$450–599per person
Balloon Safari Cost
60minutes
Average Flight Time
6:00AM
Departure Time
8–12passengers
Maximum Per Balloon
Everything You Need to Know About Balloon Safaris
A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater is one of the most extraordinary experiences in African travel. Drifting silently at dawn above the wildlife below — without engine noise, without dust, without the limitations of a road — gives you a perspective on the bush that no game drive can replicate.
We have been booking balloon safaris for guests since 1978, and the questions we receive have remained remarkably consistent over the decades. Below are the answers to the questions we are asked most frequently. If your question is not here, WhatsApp us and we will answer directly.
Common Questions
Balloon Safari FAQ
How much does a balloon safari cost in Tanzania?
A hot air balloon safari over the Serengeti or Ngorongoro costs between $450 and $599 per person. The price includes a one-hour flight, a champagne breakfast served on the plains after landing, and all landing fees. It does not include park fees or transport to the launch site. Some operators charge less — typically $350–$450 — but these are shared balloons with more passengers and a basic breakfast. We work only with exclusive-use balloons that take a maximum of 8–12 passengers.
Is a balloon safari safe?
Yes — commercial hot air balloon safari operations in Tanzania are highly regulated and operated by experienced pilots with hundreds of flight hours. All reputable operators are certified by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority and carry full insurance. Your pilot will brief you on safety procedures before boarding, and the balloon is continuously monitored throughout the flight. The accident rate for regulated balloon safari operations in Tanzania is extremely low. We only work with operators who meet our safety standards and who we have flown with personally.
What is the age limit for a balloon safari?
Most balloon safari operators in Tanzania require children to be at least 7–8 years old and a minimum height of 1.2 metres (to see over the basket edge). Children under 8 are generally not permitted for safety reasons. There is no upper age limit — guests in their 80s and 90s fly regularly. If your child is under 8, we recommend booking a private game drive instead and saving the balloon experience for when they are older. Pregnant women are not permitted on balloon safaris.
What should I wear on a balloon safari?
Dress in layers — it is surprisingly cold at dawn at altitude, even in the tropics. Wear neutral colours (avoid bright white), sturdy closed shoes (trainers are fine), and bring a warm layer even in summer. A fleece or light jacket is essential. You will be standing in the basket for 50–60 minutes. Avoid dangling jewellery and bring your camera with a strap. Binoculars are excellent to have. We will send a full briefing before your flight.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my balloon safari?
Balloon flights are weather-dependent — they cannot operate in high winds, heavy rain, or thick fog. If your flight is cancelled, you will be rescheduled for the following day or your payment will be refunded in full. Most reputable operators offer a next-day rebooking at no extra charge. In peak season (July–October), when the weather is generally stable, cancellations are uncommon. We recommend building a buffer day into your safari itinerary in case of weather disruptions.
How do I book a balloon safari — in advance or on arrival?
We strongly recommend booking at least 2–3 months in advance, particularly if you are travelling during the peak season (June–October) or over Christmas and New Year. Balloon places fill quickly and the best operators are booked out months ahead. On-arrival booking is possible but risky — you may have to join a larger shared balloon or accept a different departure time. If a balloon safari is important to you, book it as part of your overall safari package before you arrive in Tanzania.
What is the difference between a Serengeti and Ngorongoro balloon safari?
The Serengeti balloon safari flies over the open savannah plains and is best known for the Great Migration season (July–October) when you can see wildebeest herds from the air. The Ngorongoro balloon safari launches from the crater rim and drifts down into the caldera — a unique opportunity to see Africa's densest wildlife concentration from above. Both are extraordinary. The Ngorongoro flight is slightly more expensive and operates year-round. For first-time safari visitors, the Serengeti flight is the classic choice.
Can I combine a balloon safari with a game drive on the same day?
Absolutely — this is the most common itinerary. The balloon flight launches at first light, around 6:00–6:30 AM, and lasts about an hour. After the champagne breakfast on the plains, you are back at your camp or lodge by 9:00–9:30 AM. Your game drive then departs mid-morning — an ideal time for predator activity. The combination of a balloon safari and afternoon game drive is one of the most complete wildlife experiences you can have in Africa.
What is the champagne breakfast like after the balloon flight?
The post-flight breakfast is one of the genuine highlights of the balloon safari experience. After landing, the ground crew — who have driven ahead to the landing zone — set up a proper breakfast in the middle of the bush: white tablecloths, proper chairs, fresh fruit, pastries, eggs, bacon, and a glass of sparkling wine or champagne. It is surreal and wonderful — a restaurant-quality meal served in a remote corner of the Serengeti, with no other people in sight. Vegetarian and other dietary requirements can be accommodated if arranged in advance.
How long does the balloon flight last?
The actual flight time is 50–60 minutes. However, you should allow 3–4 hours from start to finish: transfer to the launch site, pre-flight briefing and boarding (15–20 minutes), the flight itself (50–60 minutes), landing and packing up the balloon (15 minutes), and the champagne breakfast (45–60 minutes). You will typically be back at your camp by 9:30 AM.
Is a balloon safari included in my safari package price?
Most safari packages quote balloon safari as an optional add-on rather than including it in the base price. This is because not all guests choose to do it and the cost is significant. When quoting your safari, we itemise balloon safari separately so you can decide based on your budget and interest. The add-on cost is $450–$599 per person. If you are booking a premium or ultra-luxury safari, some operators include the balloon as standard — we will make this clear in your itinerary.
What weights and measures are in place for the balloon basket?
Commercial balloon baskets in Tanzania typically carry 8–16 passengers plus the pilot. The basket is divided into compartments so groups are physically separated. All passengers are assigned a specific position in the basket before boarding. There is no individual choice once you are allocated a section. The basket is tethered at all times during boarding and disembarking. Passengers who exceed 150kg may be asked to pay a weight supplement or be reseated for safety and balance reasons.
Can I take my camera on the balloon safari?
Yes — cameras and phones are absolutely welcome on the balloon. We recommend a camera with a wide-angle lens for landscape shots and a strap secured around your wrist or neck. Avoid bulky camera bags as the basket space is limited. A GoPro or similar action camera is excellent for capturing video from the basket. Avoid extending selfie sticks over the edge of the basket — they are a safety hazard in flight.
What time does the balloon safari depart?
Balloon safaris launch at first light — typically between 6:00 and 6:30 AM, varying slightly by season and location. This is the coolest part of the day, the best for wildlife visibility (animals are most active at dawn), and the most photogenic light. Your camp or lodge will wake you with a pre-dawn call. The early start is worth it — the sunrise over the Serengeti from a balloon is one of the most memorable experiences in African travel.
Essential Reading
Plan Your Complete Safari
Balloon Safari Overview
Our complete guide to hot air balloon safaris over the Serengeti and Ngorongoro — costs, operators, and how to book.
Balloon Safari Guide →Safari Costs
Understand exactly what is included in a Tanzania safari price and how to budget for your trip.
Safari Cost Guide →Safari Seasons
When to go: a month-by-month guide to wildlife, weather, and pricing across Tanzania.
Best Time Guide →Ready to Add a Balloon Safari to Your Itinerary?
Speak with our Tanzania team. We will confirm balloon availability, recommend the best operator for your dates, and include it seamlessly in your safari.