Hot Air Balloon Safari
Hot Air Balloon Safari
As the hot-air balloon is inflated one last time, a sense of exhilaration surges through you. The morning air is crisp as you rise gently into the skies, leaving the vast savannahs of Tanzania or Kenya below. This adventure, designed for a select few, takes you far beyond the ordinary. From this unique vantage point, your hot-air balloon safari offers an unforgettable perspective that enhances the already diverse experiences of your Asilia safari.
Floating above the iconic landscapes of the Serengeti, Ruaha, the Masai Mara, or the red earth of Tarangire, the enormity of the wilderness unfolds beneath you. From high above, you gain a deeper appreciation for the expansive terrain and the epic journeys of the migrating herds. Witnessing the challenges that wildlife faces in their quest for survival, you capture breathtaking moments that are unparalleled in their beauty.
Timing is everything on a hot-air balloon safari. With the right conditions, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panorama of the world’s most extraordinary animal migration. Observing the vast herds from above brings their sheer numbers into focus, leaving you awestruck by the sight of 1.5 million wildebeest on the move. A hot-air balloon safari in Kenya and Tanzania is an experience that transcends the ordinary, adding an unforgettable dimension to your wildlife adventure.
The experience
Balloon safaris in the Serengeti are unforgettable, offering a serene and breathtaking way to witness the park’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. Flights are scheduled daily at 06:00 AM, with four launch sites across the park. The year-round launch site is near Seronera, while others operate seasonally: Ndutu (from December 25 to March 15), the Western Corridor (from June to October), and northern Serengeti (from July to October).
Although not inexpensive, a balloon safari is well worth the investment. As the sun rises and paints the horizon with soft hues, you’ll drift peacefully over the treetops, gaining a unique perspective of the Serengeti’s vast plains. Early morning departures increase your chances of spotting nocturnal predators as they retreat after a night of hunting. Throughout the flight, your skilled pilot will navigate the balloon at varying altitudes—sometimes soaring high to offer sweeping vistas, other times descending low to provide intimate views of the wildlife. The lower you go, the closer you get to capturing incredible aerial photos of the animals below. Highly experienced pilots often follow rivers and streams, allowing you to glide just meters above grunting hippos or wandering giraffes. The balloon’s journey is dictated by the wind, while a ground crew tracks your course, ready to meet you upon landing.
Hot air ballooning & the Great Migration
If witnessing the Great Migration from above is on your bucket list, booking a flight in the Ndutu area offers the best chance of seeing large herds of wildebeest and zebra as they gather between December and March. The other launch sites might also provide views of the migration, but remember that the herds are constantly on the move, and their presence in any specific area can be fleeting. A bit of luck is always needed when it comes to timing, but regardless of where you fly, the experience of a Serengeti balloon safari is nothing short of magical.













