Serengeti: Balloon Safari & Bush Breakfast with Champagne

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride over Serengeti plains with wild breakfast

You’ll start before sunrise with hot drinks at the launch site, then float over Serengeti’s wildlife as dawn breaks—coffee in hand—with your local pilot guiding you to hidden animals below. After landing, celebrate with champagne and a bush breakfast under open skies before heading back to your safari or lodge.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how cold the grass felt on my ankles as we walked out in the half-dark — not what I expected from Tanzania, honestly. The launch site was already buzzing, people clutching coffee cups, faces lit by the orange flicker of burners. Our pilot, Daniel, handed me a tea (so welcome at 5:45 am) and joked about his “balloon hair” — which made everyone laugh even though none of us were fully awake yet.

I didn’t realize how huge those balloons are until you’re standing right next to one as it inflates. The sound is this deep whoosh, almost like a dragon breathing. We climbed in just as the sun started to show up behind the acacia trees. And then—suddenly—quiet. Floating above the Serengeti is nothing like being in a plane; it’s slow and weirdly peaceful. Giraffes looked like little chess pieces moving below us, and Daniel pointed out a line of elephants heading for water. He knew exactly where to look for lions (I missed them at first — they blend in so well), and passed around binoculars so we wouldn’t miss anything.

There was this moment when he poured us coffee mid-flight — yes, actual coffee in the sky — and I remember thinking: this is probably the only time I’ll ever drink coffee while floating over wildebeest herds. The landing was softer than I expected (my heart still thumped), and then suddenly we were on the ground again, laughing about our “balloon legs.” Someone popped open champagne (apparently that’s tradition), and it tasted extra sharp in the morning air.

Breakfast was set up under a thorn tree, tablecloth flapping a bit in the breeze. Eggs cooked right there, fresh fruit—honestly, everything tasted better surrounded by all that space and golden light. A birthday group got cake; we all sang along even though most of us didn’t know each other’s names yet. They gave us these certificates at the end—I tucked mine into my backpack but kept glancing at it later on the drive back through Serengeti. Sometimes you don’t realize how big a place can feel until you see it from above.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Serengeti Balloon Safari and Breakfast

• Arrive at launch site at 5:45 AM
• Enjoy refreshments and pilot briefing
• Watch balloon inflation and take photos
• Take off at sunrise over Serengeti
• Fly over Serengeti spotting wildlife
• Celebrate landing with champagne toast
• Have bush breakfast in the wild
• Receive adventure certificate
• Meet drivers for onward transfers

Top questions

What time does the Serengeti balloon safari start?

The tour begins with arrival at the launch site around 5:45 AM for refreshments before takeoff at sunrise.

How long is the hot air balloon flight over Serengeti?

The balloon safari lasts approximately one hour from takeoff to landing.

Is breakfast included after the balloon safari?

Yes, a bush breakfast with freshly prepared dishes is served after landing in the Serengeti.

Are hotel transfers included for this tour?

Yes, transport from your accommodation to the launch site is included.

Can special occasions be celebrated during this experience?

Yes, birthdays or anniversaries can be celebrated with cake during breakfast if requested.

Is there a weight or height limit for participants?

This tour is not suitable for people above 120 kilograms or under 120 cm tall.

Will I get help spotting wildlife during the flight?

Your pilot provides guided assistance and binoculars are available during the balloon safari.

Is champagne served after landing?

Yes, there is a traditional champagne celebration upon landing in the Serengeti.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning pickup from your lodge or camp to reach the Serengeti launch site before sunrise, tea and coffee while watching balloons inflate, a one-hour guided balloon safari with binoculars provided for wildlife spotting, traditional champagne toast after landing, followed by a full bush breakfast served right out on the plains—including special celebrations if needed—plus return transfer to your driver or onward game drive afterwards.