Overview
Hot Air Balloon Safari
A hot air balloon safari in Tanzania offers a unique way to see the Serengeti’s vast plains or Tarangire’s stunning landscapes from above. At sunrise, you’ll gently lift into the sky, watching golden light sweep across the savannah as elephants, giraffes, and other wildlife begin their day. During the Great Migration, this aerial view becomes even more spectacular, revealing endless herds of wildebeest and zebras on their legendary journey.
After about an hour in the air, your adventure ends with a champagne toast and a freshly prepared bush breakfast in the heart of the wilderness. Guided by experienced pilots, this is a safe, scenic, and unforgettable safari experience that blends breathtaking views, wildlife encounters, and a touch of luxury perfect for making your Tanzania trip truly special.
Hot Air Balloon Safari Itinerary
Glide silently over Serengeti as the sun rises, revealing wildlife below. End your aerial adventure with champagne and a gourmet breakfast in the bush.
Add-on: Add on to a safari in Serengeti National Park
Some things are worth getting up early for and this is one of them. You’ll be collected from your camp or lodge before the birds rise and night-drive to the launch site. Your pilot will give you a thorough safety briefing as the crew prepares the balloon for launch. As you rise into the lightening sky, the full scale of the Serengeti unfolds beneath you and the peace of the early morning descends. Untethered by roads, we’re able to float high over the plains, or descend to gently brush across the grassland seeking the herds of wildebeest or the lion out on a hunt. Just as magical is the chance to enjoy a full breakfast laid out under an acacia tree in the tradition of ‘Out of Africa’ as you relive the memory of a unique flight.
04:30 - 05:30 Pick-up from your camp/lodge & night drive to the launch site
06:15 Safety briefing
06:30 - 06:45 Take-off the flight lasts approximately an hour
07:30 - 08:00 Landing and traditional champagne toast
08:30 Out of Africa style ‘full-English’ champagne breakfast
09:45 Meet up with your safari guide and continue with your day’s activities
1 hour hot air balloon safari
- Location: Serengeti National Park (central Serengeti, western Serengeti, northern Serengeti, Southern Serengeti)
- Physical demand: Low fitness
- Time of day: Morning (1 hour flight)
- Meals included: Breakfast
- Commonly seen: Elephant, giraffe, hippo, buffalo, zebra, wildebeest, lion, cheetah, hyena, warthog, kudu, leopard, ostrich, mongoose, hyrax, dik-dik.
- Activities included:
Ballon safari, bush breakfast - Optional extras:
None, speak to your consultant.
Accommodation options
- This service is offered as an optional add-on, and your accommodation arrangements will be provided in accordance with the details outlined in your package itinerary
Prices, Inclusions & Custom Options
Enjoy flexible pricing with key inclusions, and tailor your Hot Air Balloon Safari with optional cultural experiences or luxury upgrades.
Private group (private departure)
please request a quoteScheduled group (shared departure)
please request a quote* All prices are in USD ($) and serve as indications only for a standard package excluding pre/post accommodation, add-ons and comfort upgrades.
Scheduled departures for Complete North safari are currently not available however for small groups we can consider offering your dates for others to join.
Standard packages usually include
- Exclusive access to prime wildlife viewing zones over the Serengeti, perfectly timed to witness sunrise magic, the Great Migration herds, and predator activity from the air.
- Authentic Maasai cultural experience before or after your flight, offering personal interaction with Maasai elders and warriors to learn about their traditions and way of life.
- Expert, licensed hot air balloon pilot, trained to position the balloon for the best aerial photography, ensure safety, and provide engaging wildlife and landscape interpretation throughout the flight.
- All government taxes, VAT, and local levies
- Full safari itinerary coverage, including crater descent fees
- Private 4x4 Land Cruiser with pop-up roof, radio calls, English-speaking driver-guide, charging ports, and luggage space (soft bags, max 20kg per person).
- 1.5 litres bottled water per person per day
- Comfortable, handpicked full-board lodges depending on category selected)
- For basic camping at special campsites: Portable camping shower and toilet (with porter to service)
Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades
Looking for more comfort or a tailored experience? Explore our optional upgrades, add-ons, and customization ideas below.
