Serengeti Balloon Safaris

Hot air balloon flights

A Serengeti balloon safari is the ultimate way to experience the vastness of the national park. Just imagine floating above the Serengeti plains skimming treetops in complete silence whilst seeing wildlife on the ground below. This is an essential safari experience for travellers to Serengeti National Park.

Serengeti balloon safaris locations

Balloon flights are run daily at 06h00 from four launch sites within Serengeti National Park: one throughout the year close to Seronera, and others in the Ndutu area (from 25 December to 15 March), in the Western Corridor (from June to October), and in northern Serengeti (from July to October).

“Join us for an unforgettable journey above the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ruaha“

The experience

Although not cheap, a balloon safaris is worth the expense. Floating serenely over the treetops as the sun peaks over the horizon permits you to experience the endless Serengeti plains from an unforgettable perspective. As we set departure very early morning, you may even spot some nocturnal predators getting ready for the day.

During most flights the pilot will include sections flown at a higher altitude allowing you to soak up uninterrupted views of the Serengeti; other sections may involve low-level flying, during which there may be the opportunity to see wildlife.

Highly experienced pilots can follow rivers and streams, and will glide just meters above grunting hippos or wandering giraffes. Flying low allows you to take some great aerial wildlife photos. You move over the plains wherever the wind takes you, whilst being tracked from the ground by balloon crew in their vehicles.

Hot air ballooning & the Great Migration

The best odds for seeing the Great Migration with its innumerable wildebeest and zebra would be to book a flight in the Ndutu area as large herds congregate here between December and March. The other locations may also allow you to see the Great Migration from above, but please remember the herd is mobile and may only be in a particular area for a brief period, if not just a couple of days. This means that some luck needs to be on your side.

Serengeti hot air balloon flight price

A Serengeti balloon flight costs US$ 599 per person (this includes the Tanapa ballooning fee of US$ 40). This rate includes a transfer from your lodge or camp to the departure balloon site, the balloon flight itself, and a champagne breakfast (after landing). The flight will last anything in between 50 and 70 minutes. Depending on the landing site, also the breakfast site is set up at a different location daily. You will share the balloon with up to 16 passengers in total.

Planning a balloon safari

Be prepared for a very early start the transfer from the Seronera area leaves at 05h30 and from the other lodges in the area at around 04h00. Please remember to bring some warm clothing, and a bag in which you can secure camera, binoculars, and other personal items.

We can arrange departures for a Serengeti balloon safari from most lodges and camps in the Serengeti. We strongly recommend booking a balloon safari in advance, as it concerns a very popular activity and gets booked out early (especially during peak season).

What happens if the weather is poor?

Ballooning is subject to suitable weather. If your flight is cancelled because of poor weather, you will be re-booked on a later flight If possible, otherwise your money will be refunded.

Why is a balloon safari so expensive?

Balloon flights are expensive to operate, especially in remote areas such as Serengeti National Park. Balloons -naturally- need to be in top condition, so they need to be replaced after about 850 flight hours. One balloon costs more than US$ 100,000. One also needs to consider the cost of fuel and crew to operate the balloon flight. Each crew comprises six people plus a licensed pilot. A further ten people (per balloon) operate behind the scenes to get the balloon airborne. So this adds up to a considerable amount of people. Additionally, there are the recovery vehicles, transfer vehicles, and backup operations. Last, a substantial part of the total price is allocated to conservation fees.

Serengeti balloon safaris locations

Why Serengeti Balloon Safaris

Have you ever wondered what birds see as they soar over-head, or have you ever dreamed about looking down upon a vast stretch of open wilderness? Well Serengeti Balloon Safaris can give that to you, and more.

Starting at dawn and ascending with the sun, your adventure will begin just before sunrise and you will climb into the sky as the new day begins. Your balloon will rise up and over the magnificent Serengeti in blissful tranquility.

Serengeti Safari Options

Serengeti Hotels and lodges

5 Locations

Karatu lodges

Karatu is perfect for a few days to visit surrounding national parks, Lake Eyasi and learn more about the local cultures. Many tourists choose to stay in the town as it can be cheaper than staying within the National Parks. Accommodation in Karatu can be cheaper than in the national parks, and thus many people opt for staying in the town. If you are strapped for time, this means however that you will need to do more driving everyday, possibly being quite tiring for you. We recommend to consider whether the reduced driving and time this consumes is not worth staying in a lodge on the crater directly. Karatu has excellent accommodations for all budgets. These are some of our favorite recommendations:

2 Locations

Lake Eyasi lodges

Lake Eyasi is a distinct, off-the-beaten-path destination combining authentic cultural experiences and stunning landscapes. It is renowned for cultural encounters and wildlife adventures and offers accommodation choices for a cozy and immersive stay. Exploring Lake Eyasi presents many activities, from boat rides and bird watching to learning about local traditions in nearby villages – Hadzabe tribe.

