Floating silently over the Serengeti at sunrise is an experience unlike any other. From the moment the balloon lifts off, the vast savannah unfolds beneath you — herds of zebra, giraffes, and elephants moving in timeless rhythm, predators stalking the plains, and the first golden light spilling over the horizon.
A hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti is not just a sightseeing trip; it’s a magical, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that transforms the way you see the African wilderness. In this guide, I share what to expect, the costs, and why this is an experience you won’t want to miss.
Is a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Serengeti Worth It?
Yes, a hot air balloon ride in the Serengeti is a magical, unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I can’t recommend highly enough. Everyone we flew with — both young and old — agreed it was incredible. Online reviewers consistently rate the experience very highly too.
How Much Does a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Serengeti Cost?
We paid $500 per person for a flight with Adventures Aloft. I highly recommend the company—the ground staff were friendly, and our captain was experienced and professional.
What Happens on a Hot Air Balloon Ride in the Serengeti?
The adventure begins early — at around 4 AM. The early start is to catch sunrise and to take advantage of favourable wind conditions. We were picked up from our camp by a driver and his assistant.
This means your day begins with a night drive, something normally not possible in the Serengeti due to the park’s curfew. Ours was unforgettable: we saw multiple lions, including a small pride of young males and a lioness who walked alongside our jeep for several minutes — queen of the jungle, she wasn’t about to step aside for us.
We also spotted a hippo, several hyenas, and the tail of a smaller cat — possibly a serval. This unexpected night drive is a bonus that adds real value to the experience.
Arriving at the Launch Site
We arrived at the launch site around 5:30AM to find our hot air balloon already partially inflated. Coffee and biscuits were offered, and there was a toilet tent on-site. Ours was a private launch site, though we could see another, much busier one in the distance.
Around 6AM, our captain gave a clear safety briefing, explaining the positions we’d need to take for both takeoff and landing. We boarded the sixteen-passenger balloon while it was still on its side, assumed the correct positions, and — after several bursts of flame and coordinated effort from the crew — the balloon lifted gently upright, then rose silently into the morning sky.
The Hot Air Balloon Ride
What surprised me was how gentle the ride was. You drift upwards rather than launch, as if gravity has simply let you go.
Watching the first pink and orange light spill over the savannah from above is breathtaking. Our captain kept us low — perhaps twenty or thirty metres above the treetops — so we could spot animals more easily.
From the air, the grace of the wildlife becomes even clearer. We saw herds of buffalo and zebra, giraffes, countless antelope, warthogs, hyena packs, a jackal, and even a solitary lioness. Combined with the sweeping landscape, the views were jaw-dropping.
We flew for around 55 minutes, covering approximately 15 kilometres. The landing was — as we’d been warned — a little bumpy, but it felt controlled, even as the basket tipped slightly on touching down.
Over Too Soon
Stepping out of the balloon, we found ourselves alone in the savannah, with antelope grazing cautiously nearby. The ground crew, who had tracked our flight, arrived almost immediately. We toasted the adventure with champagne or orange juice, while the crew packed up and then sang a song in Swahili.
A short drive took us to a beautifully set table in the savannah for a buffet breakfast — complete with eggs cooked to order. It was a wonderful setting in which to share stories and reflect on the flight.
The captain showed us photos and videos from the morning, and by around 10:30AM, we were dropped back at the Serengeti main visitor centre. Our adventure had come to an end.
Final Thoughts
I’ve travelled widely, and I’m not easily impressed, but this was an experience I’ll never forget. It gave me a new appreciation for the serene beauty of the world we’re lucky enough to live in. Yes, it’s expensive — but if you’re considering a hot air balloon ride, I’d urge you to make it work, even if it means cutting costs elsewhere. It’s worth it. Enjoy!
