Serengeti Hot Air Balloon
- Tanzania
What better way to experience the beauty of this vast plains of the serengeti, an early rise the serengeti hot-air balloon flight over the plains is sure to be one of the highlights of your safari. The expeditions last approximately one hour and are followed by a bush breakfast and tost of champagne and certificate, Hot-air balloon safaris require an early departure from the Lodge at approximately 4:45 am; a quick grab-and-go breakfast is provided for supreme enjoyment A Serengeti hot air balloon ride is an adventure that can easily be included in safari itineraries that include at least two nights in Central Serengeti or Western Corridor Camps (Grumeti River Camp, Kirawira Camp, Mbalageti Camp, etc.).
At 5:00am Serengeti Balloon Safaris will collect you from your central Serengeti lodging, or from an organized collection point for those in western Serengeti, and transfer you by Land Rover to the launch site near Masai Kopjes. Here you will meet your pilot, receive a briefing and watch the inflation of your balloon. You take off at dawn, rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take us. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon and will sometimes fly lower-down, at treetop height and sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective over the majestic Serengeti and many great photo opportunities of the wildlife below. At other times he will ascend to 300 meters (1000 feet) or more so you can take in the wonderful panorama of the Serengeti and get an appreciation for its profound size.
Hot air balloon ride breakfast
Once you are back on the ground, you will be escorted to a table that has been laid out to the highest of standards. The table is laid with bone china and silver cutlery. Fresh tropical fruits, warm freshly baked bread and English traditional breakfast of bacon, sausage, eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes are served by stewards in customary Swahili dress.
You will also be given a glass of sparkling wine to help celebrate this amazing adventure. For those who do not wish to drink, there are alternate non-alcoholic drinks available. At around 9:30am,you will be driven back to central Serengeti lodges or to the organized drop off point in westerns Serengeti to continue your safari adventure!
We strongly advise you to book in advance with your tour operator to secure your place. There are only three balloons in the entire Serengeti and this exclusive adventure is frequently fully booked.
The balloon rides go over central Serengeti (Seronera Valley), where there is year-round animal activity. For those who are especially keen on seeing the wildebeest migration from above, big herds of migratory herbivores can be seen in Seronera from late April through the end of June and again in October through December.
Children under the age of 7 are not allowed. There is no upper limit, however passengers must be reasonably mobile, fit to fly and prepared for an adventure. Balloon passenger weights are calculated at an average of 80kg (175lbs). Passengers weighing 50% + more than this (i.e. 120kgs / 265lbs /19 stone) may be charged for two places.
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