Balloon Safaris in the Selous

Selous Balloon Safaris operate daily at dawn in the Selous Game Reserve . Launch is at 6.45am (sunrise) and the flight is for about one hour. Imagine sometimes floating gently at treetop height for unique views of wildlife and other times to 500’ or more to appreciate the panorama of this huge Game Reserve with its spectacular scenery, lakes and the mighty Rufiji River. With a maximum of eight passengers, this is a truly exclusive experience.

After landing, a champagne celebration followed by a special bush breakfast served ‘Out of Africa’ style under a nearby shady tree. After breakfast, a certificate ceremony for each new balloonist and then a game drive back to our take off site where guests are collected to continue with their days activities.
There is a special concession allowing passengers for the balloon to be transported through the reserve from 5am. All camps inside the reserve and most outside are able to access our take off site near Mbuyu camp. The prevailing winds generally take the balloon north and landing is usually in an area around Kinyanguru Hill.

Balloon Safari in the Serengeti

Balloon flights over the Serengeti add a different perspective to any safari as you soar in peace over the plains observing the wildlife below.
Flights depart early morning as dawn breaks and a champagne breakfast is served on landing.

Itinerary

5:00 am, Serengeti Balloon Safaris will collect you from your central Serengeti lodge or camp, and transfer you by Landrover to the launch site near Maasai Kopjes. Here you will meet your pilot, receive a briefing and watch the inflation of your balloon.

At dawn take off, rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning dictate. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below and the panorama of the Serengeti. From time to time the pilot must put more heat into the balloon with the powerful whisper burners. In between these burns, there is silence apart from the natural sounds below.

The flight is for about one hour depending on conditions, on landing you celebrate in the traditional manner with champagne (well, an excellent sparkling wine), before sitting down to a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in 'Out of Africa' style with bone china, linen table cloths, King's silver etc.

After breakfast you receive your Serengeti Balloon certificate and drive back to Seronera Lodge game viewing enroute. 9:30 am Arrive at Seronera ready to continue your day's activities.

Conditions are generally favorable year round in Serengeti and we fly throughout the year depending on weather

The ‘long rains’ traditionally arrive late March to early June & the ‘short rains’ November to mid December. The great migration passes through the central Serengeti during the green seasons. At these times it USUALLY rains late afternoon and during the night. The mornings are USUALLY bright and clear with gentle winds (great ballooning weather!). The landscape is lush and green and dust free.

No children under the age of 7. There is no upper age limit, however passengers must be reasonably mobile and prepared for an adventure.

Cost $400 p.p.

For further information see www.balloonsafaris.com