Balloon Safari In Serengeti National Park
Balloon Safari In Serengeti National Park : Is It Worth It? Serengeti National Park is one of the top bucket list destinations in Africa on a list of most travelers looking for a wildlife safari experience, Serengeti is most famous for its wondrous array of wildlife, stunning landscapes, nature and enchanting lakes making a true jewel of Africa.
Serengeti National Park is a massive national park spanning a massive 30,000 square kilometers, in the park there are so much to see and do while on your Tanzania safari.
There is no other best way to explore and experience the wilderness of Serengeti national park than on a balloon safari which offers an ultimate vantage point – in the air. A balloon safari in Serengeti National Park offers the best and more exhilarating way to see and experience Africa’s landscapes and animals.
Hot air balloon is an experience of a lifetime as you rise with sun and gently sail through the air in whichever direction the winds of the morning take you, witnessing the herds of wildebeests, towers of giraffes and a large pride of lion running across the plains of Serengeti national park just a few hundred meters below with your eye darting to every possible corner is spellbinding. Definitely balloon safari in Serengeti national park is worth it and of the must do Tanzania safari activites in Serengeti national park.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The are several hot air balloon safari companies in Serengeti National Park, pre-booking this spectacular safari activity for your Serengeti Safari holiday is recommended. Note that, balloon safari cannot be organized on the day you wish to do and due to the reliance on favorable weather. The experience is not offered throughout the year.
Hot air balloon currently costs around USD 500 to USD 600 which covers the ride, a champagne toast after the landing and a delicious bush breakfast with options of vegan. Vegetarians.
The price for hot air balloon is relatively high due to high cost of maintaining and servicing the balloons as well as the rest of the pre and post – launch activities including launching and recovery as well as the road transport to and from the launch site.
Each balloon also requires a licensed pilot and a formidable team of around 20. Note that because of the weight of the balloon is crucial safety consideration, passengers who weigh over 120 kilos (265 pounds) may need to reserve two places.
Because of the above factors, it might be too pricey for budget and standard travelers. However, if you are within your means, the feeling and experience when you are up in the sky over the plains of Serengeti and looking down at the incredible scene below is priceless.
So, balloon safari in Serengeti is 100% worth it.
The balloon used on this safari experience are huge and the compartmented comfy baskets can accommodate from 8 to 16 people for each voyage depending on the size. At the time of writing this article, only children over seven years old are allowed to trip and they must be accompanied by an adult.
WHEN TO GO
The best time to go for balloon safari in Serengeti is during the dry season running from June to October, this is the ideal time for a hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti. During the rainy months of March, April and May, some balloon safari companies in Serengeti national park will still offer balloon flight, however the flights are dependent on the weather.
If it is too rainy or windy, the flight will be canceled and your payment will be fully refunded. If you still have ample time left for your holiday, the flight will be rescheduled to another day.
What makes the dry season, the perfect time for a hot balloon is that you will be able to witness the Great Migration as you float above this wondrous spectacle meaning you will be getting a treat of a lifetime.
WHAT TO PACK
Your packing list for a balloon safari in Serengeti National Park include
- Binoculars and DSLR Camera to capture the majestic sights below
- Wear comfortable clothes and wrap up in a few extra layers as it is normally chilly before and during the ride, though it does get warmer later
WHAT TO EXPECT
Pick up for a hot air balloon safari experience in Serengeti national park is at early dawn usually around 5:00 Am, you could grab a coffee and a light breakfast before departing your lodge. On your way as you head to the launch site, you may spot nocturnal animals that you cannot encounter at any other time of the day.
The pilot will give you a pre-launch safety briefing as the balloon is being inflated, flight time is approximately 1 hour and the balloon can ascend up to 1000 ft exposing the vast magnificence and spectacular panorama of the Serengeti below. The pilot of the balloon can precisely control the altitude of your balloon, sometimes flying at treetop height so you can see animals at close quarters.
Upon landing, you will be treated to a champaign reception toasting to long life, after the you will have a splendid bush breakfast in the middle of Serengeti’s plains marking the end of the most thrilling safari experiences ever.
