For many guests, a balloon flight is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Drifting over the Serengeti, Tarangire or Ruaha at sunrise, you see Tanzania from a completely different point of view. The light turns gold, wildlife stirs below, and a deep peace settles over the bush. Between the occasional burst of the burners, it is wonderfully quiet.
We have lived and worked in Tanzania since 2004, and safety is where we are most particular. We know the owners, the companies and the pilots personally. We have flown with them ourselves, so we book only with people we trust.
Here are the questions guests ask the most.
You can enjoy the hot air balloon flight in the Serengeti, Tarangire and Ruaha national parks.
Each park has its own character; from the endless Serengeti plains to Tarangire’s elephants and baobabs, and Ruaha’s wild, remote landscapes.
Yes, with the right precautions and a reputable operator. This is why we only work with operators whose owners and pilots we know and have flown with.
We expect strict weather rules applied daily, regular pilot medical checks and training, and scheduled equipment inspections.
Burners heat the air inside the hot air balloon; since hot air is lighter than cool air, the balloon rises.
More heat takes you up, less brings you down. And the wind does the rest.
Not directly, as balloons travel with the wind.
Hot air balloon pilots climb or descend to find winds blowing in different directions, which lets them steer gently.
You are not alone. Many guests arrive nervous, and most tell us afterwards that their worries were unfounded.
The basket feels very steady, and the views soon take over.
There is no upper age limit. You simply need to climb in and out of the basket and bend your knees for landing.
The flight is not suitable during pregnancy or with heart, neck, back or brittle-bone conditions.
Guests over 120 kg (265 lbs) will need to book two places.
You will receive a briefing at least a day before your flight, by the respective balloon representative.
On the morning of the flight, you are collected from your accommodation before dawn, often with a night game drive on the way.
At the launch site you will enjoy tea and coffee, and receive a safety briefing.
You will spend about an hour in the air.
After landing, there is a champagne toast and a full “Out of Africa” bush breakfast.
You are driven back to meet up with your driver-guide.
Allow about five hours in total for the whole hot air balloon experience 🙂
They are free and online. They are usually posted within a day or two of your flight.
If you cannot find yours after a week, message us and we will follow up with the respective balloon company.
Yes of course, especially if you overnight in the Serengeti, Tarangire or Ruaha national parks.
We generally suggest a hot air balloon flight as an option in your safari itinerary.
IMPORTANT: hot air balloon flight must be prebooked and prepaid.
Absolutely. Provided that you have booked and secured your space in advance, you can take the hot air balloon flight while the others enjoy a slow morning at the lodge or camp, or head out on a sunrise game drive with their safari driver guide.
You will rejoin your group at around 09h30am and continue with your group safari as planned.
Prices depend on the park and the season, so please contact us for a current quote.
Every flight includes pickup, the flight itself, a champagne toast, a bush breakfast and the drive back to your guide.
In general, cancelling 14 or more days before your flight is free.
Between 13 and 7 days, the fee is 50%.
Between 6 days and 48 hours, it is 75%.
Under 48 hours or a no-show costs 100%.
If the flight is cancelled for weather or technical reasons, you receive a full refund or a flight the next day, if there is space.
Please read carefully our Terms & Conditions, as they may differ.
Ready to float over Tanzania at sunrise?
Tell us your dates and where you would like to fly, and we will take care of the rest. Karibu sana!
