Serengeti: Balloon Safari & Bush Breakfast with Sparkling Wine

Summary

Sunrise balloon rides, wild herds below and bush breakfast

You’ll float above Serengeti at sunrise on a hot air balloon safari with an experienced local pilot, spotting wildlife as daylight spreads across the plains. After landing, celebrate with sparkling wine and enjoy a full English bush breakfast under an acacia tree—an experience that lingers long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I still remember the way the grass smelled—cold and sharp, almost sweet—when we climbed into the balloon basket before dawn in Seronera. Our pilot, Joseph, joked that he’d been flying longer than I’d been alive (probably true), and his laugh made everyone relax. The burners roared to life and suddenly we were just drifting up, higher than the starlings, with the whole Serengeti waking up underneath us. Wildebeest looked like moving shadows at first. Someone pointed out a lioness stretched in the golden grass—I nearly missed her because my hands were shaking a bit from excitement (and okay, nerves).

The wind decided our route that morning; Joseph said every flight is different. We floated so low once I could see dew on the acacia leaves. Then we climbed again until you could actually see the curve of the horizon blushing pink and gold—hard to describe unless you’ve seen it yourself. There was this weird hush up there except for little bursts of laughter or someone whispering “look!” when they spotted something below. At some point I realized I hadn’t touched my camera for ages—I just wanted to watch.

Landing felt like a gentle bump back into reality. We toasted with sparkling wine right there in the bush (I spilled half my glass on my shoe) and then followed the smell of coffee to a table set under an acacia tree. The breakfast was proper English style—eggs, sausage, even baked beans—which felt oddly perfect after floating over Tanzania at sunrise. The guides swapped stories while we ate; one told me how sometimes giraffes wander right past their setup if you’re lucky. I keep thinking about that view from above—the quiet, the colors—and honestly, it’s hard not to smile when I do.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Serengeti balloon flight and breakfast

• Take early morning balloon flight
• Enjoy views of Serengeti wildlife
• Celebrate with champagne toast
• Have full English breakfast under acacia tree

Top questions

How long does the Serengeti balloon safari last?

The flight lasts about 1 hour, followed by breakfast on the ground.

Is breakfast included after the balloon ride?

Yes, a full English breakfast is served under an acacia tree after landing.

Where do balloon safaris operate in Serengeti?

Balloons fly in Seronera year-round; also seasonally in Kogatende, Ndutu, and Kiwarira.

Are children allowed on the Serengeti balloon safari?

No, children under 7 years old are not allowed.

Is sparkling wine included in the safari?

Yes, a sparkling wine toast is included after landing.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What time does the balloon safari start?

The tour starts before sunrise to catch early morning light over Serengeti.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

This information isn’t specified; check with your booking provider.

What’s included

Your day includes an early morning hot air balloon ride over Serengeti guided by an experienced local pilot, a sparkling wine toast upon landing, and a full English breakfast served outdoors beneath an acacia tree before returning to your lodge or camp.