You’ve never experienced true magic, until you’ve flown in a Hot Air Balloon over the Serengeti National Park, where the weather is ideal and the views are spectacular.
Nyssa Balloon Safaris Rides start in the early morning when the weather is more stable and calm. The usual distance we cross, depending on wind strength and direction, ranges from one to ten miles.
The height at which we fly will range from treetop level, where we will experience low-level contour flight, to several thousand feet, the perfect viewing point to experience the majesty of the Serengeti region.
One of the reasons we recommend Nyssa Balloon Safaris is their ability to operate in different regions of the Serengeti throughout the year. This allows guests to experience a balloon safari in areas that offer excellent wildlife viewing depending on the season and migration patterns.
Nyssa Balloon Safaris currently operate from four different locations within the Serengeti ecosystem:
- Seronera – operates year-round in the heart of the Central Serengeti.
- Togoro – operates year-round and offers excellent access to remote wildlife areas.
- Kogatende – operates from June to November in the Northern Serengeti during the river crossing season of the Great Migration.
- Ndutu – operates from December to March in the southern plains during calving season.
Because these launch locations change with the seasons, we can help guests choose the best balloon safari experience to match their itinerary and travel dates.
Why Choose a Balloon Safari in the Serengeti?
A balloon safari offers a completely different perspective of the Serengeti and is often described as one of the most memorable experiences in Tanzania. Unlike a traditional game drive, a hot air balloon allows you to quietly drift above the plains as the sun rises over the landscape.
The early morning light, peaceful atmosphere, and panoramic views create a truly unique safari experience. From the air, guests may spot elephants, giraffes, buffalo, antelope, hippos, and even large predators moving across the plains below.
During certain times of year, balloon safaris can also provide spectacular aerial views of the Great Migration, particularly in the Northern Serengeti during river crossing season or in Ndutu during calving season.
For photographers, honeymooners, families, and first-time safari travellers, a balloon safari is often considered a once-in-a-lifetime experience and one of the highlights of visiting Tanzania.
What Happens on the Morning of the Flight?
Balloon safaris begin early in the morning before sunrise. Guests are collected from their camp or lodge and transferred to the launch site, where the balloon crew prepares the aircraft for departure.
As dawn breaks over the Serengeti, the balloon slowly rises into the sky and begins drifting with the morning winds. Flights typically last around one hour, depending on weather conditions and landing locations.
One of the most special parts of the experience is the silence. Apart from the occasional sound of the burners, the flight is peaceful and uninterrupted, allowing guests to fully appreciate the scale and beauty of the Serengeti below.
After landing, guests are welcomed with a traditional bush breakfast served in the wilderness, a long-standing Serengeti balloon safari tradition that completes the experience perfectly.
Is a Balloon Safari Safe?
Safety is extremely important when choosing a balloon safari operator. Tanzania with Kenny recommends Nyssa Balloon Safaris because of their strong reputation, experienced pilots, professional operations team, and excellent safety standards.
Their flights are weather-dependent, meaning departures only take place when conditions are considered safe for flying. This careful approach helps ensure guests enjoy both a safe and unforgettable experience in the Serengeti.
Best Time for a Serengeti Balloon Safari?
Balloon safaris can be enjoyed throughout much of the year, but the best location often depends on where wildlife concentrations and migration movements are taking place during your safari.
- December to March: Ndutu and the southern plains are excellent during calving season.
- June to November: Kogatende in the Northern Serengeti is ideal for river crossing season and migration viewing.
- Year-round: Seronera and Togoro provide excellent resident wildlife viewing throughout the year.
When planning your safari with Tanzania with Kenny, we help match your balloon safari location with the best wildlife viewing opportunities for your travel dates and itinerary.
Booking Your Serengeti Balloon Safari
We are happy to arrange balloon safaris with Nyssa Balloon Safaris as part of your Tanzania safari itinerary, however availability can be extremely limited, especially during peak migration seasons; we strongly recommend booking in advance.
If you would like to include a Serengeti balloon safari experience in your trip, please contact Tanzania with Kenny and we will help organise the best location and timing for your safari.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Serengeti balloon safari last?
The balloon flight itself usually lasts around one hour, depending on weather conditions and landing opportunities. The full experience, including transfers and bush breakfast, normally takes most of the morning.
What time do balloon safaris start?
Balloon safaris begin very early in the morning before sunrise. Guests are typically collected from their lodge or camp before dawn in order to reach the launch site in time for sunrise.
What wildlife can be seen from the balloon?
Wildlife sightings vary depending on the season and location, but guests may see elephants, giraffes, buffalo, antelope, hippos, crocodiles, lions, and large herds of wildebeest and zebra during migration periods.
Is a Serengeti balloon safari suitable for children?
Most balloon operators have minimum age and height requirements for safety reasons. Please contact Tanzania with Kenny for the latest guidance when planning your safari.
What should I wear for a balloon safari?
Comfortable layered clothing is recommended as early mornings in the Serengeti can be cool before sunrise. Neutral safari colours, closed shoes, sunglasses, and a camera are also recommended.
Can balloon safaris operate in bad weather?
No. Balloon safaris are weather-dependent and only operate when flying conditions are considered safe by the pilot and operations team.
Why Book Your Balloon Safari with Tanzania with Kenny?
At Tanzania with Kenny, we only recommend safari experiences and partners that we trust and believe offer excellent service, professionalism, and guest experiences.
We recommend Nyssa Balloon Safaris because of their reliability, experienced team, strong safety standards, and ability to operate in multiple areas of the Serengeti throughout the year.
When you book your safari with Tanzania with Kenny, we help ensure your balloon safari is arranged in the best possible location based on your itinerary, season, and wildlife movements during your visit.
Our goal is always to help guests create unforgettable safari experiences while making the planning process simple and personal from start to finish.
Ready to experience the Serengeti from above?
Contact Tanzania with Kenny to add a Serengeti Balloon Safari Experience to your Tanzania safari itinerary.
