Shine Balloon Safaris Tanzania

Shine Balloon Safaris Tanzania is a unique and thrilling way to experience the wildlife and scenery of the beautiful Serengeti National Park, known for the Great Migration, a massive annual movement of wildlife, particularly wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles, across the park’s vast plains. It’s also known for its diverse and abundant wildlife, including the Big Five (lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos, and buffalo) and river valleys.

Hot Air Balloon safaris are a popular activity for people of all ages. They are a great way to get up close and personal with the African wildlife and to experience the beauty of the African landscape from a unique perspective.

Shine Balloon Safaris start early in the morning, before sunrise, when you are picked up from your lodge or camp and driven to Kogatende, Seronera or Ndutu launch site. There, you can enjoy the welcome coffee as you listen to the safety briefing from the pilots. You will then board the basket and get ready for the lift-off.

The flight lasts about one hour, depending on the wind direction and speed. You will soar over the park at different altitudes, from a few meters above the ground to hundreds of meters in the air. You will enjoy a spectacular view of the landscape, the sunrise, and the animals below.

You might see elephants grazing, lions hunting, giraffes browsing, or zebras running. The landing is usually smooth and gentle, but sometimes it can be bumpy. Don’t worry, the pilots are very experienced and skilled.

After landing, you will be greeted by a champagne toast and a delicious bush breakfast. You will also receive a certificate to commemorate your flight. This is a great way to relax and reflect on your unforgettable experience.

Here are some of the highlights of taking a Hot Air Balloon safari:

✓ You will have a unique and unforgettable experience that you will never forget
✓ You will get a bird’s-eye view of the African landscape, which is truly breathtaking
✓ You will experience the peace and tranquility of floating silently over the savannah
✓ You will have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife, including some of the big five

Some things to bring along during the safari are comfortable walking shoes, a small bag to keep your belongings, a camera, binoculars, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. You should also dress warmly, as it can be chilly in the morning.

2025 Shine Balloon Safaris Tanzania Prices Include;

Rates include government taxes VAT 18% and a 50 US Dollars concession fee, Bush breakfast, Champagne, and transport from lodges or camps game root dropping back to Visitor Centre

Children

We will only fly children over 5 years of age whose height exceeds 1.4 meters. Persons under the age of 18 (minors) will only fly when accompanied by a responsible adult appointed by their parent(s) or guardian.

Shine Balloon Safaris Tanzania offers unforgettable luxury Hot Air Balloon flights across one of Tanzania’s most iconic national parks: The Serengeti. The journey begins before dawn, around 4:30 to 5:00 a.m., with pick-up from your lodge or camp.

Upon arrival at the launch site, guests are welcomed with a hot cup of coffee while the balloons are inflated. As the sun peeks above the horizon, you lift off gently into the skies, witnessing the early stirrings of Africa’s wildlife below: lions, elephants, giraffes, antelopes, and more. The flight lasts about an hour, guided by prevailing winds.

From treetop skimming to soaring thousands of feet high, the balloon’s changing altitude offers both intimate and sweeping views of the landscape. During the flight, your pilot will share fascinating insights into the region’s wildlife, geography, and local culture. 

After landing, the celebration continues with a traditional champagne toast. Guests are then treated to a luxury bush breakfast in the wild. To mark the occasion, each passenger receives a personalized Shine Balloon Safaris Flight Certificate. Transfers back to your lodge or onward to your next safari adventure are all handled by Shine Balloon Safaris vehicles.

Locations

Shine Balloon Safaris Tanzania operates in the Serengeti—one of Tanzania’s most breathtaking and wildlife-rich national parks. From the open plains and acacia woodlands to meandering rivers and hippo-filled pools, the landscape offers a stunning vista from above, providing a truly unique and magical ballooning experience.

Flight Schedule & Launch Sites

Flights are scheduled daily and typically take off at 6:30 a.m., just in time to catch the first golden rays of sunrise. Passengers are picked up from nearby lodges and camps within a reasonable distance of the launch sites. Weather conditions are generally ideal in the early morning, offering the most stable flying conditions.

