Extraordinary Hot air Bolloon ride in Serengeti | Burigi Chato Safaris CO L.T.D

The best part of this Serengeti balloon safari is the change in viewpoint. From the basket, the plains open out below you, with morning light, herds of wildebeest, and the chance of spotting lions, elephants, giraffes, or other wildlife. I like the quiet pace of the flight and the excellent finish: champagne followed by a full English breakfast served in the bush.

I also like that pickup and drop-off are included, along with the flight, breakfast, taxes, and an air-conditioned vehicle. The main drawback is the price, $710 per person, and the early start. Weather can also cancel the flight, especially during heavy rain or strong winds.

Key points to know before booking

• Sunrise flight over the Serengeti: The balloon rises as the day begins, offering broad views that are very different from a vehicle safari.
• Wildlife from above: You may see wildebeest herds and Big Five animals below, with migration sightings possible at the right time and with good luck.
• About one hour in the air: The full outing lasts roughly 1 hour 30 minutes, including the flight, landing, breakfast, certificate, and return transfer.
• Bush breakfast included: After landing, you celebrate with champagne and sit down to a full English breakfast with linen and traditional table settings.
• Weather controls the schedule: Flights are most reliable in the dry season from June to October, while rain and wind may stop takeoff.
• Pickup from the Seronera area: The stated transfer covers Seronera Hotel or camp, but confirm your exact pickup time because the details list both 5:00 a.m. collection and a 7:00 a.m. start.

Leaving Seronera before sunrise

Your morning begins at about 5:00 a.m., when the BURIGI CHATO SAFARIS CO L.T.D guide collects you from your lodge in the Serengeti. The supplied meeting information lists Seronera as the start point and 7:00 a.m. as the activity start time, so I would confirm the exact pickup hour when booking. Balloon operations depend on dawn, and the early collection is part of the experience rather than a minor detail.

You travel to the Maasai Copjes, where you meet the pilot and receive a safety briefing. This is also where you watch the balloon being prepared. The description does not name the guide or pilot, so you should not expect a particular staff member unless the company confirms one directly.

The early transfer has two practical advantages. First, it gets you into position for the sunrise flight. Second, it gives you a chance to see the Serengeti at its coolest and quietest time of day. The tradeoff is simple: you need to be ready before dawn, and a lodge breakfast will not be part of your morning because the main meal comes after landing.

Watching the balloon rise at Maasai Copjes

A balloon safari starts with a little ceremony. The balloon is inflated, the basket is prepared, and the pilot explains what to expect before takeoff. You will not be driving toward a set animal sighting. The balloon moves with the morning air currents, so the route is guided by wind rather than a fixed itinerary.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal. A vehicle can follow tracks and change direction, but a balloon gives you a broad view of the Serengeti from above. The pilot can control the altitude, sometimes flying at treetop height and sometimes lower, according to conditions. This creates changing views and different chances for photographs.

You should keep your expectations sensible. A balloon does not guarantee a close-up of a lion or a perfect view of the migration. Wildlife sightings depend on season, weather, animal movement, and luck. Still, the elevated position can reveal large herds and patterns across the plains that are difficult to see from ground level.

One hour of quiet aerial game viewing

The flight lasts about one hour, depending on conditions. The balloon gently follows the wind, giving you time to look in every direction rather than rushing from one sighting to the next.

The most impressive feature is scale. The Serengeti can feel vast from a safari vehicle, but from a basket you see the plains stretching in all directions. Sunrise adds changing light to the scene, and the balloon’s slow movement gives you a calm setting for photography.

The supplied information specifically points to wildebeest and Big Five sightings from the air. You might see lions, elephants, giraffes, or other animals, as one of the published accounts describes. The great migration is also possible at the right time of year, but it should be treated as a bonus, not a promise.

The dry season, from June through October, is identified as the best period for this activity. That does not guarantee a flight or wildlife sightings, but it usually offers the most suitable conditions according to the tour details. March, April, and May can still have balloon flights, though rain and wind become more important concerns.

This is also a good point to consider what you want from a safari. If you want to spend hours tracking one animal on the ground, a standard vehicle outing may offer more control. If you want a wide view of the Serengeti and a special sunrise setting, the balloon adds something a vehicle cannot provide.

Landing, champagne, and breakfast in the bush

After about an hour in the air, the balloon lands and the experience shifts from sightseeing to celebration. Champagne is served in the traditional manner, followed by a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush.

The breakfast setup is described with linen tablecloths and silver service, giving the meal a formal feel despite the open-air setting. This is more than a quick snack after an early flight. It is the main meal of the morning and one of the strongest value points in the package.

One published account specifically praised the hot, substantial breakfast. That matters because you leave your lodge very early and may spend a long time out before returning. If you are choosing between a basic balloon flight and this fuller format, the meal and ceremony help explain part of the higher price.

The timing after landing is not stated precisely, so allow flexibility in your morning plans. The full activity lasts approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, but the balloon flight itself is about one hour. Breakfast, certification, and the return drive add to the total.

Returning to Seronera with a certificate

After breakfast, you receive a certificate and drive back to your lodge. The activity ends at the meeting point, and pickup and drop-off at Seronera Hotel or camp are included.

