Serengeti: Balloon Safari and Bush Breakfast

Planning a safari in Tanzania often involves dreams of wildlife encounters and unforgettable landscapes. If soaring over the Serengeti in a hot air balloon sounds appealing, this tour promises just that—plus a luxurious bush breakfast. While the concept is certainly enticing, the reality might be more nuanced, especially if you’re after a highly dependable, well-reviewed experience.

What we like about this tour is the chance to see the vast Serengeti plains from a perspective only birds and balloons get to enjoy, and the idea of ending with a celebratory champagne breakfast sounds pretty special. On the flip side, the only review available is quite critical, pointing to possible issues with execution or value for money.

This experience appears best suited for romantic couples, celebrating special occasions, or those who simply want to check the “balloon flight over the Serengeti” box. However, travelers who rely heavily on reviews or are budget-conscious might want to do some extra homework before committing.

This experience made our article of Top 12 Tours & Things To Do In Serengeti.

Key Points

Stunning aerial views of the Serengeti provide a unique perspective on wildlife and landscape.
Includes a champagne bush breakfast in the wilderness, perfect for memorable moments.
Limited reviews mean you should approach with cautious optimism.
Price is $599 per person, which covers the balloon ride, breakfast, and photos, but excludes park fees and transfers outside the park.
Flight timing depends on weather, typically early morning around 6:30 am, with pick-up times varying based on camp location.
Safety and age restrictions are strict, with pregnant women, children under 5, or those with mobility issues excluded.

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Experience Overview

A balloon safari over the Serengeti isn’t just about ticking a box; it’s about witnessing the vastness of one of Africa’s most iconic national parks from a new vantage point. The tour is operated by Miracle Experience Balloon Safaris, a company that offers rides in baskets that seat either 12 or 16 people.

What makes this tour appealing is the promise of “breathtaking scenery” and an “uninterrupted view,” especially during the early dawn hours. This is when the sky lights up with the sunrise, casting a golden glow over the plains, making wildlife sightings more dramatic and easier to spot in the soft light.

The entire trip, from pickup to drop-off, lasts about five hours. You’ll be collected from your lodge or camp within the park, with departure around 6:30 am—weather permitting. Before takeoff, the pilot provides a safety briefing, and you’ll enjoy some pre-flight refreshments like Tanzanian coffee and cookies, setting the tone for this special adventure.

The Itinerary in Detail

Early Morning Pickup and Briefing

The experience begins with an early dawn pickup, often between 3 am and 5 am, depending on your lodge’s location. This might seem early, but it’s necessary to catch the best flying conditions and witness the sunrise. You’ll meet your pilot, who is also your photographer, and get a quick briefing about safety and what to expect.

Lift-off and Flight

The balloon takes off around 6:30 am, weather depending. As you ascend, you get a panoramic view of the Serengeti—vast, rolling plains dotted with wildlife. The flight can last about an hour, offering chances to see herds of wildebeest, elephants, lions, and other animals from above. The silence of the balloon—except for the occasional flame from the burner—is almost surreal.

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The Views and Wildlife

You’ll love the views of the Serengeti’s open landscapes and the opportunity to spot wildlife from above, which you might not see from ground level. Since the balloon can carry up to 16 guests, it’s a shared experience, but generally intimate enough to feel special. The pilot takes free memory photos before and during the flight, which you can keep as souvenirs.

Landing and Celebratory Breakfast

Landing depends on wind and terrain but is usually smooth. After landing, guests are treated to a champagne celebration—a tradition that adds a sense of occasion. Then, the adventure continues with a bush breakfast in the middle of the wilderness, an experience that feels both luxurious and authentic.

The Value and Practicalities

The price of $599 per person covers the balloon ride, breakfast, and some photos. However, it’s important to remember that it does not include park entrance fees, which are $100 for non-residents outside the park, nor does it include transportation outside the park. Additional costs for transfers outside the reserve or park entrance are around $100 per vehicle.

While the tour promises “breathtaking views” and wildlife encounters, the sole review available is quite negative, citing issues perhaps with organization or value. This emphasizes the importance of managing expectations and perhaps considering other options with better reviews before booking.

What to Bring

Travelers should pack warm clothing (early mornings can be chilly), a camera, binoculars, and a hair tie if needed. Since the experience is weather dependent, flexible plans are advisable.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a romantic, memorable experience in Africa, especially those celebrating a special occasion. It suits those who have a sense of adventure, are comfortable with shared groups, and want to see the Serengeti from a unique perspective.

However, it’s less suited for families with young children (under 5 or shorter than 1.2 meters), pregnant women, or those with significant mobility challenges. The early mornings and weather variables may also be a consideration for some travelers.

Final Thoughts

A balloon safari over the Serengeti offers a once-in-a-lifetime view of one of Africa’s most famous landscapes. The promise of witnessing the sunrise, spotting wildlife from above, and ending with a bush breakfast sounds magical on paper. But, with only one review that’s less than glowing, it’s wise to approach this experience with cautious optimism.

If you’re looking for a special, picture-worthy adventure and are willing to accept the risks of weather variability and limited feedback, this could be a memorable part of your Tanzanian safari. Just keep in mind the extra costs and restrictions, and consider reading multiple experiences if available to ensure it aligns with your expectations.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 5 or those shorter than 1.2 meters, mainly due to safety and age restrictions.

What is included in the price?
The $599 fee covers the balloon safari, a champagne bush breakfast, pre- and during-flight photos, and pickup within the Serengeti. It does not include park entrance fees or transfers outside the park.

How early do I need to wake up?
You’ll typically be picked up between 3 am and 5 am, with the flight departing around 6:30 am, to catch the best weather and sunrise.

Can I take my own pictures during the flight?
Yes, you are allowed to take photos during the flight, and the pilot also offers free memory pictures beforehand and during the flight.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If weather conditions are unsuitable, the operator offers a full refund, and they also cancel flights in bad weather for safety reasons.

Is the experience worth the price?
That depends on your expectations. The value lies in the aerial views and the unique bush breakfast experience, but the limited positive reviews suggest it’s worth researching other options or waiting for better feedback.

In the end, this Serengeti balloon safari is a chance for some spectacular views and a memorable breakfast in the wild. Just be sure to weigh the limited reviews and plan accordingly to make your adventure as smooth as possible.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby