to your lodge or another designated meeting place, with a game drive along the way where you will see many animals.

Do I need to book in advance?

It is highly advised that you make a reservation in advance, either with us directly or with your tour operator. Due to our limited capacity, this exclusive adventure frequently sells out. Always make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment and for peace of mind.

What is the price of a balloon safari in the Serengeti?

A balloon ride in the Serengeti costs 500 USD (2023), which includes transfers from and to your Serengeti lodging as well as images and videos of the hot air balloon flight, a champagne celebration, a champagne breakfast in the bush, a certificate for the balloon flight, and the concession fee.

What to do after your balloon ride

As you may already be aware, Tanzania has a lot of tourist attractions. So, exploring various locations is essential. View a few of the Tanzanian locations worth adding to your itinerary and visiting in person:

• Mikumi National Park
• Ngorongoro Crater
• Ruaha National Park
• Selous Game Reserve
• Serengeti National Park
• Arusha
• Dar es Salaam
• Katavi National Park
• Lake Manyara National Park
• Mahale Mountains National Park
• Tanzania Coast
• Tarangire National Park
• Zanzibar

CONCLUSION

What are you still holding out for? Make a plan, grab your passport, and head out to Tanzania for the most incredible hot air balloon ride ever! These Serengeti balloon safaris should be on everyone’s “bucket list. Make contact with Select adventure Safari right away to begin organizing your ideal Serengeti Balloon safari excursions.

Is a Serengeti hot-air balloon safari worthwhile? Absolutely! So why are you still waiting? Contact us right away to make sure you have the opportunity to experience Africa’s grandeur from the best seat in the house!