All balloon rides are launched from the 3 designated Shine Balloon Safaris Take-Off Fields (Kogatende, Seronera & Ndutu) with guests receiving safety briefings before boarding. The entire experience, from pick-up to return, takes approximately five hours, allowing plenty of time to join other safari activities afterward.

Pilots & Safety

Shine Balloon Safaris experienced pilots and ground crew are fully certified and hold Commercial Balloon Pilot Licenses issued by the Tanzania Civil Aviation Authority (TCAA). Each pilot has logged thousands of flight hours and undergoes annual evaluations. Some of Nyssa’s crew have flown across three different countries, with careers spanning 18+ years—a testament to their skill and safety record.

Fleet & Capacity

Shine Balloon Safaris Tanzania operates large hot air balloons, each designed with the signature Shine Balloon Safaris colour scheme and capable of carrying up to 16 passengers each morning. Every flight is designed to feel exclusive, luxurious, and personal.

1. Do I need to book in advance?

We strongly recommend that you book in advance with African Spice Safaris to secure your spot. We have limited capacity and this exclusive adventure is frequently fully booked.

2. How much does it cost?

Request for rates at the time of booking to enjoy a discount. Prices are inclusive of all fees & taxes. The balloon safari price may vary due to exchange rates, local taxes etc.

3. When is the best time of year for ballooning in Serengeti?

We are fortunate that the weather in the Serengeti is suitable for ballooning almost every day of the year.

4. What about the ‘rainy seasons’?

The ‘long rains’ (late March to early June) & the ‘short rains’ (November to mid-December). The great migration passes through Central Serengeti during the green seasons.

At these times it USUALLY rains late afternoon and during the night. Mornings are USUALLY bright and clear with gentle winds (ideal ballooning weather!). The landscape is lush, green, and dust-free (yes, your vehicle may get stuck in the mud – but our balloon won’t!)

5. Are there any restrictions?

Yes, we do not carry children under the age of 3 years. There is no upper age limit, however, passengers must be reasonably mobile, fit to fly, and prepared for an adventure.

Ballooning is not suitable for pregnant ladies, people with mobility, or health conditions (heart conditions, brittle bones, neck or back conditions). Passengers must be able to bend their knees, hold on to rope handles with both hands for take-off and landing, and be able to climb into and out of the basket.

Balloon passenger weights are calculated at an average of 80 kg. Passengers weighing 50% + more than this (i.e. 120 kg / 265 lbs / 19 stone) may be charged for two places.

6. I am on an organized safari with a set itinerary. Can I do this?

Yes, as long as you are staying at any of the central Serengeti lodges or camps or (seasonally) in any of the western corridor lodges/ camps or (again seasonally) at any Serengeti South lodges or camps or those in the Ndutu area.

We collect you before the flight from your lodge/ camp early morning and return you to the rendezvous point at 0945 hours to join the rest of your party & continue your day’s activities

 7. What should I wear? What should I bring?

It can be cool in the early morning, but often warm later, therefore a jacket or sweater that can be removed later is a good idea. A hat is recommended (bald guests) as radiant heat from the burners can be uncomfortable.

We suggest long trousers, long sleeves, preferably in natural fibers, and stout shoes. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars. You can bring a camera bag or a small backpack with you in the balloon.

8. Why is ballooning expensive?

Balloon baskets cost the same as a big Mercedes but only last a few hundred hours. They use a significant amount of fuel per flight and involve a minimum crew of 6 men plus a professional pilot to get it in the air plus a further 10 employees behind the scenes for each balloon.

In addition, there are the retrieving vehicles, logistics, backup, etc.  We operate in a remote area.  There is a very substantial sum in the form of concession fees for every passenger to Tanzania National Parks towards conservation funds.

Mobile: + 254-721-242-711
WhatsApp: +254-721-242-711
Reservations: +254 718-179-967
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://africanspicesafaris.com