Tarangire: Balloon Safari & Bush Breakfast with Champagne

Summary

Sunrise balloon ride over Tarangire then wild breakfast

You’ll drift above Tarangire at sunrise in a hot air balloon, guided by an expert pilot who helps you spot wildlife from above. After landing softly on the savannah, celebrate with a champagne toast and enjoy a freshly prepared bush breakfast surrounded by wild views. It’s not just about what you see—it’s how it feels to float in that hush before the world wakes up.

What’s the experience like?

Is it weird that I was nervous about the silence? I’d pictured the hot air balloon ride over Tarangire as noisy or even bumpy, but when we lifted off—just as the sun started to leak gold across the grass—it was so quiet that I could hear my own heartbeat. Our pilot, Joseph, had this calm way of pointing out things below: a line of elephants moving like slow shadows, giraffes picking at acacia trees. The air smelled faintly smoky from the burners, but mostly just clean and cool—like early morning before anyone else is awake.

I tried to take photos but kept getting distracted by everything happening below us. Wildebeest herds looked like spilled pepper on the pale ground. Joseph handed me binoculars and quietly told me to look for lions near a cluster of rocks—I didn’t see them at first, but then there they were, just lying around like it was no big deal. Someone in our group laughed when I gasped (I guess I’m not subtle). There was coffee up there too—actual coffee in the sky—which felt both fancy and surreal at the same time.

Landing was softer than I expected. We all sort of clapped awkwardly and then got whisked away for this bush breakfast under a thorn tree. There was champagne (I still have no idea why that’s tradition but hey, I’m not complaining), eggs cooked right there, fruit that tasted sharper than anything back home. The guides sang happy birthday for one of the guests—off-key but sweet—and handed out certificates with our names spelled perfectly (which honestly surprised me because nobody ever gets mine right). Afterward, we just sat around for a while watching zebras wander past until our drivers came to collect us. I keep thinking about that quiet up in the air—it’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hot air balloon safari and breakfast

• Arrive at launch site around 5:45 AM
• Enjoy refreshments and pilot briefing
• Watch balloon inflation and take photos
• Take off at sunrise over Tarangire
• Fly for one hour 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 Tarangire balloon safari start?

The tour begins with arrival at the launch site around 5:45 AM.

Is hotel pickup included for the Tarangire balloon safari?

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

How long is the hot air balloon flight over Tarangire?

The scenic flight lasts approximately one hour over Tarangire.

What animals can you see during the balloon safari?

You may spot elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, lions, and more.

Is breakfast included after landing?

Yes, a bush breakfast is served after your flight in Tarangire.

Do they celebrate special occasions like birthdays?

Yes, birthdays or anniversaries are celebrated with cake during breakfast.

Is there a weight or height limit for participants?

The tour is not suitable for people under 120cm or over 120kg.

Can pregnant travelers join this balloon safari?

No, pregnant travelers are not recommended to participate.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup and transport to the launch site where you’ll have tea or coffee before takeoff. The hot air balloon safari comes with guided wildlife spotting using binoculars provided onboard. After landing, enjoy a traditional champagne toast and a freshly prepared bush breakfast in Tarangire—with celebrations for special occasions—and receive a certificate marking your adventure before your driver takes you onward.