A hot air balloon safari is a thrilling adventure that there are no words to describe. The wind will be blowing on your hair as soon as the basket floats above the treetops. A breathtaking panorama spreads all over you.
Serengeti is of phenomenal nature that is prominent for offering the best safari experience. It has an astonishing diversity of wildlife, magical lakes, and marvelous scenery. It covers 30,000 square kilometers. A balloon safari allows you to admire the African jewel over the air.
It is a galvanic experience as the basket soars over Serengeti. The wilderness is majestically walking below you. The sunlight sneaks at the skyline. The bird tweets feeling the air. The spellbinding lifetime experience enables you to spot herds of wildebeest. Your adrenaline rush, and this is a trip worth the take.
How Does the Hot air balloon Work?
Your pilot will give brief safety measures before the departure and how to steel up when landing. The blaze from the burners ignites the crack of dawn with an uncanny tongue of the inferno. The basket is uplight and eager to take off in the purling sky. Once you climb to the balloon, an electrifying sensation overwhelms you.
The wind decides the direction the balloon should drift. It swings in the cold morning air of Serengeti plains. The unique experience allows you to travel to restricted vehicle areas. There is also a high concentration of animals that you can spot. Those that have taken the ride to validate Serengeti is a magnificent destination on the planet for a balloon flight.
Above the ground, there are no fences, power lines, and you can barely see the roads. It is a magical view as the jungle awakes and the wild animals gather. The pilot moderates the basket, and you can go lower just a few meters above the ground.
The scenery of the beautiful acacia woodlands, open savannah and dotted plains surrounds you. A spell of silence fills the air as you soar into the charming blue sky. Serengeti is an enormous, majestic place that has a diverse ecosystem. Apart from being famous for wildebeest migration, it grants visitors an unforgettable safari experience.
Watch elephants’ earflap and zebras run over the plains. Serengeti boasts thousands of eland, impala, topi, tower of giraffes, herds of buffalo, and grant gazelle. The predators are also in play hunting as the herbivores run for their survival.
The balloon operator handles the burners changing the height. Depending on the weather, the bucket can go at a lower distance providing a closer view of the wilderness, while at other times, the balloon would ascend to 300 meters and above. You get a unique encounter on every flight.
The pilot will navigate and decide when to land. Your balloon will kiss the earth, and the airship will gracefully keel. The euphoric experience doesn’t end here. You can toast fizzy champagne on a divine flight. A mouth-watering Out of Africa breakfast will be set under an acacia tree. The momentous climax wilderness experience is unlike any other.
When to go for a balloon flight?
It’s every man’s dream to fly on a hot air balloon. Serengeti offers the best hot air balloon safari experience. The weather is ideal, and throughout the year, you can go for these safaris. Nonetheless, during the wet seasons, the balloon safari is phenomenal. This is in November, mid-December, March, and June. There is rainfall at night and afternoon. It is dazzling in the morning, giving a picturesque game viewing.
The hot air balloon trip is also perfect in the dry seasons of June to October. You can witness spectacular Great Wildebeest migration in the wondrous sky. The weather conditions determine whether the flight will occur. If it is bucketing down or there is a blustery wind, your flight will be canceled, and you will receive a refund.
When do balloon rides take place?
Usually, the hot air balloon safari takes place in the wee hours. Prepare in the early morning before sunrise.
What is the duration that a balloon ride takes?
It takes around 1 hour.
How many people can the basket hold?
Expect other guests to take the flight with you. Usually, the balloons carry 12 to 16 people.
Is the Balloon safari safe? Can anyone take the balloon ride?
The hot-air balloons are properly serviced and maintained. The high prices counter these safety measures. There is an experienced team that ensures everything is intact.
Sadly, there are some restrictions. It is not recommended for pregnant women and kids under 7 years old. Individuals with health issues such as brittle bones, heart conditions, and reduced mobility are inapt to take the ride.
Which clothes are ideal for a balloon ride?
It can be a bit cold in the morning, but it gets warmer in the daytime. Wear a hat for sunrise and vigorous wind protection. Apply sunscreen to exposed skin. It is best to wear long-sleeve clothing. Do not forget to pack a camera or binoculars to capture the view.
Guests need to ascend to the balloon, be fit to fly and be healthy. Tourists with a fear of heights can enjoy the ride. The bearable average weight is 80kg/176lbs. Tourists that are above 120kg/ 265lbs can pay for two.
What to expect during a balloon ride?
You will be picked from your accommodation by the balloon operator. Then arrive at the launching area. From around 4 am to 5:30 am, you may be lucky enough to spot the nocturnal beasts like the civet cat crawling through the long grass. Before the sunrise, be ready to take off.
Usually, the basket dangles low on the Serengeti floor; it can go up slightly, but it’s only above the treetops. Admire the birds and the wildlife on your ride. Once the balloon lands, the operator will set up a delicious breakfast, and you can also have champagne. Later you will proceed to meet your safari guide.
Do I need to pay for the hot air balloon safari separately?
Yes, there are limited slots, and we suggest that you make an inquiry before your visit. The price of the ride varies depending on the operator. Nonetheless, it is around $500 to $600 per head.