Lake Eyasi’s accommodations are fewer and simpler compared to Serengeti or Ngorongoro, reflecting its remote, cultural focus. Options range from rustic tented camps to mid-range lodges, with no ultra-luxury tier like Singita or Four Seasons. Most sit near the lake’s shores or on gentle slopes, offering views of the water and Rift Valley escarpment, and cater to travelers pairing cultural visits with safaris in nearby parks ( Ngorongoro , Manyara, Tarangire ).

Lake Eyasi’s lodgings are less about safari luxury and more about cultural connection and natural serenity. They lack the high-end sprawl of Serengeti lodges, focusing instead on intimacy and authenticity—think Hadzabe hunts, Datoga crafts, and flamingo flocks over a soda lake that swells or shrinks with the seasons. Most are mid-range or budget, with solar power and local staff enhancing the off-grid feel. They pair well with Ngorongoro or Serengeti itineraries, offering a quieter counterpoint.

THE 10 BEST Lake Eyasi Lodges 2026

1 Location

Lake Manyara Lodges

Lake Manyara lodges : Lake Manyara National Park is part of the same Northern Tanzania safari circuit as the world-famous Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. It is often treated as something of a sideshow to these iconic destinations, and many safaris bypass it entirely. But Manyara is a worthwhile addition to any safari itinerary. The setting at the base of the Rift Valley escarpment is truly spectacular. And while wildlife is not as prolific as it is in the Serengeti, you should see elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra and hippo. The park is also famous for its tree-climbing lions, which are occasionally found lounging on suitable branches in umbrella thorn and sausage trees.

The concentrations of game here is not nearly as high as in surrounding parks, but there are a number of unique species that give reason enough to safari here. The park’s main attraction are Lake Manyara’s famous tree climbing lions – why these lions habitually climb trees is still up for debate, but viewing a pride relaxing in an acacia tree is a remarkable sight! The park is also famous for its elephant and huge number of baboons, and its varied landscape supports an impressive range of other game including wildebeest, buffalo, hippo, flamingo, zebra, warthog, waterbuck, dik-dik and impala. The birding here is also very good, especially raptors.

THE 10 BEST Lake Manyara National Park Lodges 2026

3 Locations

Mkomazi lodges & Camps

A journey through Mkomazi National Park offers an authentic and untamed Tanzania Wildlife Safari experience, far removed from the crowded tourist circuits. Nestled in northeastern Tanzania, bordering Kenya’s Tsavo West National Park, Mkomazi is an incredible destination for travelers seeking a quiet yet rewarding encounter with nature.

When planning a Tanzania Safari Holiday, choosing the right accommodation is essential to fully experience the park’s unique charm. From intimate safari camps inside the park to eco-lodges and guesthouses in the nearby town of Same, there are diverse options to suit every traveler’s comfort and budget.

This guide by explores where to stay in Mkomazi National Park, each option promising breathtaking scenery, warm hospitality, and a deeper connection with Tanzania’s wilderness. Whether you prefer midrange comfort, eco-friendly elegance, or authentic camping experiences, Mkomazi has a place that fits your style of adventure.

Safari Lodges and Camps Inside Mkomazi National Park

Staying inside Mkomazi National Park immerses visitors in the very heart of the Tanzanian wilderness. Waking up to the sound of distant lions or watching elephants gather at a watering hole is an unforgettable part of a Tanzania Safari Tour. These camps and lodges blend comfort with raw nature, providing a true sense of adventure and solitude.

1 Location

Mto wa Mbu lodges

Mto wa Mbu, a vibrant town in northern Tanzania, offers visitors a gateway to many natural and cultural attractions. Africa Safari Camping Mto wa Mbu is one of the famous accommodation options in the area. Whether planning a safari adventure or looking to immerse yourself in the local culture, find the kind of accommodation that best suits you and makes your stay count. Many accommodations near Lake Manyara National Park offer easy access to wildlife experiences and stunning natural beauty.

Mto wa Mbu boasts several high-end hotels and resorts that provide exceptional comfort and luxury. One such luxurious accommodation option is the Lake Manyara Serena Safari Lodge within Lake Manyara National Park. These establishments often feature spacious rooms or suites with modern amenities, including air conditioning, Wi-Fi, wireless internet connection, and en-suite bathrooms.

In addition, some hotels offer dazzling views of the surrounding scenes or pools where people can lie down and relax. Many luxury hotels at Mto wa Mbu further offer in-house restaurant facilities with various delicacies to indulge in and spa facilities for pampering oneself.

THE 10 BEST Mto wa Mbu Lodges 2026

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