In addition to the beautiful and one-of-a-kind game driving central to any wildlife safari, there is a wealth of other activities available to enhance your experience. A Pristine Trails safari is designed specifically around you and your party’s interests and can therefore include any number of these. We will be highlighting some of these experiences over the coming weeks, starting with the magical hot air balloon safari over the plains of Serengeti National Park. (Explore our other exclusive Tanzania Travel Add-Ons.)
Hot Air Balloon Flight in Tanzania
A balloon ride over the Serengeti’s vast savannah plains offers a spectacle as rich and varied as any game drive — perhaps even more so. From the open sky, you gain a broader, more tranquil perspective of the landscape, far beyond the reach of safari tracks and vehicle windows. It’s a peaceful, majestic way to absorb the sheer scale and beauty of this iconic national park.
Balloon safaris are available in several locations across the Serengeti, with year-round departures from the Seronera region. Seasonal launch sites shift in response to the movement of the wildebeest migration, giving guests the best possible chance of witnessing this natural wonder from the air.
Your adventure begins in the early morning, well before sunrise, with a pick-up from your lodge or camp. You’ll travel to the balloon launch site, where you’ll meet your pilot and ground crew. A full safety briefing is provided before boarding. The large, sturdy basket is sectioned into compartments and can carry up to 16 guests (with fewer during certain periods, such as the Covid-19 pandemic, for added spacing and comfort).
Takeoff coincides with the break of dawn, and as the balloon slowly rises, the golden light spills across the plains. The flight, led by the winds, drifts gently over the Serengeti — no two journeys are ever the same. From this aerial vantage point, you may spot elephants browsing, giraffes moving gracefully across the land, or even predators on the hunt as the day begins. All the while, your pilot interprets the sights unfolding below and adjusts altitude to follow the best views.
After roughly an hour in the sky, you’ll descend back to earth, where a traditional champagne toast awaits — a celebratory nod to the early days of ballooning. From there, you’ll be escorted to a specially prepared bush breakfast. Served fresh and hot in the open air, it’s an experience as memorable as the flight itself.
Once breakfast concludes, your Pristine Trails guide will meet you at the landing site. From here, you’ll continue with your day’s game drive — enriched, no doubt, by the unforgettable experience of seeing the Serengeti from above.
Ready to begin your adventure in Tanzania? Browse our example Tanzania Safari Itineraries.