Standard packages usually exclude
- Tips and gratuities for guides, cooks, hotel staff and other crew
- Beverages such as soft drinks, bottled juices, and alcoholic drinks (unless your accommodation is booked with an all inclusive drinks package)
- International flights. Learn more about international airports.
- Insurance. Learn more about insurance.
- Visas. Learn more about visas.
- Personal items not specifically listed in the inclusions
Trip Add-Ons & Comfort Upgrades
Enhance your hot air balloon safari with cultural tours, luxury extras, and tailored comfort options for a truly unforgettable experience.
Serengeti Walking Safari
Tarangire Hot Air Balloon Safari
Maasai Village Cultural Visit
Serengeti Hot Bush Lunch with Miracle Experience
Tarangire Hot Bush Lunch with Miracle Experience
Olduvai Gorge Museum & Shifting Sands Visit
Tarangire Walking Safari
Upgraded Picnic Lunchbox
Mto wa Mbu Village Walk
Essential Information for Your Hot Air Balloon Safari
Find key travel tips and planning advice to make your hot air balloon safari safe, smooth, and unforgettable.
Travel Info for Tanzania
Which Airport to Choose?
Vaccinations & Health Tips
Photos & Videos at Hot Air Balloon Safari
View breathtaking images and videos of sunrise flights, wildlife sightings, and sweeping savannah landscapes from your hot air balloon adventure.
Why Book Your Hot Air Balloon Safari Tour with Shah Tours?
Benefit from our years of expertise, skilled pilots, and local knowledge for a safe, scenic, and unforgettable hot air balloon experience in Tanzania.
Decades of Cultural Safari Expertise
Local Guides Who Understand the Land
Safe, Comfortable & Respectful Travel
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Air Balloon Safari in Tanzania
Find answers to common questions on flight experience, safety, best seasons, and what to expect during your hot air balloon safari in Tanzania.
Beautiful views over the Serengeti National park
A hot air balloon safari offers breathtaking aerial views of the Serengeti’s sweeping plains, rivers, and woodlands. You can spot wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants, and predators like lions and cheetahs in their natural habitats. During the Great Migration, witness massive herds moving across the savannah. From the air, you’ll also see dramatic landscapes, sunrise over acacia trees, and untouched wilderness providing a peaceful, unforgettable wildlife-viewing experience that’s impossible to match from a vehicle.
Cost and Inclusions of a hot air balloon safari
The cost of a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania typically ranges between US $500 and $600 per person. This price usually includes early morning transfers from your lodge or camp to the launch site, a one-hour balloon flight, a champagne toast upon landing, and a gourmet bush breakfast. Prices vary slightly by location, season, and operator. While it’s a premium experience, the unique perspective and memories created make it a highly valued addition to any Serengeti safari.
Unforgettable value of a hot air balloon safari
Yes, most travelers consider a hot air balloon safari one of the highlights of their Tanzanian trip. The serene, bird’s-eye view of wildlife at sunrise is unforgettable, offering perspectives and sightings that can’t be achieved on game drives. You’ll experience vast herds, predator hunts, and stunning landscapes in near silence. The post-flight champagne breakfast in the bush adds to the magic. Though it’s a luxury activity, many agree it’s worth every cent for the once-in-a-lifetime memories it creates.
Best time to enjoy a hot air balloon safari
Hot air balloon safaris operate year-round in central Serengeti. However, the best time depends on your interests. For the Great Migration, central Serengeti is ideal from April–June, western Serengeti from June–July, northern Serengeti from July–October, and Ndutu from December–March during calving. Weather is generally clearest during the dry season (June–October), offering optimal viewing. Early mornings provide soft golden light for photography, minimal wind, and high wildlife activity making sunrise flights particularly spectacular.
Hot air balloon safari experience
The balloon flight itself lasts approximately one hour. However, the entire experience from pre-dawn pick-up at your lodge or camp to your return typically takes 3 to 5 hours. This includes transfers to the launch site, a safety briefing, the sunrise flight, landing ceremony, champagne toast, and a full bush breakfast served in a scenic location. The combination of early morning light, peaceful flying, and post-flight celebration makes this a full, immersive half-day adventure.
