I have been asked the question hundreds of times: "Is the balloon safari really worth it?" My honest answer: yes — as long as you know what you are buying.
A Serengeti balloon safari is not cheap. You pay around $600 per person for one hour of flying. You are woken at 5:00 am. You stand in pitch darkness next to an inflating balloon while a Tanzanian crew member explains how to climb in. And then, when the balloon lifts off the ground...
Then you see Tanzania as it was meant to be seen.
What you see during a balloon flight
From a game drive you see Tanzania at eye level — wonderful, but your perspectives are limited. From a balloon you see how vast it all is. The Serengeti from a bird's eye view is a different world: endless plains dissolving into the horizon, crossed by rivers glistening in the first morning light.
And the animals. From the air you see groups of animals you would never see from the ground: a herd of 200 zebras at a watering hole, wildebeest marching in long lines, a group of elephants protecting their young at the edge of an acacia forest.
And sometimes — not always, but sometimes — you see a hunt. A cheetah chasing its prey across the plain while you hang silently above. That you never forget.
How it practically works
The balloon flight always departs before sunrise from a vertical point in the park. Transport from your camp to the take-off point is included. The inflation itself takes 20–30 minutes.
The flight lasts an average of 60 to 90 minutes, depending on wind and conditions. The altitude varies from almost ground level (spectacular for animal observations) to hundreds of metres up (for the panorama).
After landing, a champagne breakfast on the plains follows — white tablecloth, real porcelain, cold champagne while the dust clouds from the landing still hang in the air. It is absurdly luxurious in the most rugged environment imaginable.
When to book?
As early as possible — ideally 3 to 6 months before departure. The Serengeti balloon flight is offered by Serengeti Balloon Safaris and can be booked directly with them or through us. There are a maximum of 12 passengers per balloon.
Best months: July–September (Great Migration, maximum chance of wildebeest herds from the air) and January–February (calving season at Ndutu, baby wildebeest and active predators).
Is it worth it for you?
If you already have a solid safari programme of 7+ days and have budget for an extra activity: yes, absolutely. The balloon safari is not a replacement for a game drive — it is a supplement. It gives you a perspective you will never get on the ground.
If you have a tight budget: spend your money on extra safari days instead. An extra night in the Serengeti gives you more chance of special wildlife sightings than an hour in the air.
My rule of thumb: if you can afford an extra €600 per person and you fly to Africa fewer than twice in your life — do it. If you come back regularly: you can always do it on a future trip.