Have questions? We're here.
Talk with an expert
Build your ideal Tanzania trip. Call 1.406.541.2677
Start Planning My Trip

Balloon Safaris and the Unofficial Night Game Drive

Hot air balloon safaris are offered in many places in Tanzania – Tarangire, Serengeti, Ruaha, Grumeti,  and more. I had never been in a balloon before, so I made sure to add this to my itinerary.  My balloon safari was operated by Serengeti Balloon Safaris in Seronera (central Serengeti). 
Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park
Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)


It is well known that night game drives are forbidden in Serengeti National Park, but there is one way around this.  If you stay at a camp that is far from the launch site, you will get an early morning drive from your lodge to the launch site.  I was picked up at 4:00 AM and had 1.5 hours in the safari vehicle before arriving.  We saw hippos running along the road, rhinos browsing and a plethora of nighttime creatures you won’t see during the day.  I mentioned to the driver that this is the unofficial night game drive of the Serengeti and he snickered.  That in and of itself was worth it!
Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park
Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)

Bush Breakfast after balloon safari - Serengeti National Park
Bush Breakfast after balloon safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)


Once we arrived to the launch site, we had the most stunning sunrise I have ever experienced in my life.  We snacked on cookies and coffee while the crew inflated two huge balloons.  After our briefing, we were airborne for almost 2 hours.  We soared over the ground, watching ungulates as they ran below us.  It was peaceful, serene, and exciting all at once. 
On the ground, we had a champagne toast followed by an extensive bush breakfast in an idyllic location.  All of this before 10 AM!  I would recommend a balloon safari to anyone with even the slightest interest.  I’m even afraid of heights and I found it worth swallowing my fear for the first few minutes.  Once I settled it, I realized it might be the highlight of my entire trip. 

Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park
Hot air balloon safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)

Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park
Hot Air Balloon Safari - Serengeti National Park (Kassandra Magruder)

Tanzania Travel Guide

Favorite Tanzania All Trips

Top Tanzania Travel Destinations

Tanzania Trips by Departure Date

Top Experiences in Tanzania

Tanzania Trips by Duration

Tanzania Trips by Activity

More Reasons

Why Travel With Adventure Life

All News

Recognized By