Altitude and viewing perspectives of a hot air balloon safari
Hot air balloons in the Serengeti typically fly at altitudes ranging from treetop level for close-up wildlife viewing to about 1,000–2,000 feet (300–610 meters) for panoramic vistas. Pilots adjust the altitude depending on wind conditions, wildlife activity, and viewing opportunities. Flying low allows guests to see animals clearly without disturbing them, while higher flights reveal the full majesty of the Serengeti’s landscapes, winding rivers, and massive herds moving across the savannah.
Age, weight, and health requirements for a hot air balloon safari
Most operators require passengers to be at least 5–7 years old and tall enough to see over the basket’s edge. There is no strict weight limit, but passengers over approximately 120 kg (265 lbs) may need to pay for an additional seat. Pregnant women are generally not allowed for safety reasons. Passengers should be able to stand for an hour and bend knees for landing. These rules ensure comfort, safety, and compliance with aviation regulations.
Safety Standards and regulations for hot air balloon safaris in Tanzania
Yes, balloon safaris in Tanzania are operated under strict safety regulations. Pilots are licensed by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA) and have extensive training and flight hours. Balloons undergo regular maintenance and safety inspections to meet international standards. Operators carry comprehensive insurance, conduct detailed safety briefings, and ensure that weather conditions are suitable before flights. With reputable providers, hot air ballooning is considered a very safe activity for all eligible passengers.
Clothing and gear for a hot air balloon safari in Tanzania
Wear layers to adjust to early morning coolness and warming temperatures after sunrise. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are essential, as you may walk on uneven ground. Long trousers and a light jacket are recommended. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will protect you from the sun. Bring a good camera or binoculars for photography and wildlife viewing. Avoid loose hats or scarves that could blow away during the flight.
Other Tours & Destinations Connected to Hot Air Balloon Safari in Tanzania
Enhance your trip by pairing your hot air balloon safari with nearby adventures, from classic game drives and mountain treks to relaxing coastal escapes.
Northern Tanzania Safaris
Mount Kilimanjaro Treks
Ngorongoro Highlands Trekking
Cultural Tours in Tanzania
Usambara Mountains Hiking
Kilimanjaro Culture & Coffee Walks
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Excellent rating
Based on 347 reviews
My group of five colleagues and I climbed Kilimanjaro via the seven-day Machame Route with Shah Tours. Communication with Ramon before and after the climb was seamless and extremely professional. All questions were answered quickly and promptly. Even a glove I forgot in my rental luggage was later delivered to my hotel in Arusha by our guide. Our guides, Baraka, Hillary, and Felix, were excellent mountain guides who provided outstanding support throughout the tour and kept our spirits up even during the most challenging moments. The food during the climb was always freshly prepared. We usually had soup as a starter, followed by either a stew with rice or noodles, or, for example, potatoes with fried fish or meat. A delicious pizza was served the evening before the summit attempt. I would also like to commend the rest of the crew for their consistently positive attitude and courteous service. The rental equipment was of good quality. However, on a future tour, I would opt for better sleeping mats, as the standard ones became quite thin after a while. Overall, it was a great experience to do the climb with Shah Tours.
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Nils Bindauf14 September 2026Verified
Kilimandscharo It was the best experience we have ever had with Shah Tours. We always felt completely comfortable and well taken care of. The guides, porters, and cook were incredibly kind and friendly. They always greeted us with a smile and even sang for us. Even at 4,700 meters above sea level, they baked us a cake because it was our wedding anniversary. That was such a special and unforgettable gesture. I can honestly say that this was one of the most amazing experiences of our lives, and we would recommend Shah Tours to anyone without hesitation! Thank you all and best wishes to Mathayo, Felix and the Team! We miss you guys.