The certificate is a small detail, but it makes sense as a keepsake for a special morning. You may also continue with the scheduled safari program for the day, though you should leave enough room between your return and any fixed departure. The exact return time is not provided, and balloon operations can change with wind, landing conditions, and the morning’s route.

The included air-conditioned vehicle is useful in practical terms, especially after the early start. It also means you are not responsible for arranging a separate transfer to the launch area or back to your accommodation, provided your lodge is within the stated pickup area.

Is $710 a fair price?

At $710 per person, this is a major addition to a Tanzania safari budget. I would not call it a casual extra. The value comes from the complete morning rather than only the time in the air.

Your price includes:

• The balloon flight
• Pickup and drop-off
• An air-conditioned vehicle
• Breakfast
• All fees and taxes
• Champagne after landing
• A certificate

The flight itself lasts about one hour, but the morning includes the transfer, pilot briefing, balloon preparation, aerial wildlife viewing, landing celebration, bush breakfast, and return journey. If the flight is a priority for you, the package is easier to justify because it combines transport and the post-flight meal instead of leaving those arrangements to you.

The price is harder to justify if you are traveling on a tight budget or already have several expensive safari activities planned. A vehicle safari gives you more hours in the park and more control over where you go. The balloon is best seen as a special occasion experience, not the most economical way to see wildlife.

Group discounts are available, which may make the cost more manageable for families or larger parties. The activity can accept up to 49 participants, so ask about the expected group size if a quieter or more personal flight matters to you. The supplied information gives the maximum, not the usual number.

Weather, seasons, and the chance of cancellation

Weather is the main uncertainty. During heavy rain or strong winds, the balloon cannot take off. Flights may still operate in March, April, and May, but the final decision depends on conditions on the day.

The dry season from June to October is presented as the ideal period. Even then, you should avoid treating the flight as guaranteed. Balloon travel requires suitable wind and weather, and safety must come before the planned schedule.

The cancellation terms are generous if your plans change early. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. A cancellation made less than 24 hours in advance is not refunded, and changes inside that period are not accepted.

The practical lesson is to avoid placing this activity on the same morning as an important onward connection. Local and international flights are not included, and the operator does not cover travel insurance or medical insurance. Hotel accommodation before or after the safari is also separate.

Who will enjoy this Serengeti flight most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a memorable centerpiece for a Serengeti stay. It suits couples, families, photographers, and anyone who values the feeling of seeing the plains from a completely different angle.

It is also a strong choice if your safari already includes regular vehicle drives. The balloon does not replace those drives. Instead, it adds a broad aerial view, sunrise light, and a more ceremonial morning with champagne and breakfast.

You may want to skip it if you dislike very early starts, have a strict budget, or prefer activities with a fixed route. You should also think carefully if you need guaranteed accessibility details. Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate, but the information does not explain basket access, mobility arrangements, or other specific requirements.

The experience is suitable for most participants, but anyone with particular medical or mobility concerns should discuss those needs with the operator before booking. The general statement that most people can participate is not a substitute for personal advice.

Booking advice for the best morning

I would first confirm three details: the exact pickup time, the launch location, and the expected group size. The information gives both a 5:00 a.m. lodge collection and a 7:00 a.m. start, so these times may refer to different parts of the operation. Clear timing will help you plan sleep, meals, and the rest of your safari day.

Next, check the weather policy and your backup plans. The free cancellation window applies up to 24 hours before the start, but weather decisions close to departure may not fit neatly into your wider itinerary. Ask how a weather cancellation is handled before you commit other costly arrangements.

Bring your camera, but keep your expectations realistic. The pilot may fly at different heights, and the balloon follows the wind. You could see herds below, but the exact route and animals cannot be promised.

Finally, make sure the pickup point is covered. The stated area is Seronera, with collection from Seronera Hotel or camp. If you are staying elsewhere in the Serengeti, confirm the transfer rather than assuming it is included.

Should you book this balloon safari?

Book it if you want one polished, memorable morning that combines sunrise, wildlife, and a bush breakfast. The aerial view is the real reason to go, while the champagne, silver service, and certificate turn the flight into a special occasion.

Skip it if $710 would force you to cut more valuable safari time elsewhere. The price is high, and neither the migration nor a Big Five sighting is guaranteed. For the right budget and the right weather, though, this is a distinctive way to experience the Serengeti, especially during the June to October dry season.

FAQ

Where does the hot-air balloon safari start?

The stated start point is Seronera, Tanzania. Pickup is offered from a lodge in the Serengeti, with Seronera Hotel or camp listed for pickup and drop-off.

What time does the activity begin?

The meeting information lists a 7:00 a.m. start, while the itinerary says lodge collection begins at 5:00 a.m. Confirm your exact pickup time when booking.

How long is the balloon flight?

The aerial game-viewing portion lasts about one hour, depending on conditions. The full activity takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, including the related arrangements.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. A full English breakfast is served in the bush after landing, along with champagne. Breakfast is included in the price.

Can I see the great migration from the balloon?

You might see the migration at the right time of year and with good luck. A migration sighting is not guaranteed.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The balloon cannot take off during heavy rain or strong winds. Flights may still operate during March, April, and May, but conditions determine whether the flight goes ahead.

What does the $710 price include?

The price includes the balloon flight, breakfast, all fees and taxes, an air-conditioned vehicle, and pickup and drop-off. Flights, visas, accommodation, tipping, and travel insurance are not included.