Hot Air Balloon Safari and Bush Breakfast: Serengeti, Tanzania

Drift silently above the endless plains of the Serengeti as the sun rises, watching elephants, giraffes and lions from the air, then land to a champagne celebration and a bush breakfast in the wilderness. You can also fly over Tarangire National Park, or book the private Leopard Print balloon for up to four guests.

Each shared balloon carries up to 16 passengers, which makes it a good fit for families, friends and corporate groups. Rates are in US dollars per person for 2026. B Hudson Tours can build the flight into a tailor-made Tanzania safari with lodge or camp stays, flights, game drives and airport transfers.

What to expect on the day

• A briefing the night before, and a waiver to sign
• Pickup between 3:00 and 5:00 AM depending on where your camp is, then light refreshments at the launch site (Tanzanian coffee and cookies)
• Safety briefing and flight preparation on site, with take-off at around 6:30 AM depending on the weather
• About an hour in the air (plus or minus 15 minutes) with the sunrise, plains and wildlife below
• Landing that can be smooth or bumpy depending on wind and terrain, followed by a traditional bubbly celebration
• A bush breakfast with a full English breakfast, Tanzanian coffee, tea, juices, pastries and fruit, then your flight certificate and a drop-off at the airstrip or visitor centre

The pilot and a photographer take complimentary photos before, during and after the flight, and professional photos are sent within 15 days.

Where and when you can fly

• Seronera: all year
• Kirawira: May to August
• Kogatende: June to November
• Ndutu: December to March (NCAA and TANAPA)
• Tarangire: all year
• Grumeti Singita: all year
• Lamai: June to November, with a minimum of 4 guests

Launch sites and seasons depend on where the herds and balloons are operating, so please confirm your preferred site and dates with our team.

Rates and resident terms

Non-resident rates are USD 575 per person at the Serengeti launch and USD 540 at Tarangire. East African citizen and resident rates are USD 420 per person, but they do not apply from 15 June to 30 October or from 20 December to 10 January. The private Leopard Print balloon is USD 4,600 for up to four guests.

Who can fly

• Ages 5 and over, and at least 1.2 m (3.9 ft) tall, accompanied by a parent
• Guests over 120 kg (265 lbs) pay a supplement because of basket weight limits
• Not suitable for pregnant women, serious neck or back injuries, or significant mobility challenges
• At least 2 passengers are needed for a flight to operate

Cancellation policy

• Full refund if cancelled 14 or more days before the flight
• 50% refund if cancelled 13 to 7 days before
• 25% refund if cancelled 6 days to 48 hours before
• No refund within 48 hours or for no-shows
• Full refund if we cancel the flight because of weather or safety