Laura S2 September 20267-Day Kilimanjaro Machame circuit climb Our Kilimanjaro trek via the 7-day Machame Route was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The admission fee for our group of 12 was included in the tour package. The route itself was breathtaking, with incredible scenery that changed every day—from lush rainforest and dramatic valleys to rocky alpine landscapes and the spectacular summit views above the clouds. What truly made the trip exceptional was the professionalism and kindness of the Shah Tour and guides with special mention of Matheyo. The Matheyo and team was organized, supportive, and attentive throughout the hike. Our guides set a steady, comfortable pace, constantly checked on everyone’s wellbeing, and shared valuable encouragement and knowledge about the mountain. Their experience and calm leadership gave us confidence, especially on the more challenging summit night. The porters and camp crew also deserve enormous appreciation. They worked incredibly hard to make sure we were comfortable, well fed, and prepared each day. The meals were delicious and surprisingly varied for a mountain trek, and the camps were always ready when we arrived. Reaching Uhuru Peak was one of the proudest moments of our lives, and we could not have done it without this amazing team. We highly recommend this company to anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame Route. Their care, expertise, and genuine commitment to their guests made this adventure truly special.
2jipatel25 August 2026Great Kili hike Great hike! Guides and support staff handled all the logistics and we made it up to the summit. A challenging hike, but our experience was great
Cooper N22 August 2026Pole pole to the roof of africa with Shah, was great. When deciding which company to book for our Kilimanjaro and Safari trip in Tanzanie we have been in contact with several companies. We wanted to do the private tour as a couple. We had 9 full days to organize. Firstly we thought we will do 7 days and 2 days safari (Tarangire and Ngorngoro). Nevertheless, as our priority was Kilimanjaro we selected 8 days Lemosho route to increase our chances to reach the top. This left only 1 day for safari first. I was trying to discuss with companies the options to go faster If we feel well and then possibly have time to do both national Parks of Tarangire and Ngorongoro. Shah Tours tourned out to be the only very flexible operator to offer this option of shortening the trip If everything goes well. So, on the day 6, when arriving to Kosovo camp from Karaga camp, we asked If we could proceed with our summit on the same day, they did not hesitate to support us. During the whole trip the guides (Innocent and Leon) and the porters shared very positive energy and support. A Lot of dancing, laughter and happy faces even in hard moments. Finally, thanks to all that, we manager to finish our hike in 7 days instead of 8 and had enough time to include another day of safari in our itinerary. No planning, no phone calls, no waiting. Shah was monitoring our progress and once the office received the message we are descending on day 7, everything was organized (additional accomodation and guide for safari, food and transport). We had amazing time in tanzanie, Thank you Shah Tours for your work and efforts in making our trip unforgetable.
Anna M17 August 2026Verified
Enjoyed We started our tour with 4 guides, the walk through the different terrains was an amazing experience, i was happy that Shah Tours catered for vegan food through and the chef cooked delicious food apt for mountain climbing. This route was hard for me as a beginner but i made it. All the personal porters were amazing.
Krunali G16 August 2026An unforgettable experience we wouldn't want to miss Great, motivating guides, superbly organized tour, very customer-focused, friendly, courteous, and very attentive porters… absolutely no complaints! Highly recommended!
Esther D12 August 2026Unique, years-long contact with Shah Tours. There's nothing better for travel off the beaten track.
(Translated by Google, see original)Andreas kurt B6 August 2026Kilimanjaro I climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with Joker as the main tour operator and Shah Tours as the local partner. It was truly an unforgettable experience, thanks to the amazing team that supported us throughout the entire trek. Our head guide, Calvin, and our second guide, August, were both incredibly experienced, professional, and motivating. Their knowledge and guidance made me feel safe and confident every step of the way. They did everything they could to help us reach the summit safely and successfully. The entire crew, including the porters and cooks, was outstanding. After seven days together on the mountain, they felt like a second family. Their kindness, encouragement, and dedication made this challenging adventure even more special and memorable. I highly recommend Joker and Shah Tours to anyone planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Thank you for an incredible experience—I will never forget it!Justine A25 July 2026Just do it whit shah tours! We had a great experience!! From emails at home to pickup, hotel,... Shoutout to our guide Mathayo, he's the best. Amazing work by the porters!! So much respect.
Lennert F24 July 2026
