How Much Does the Hot Air Balloon Cost in Serengeti
How Much Does the Hot Air Balloon Cost in Serengeti?
Flying across the Serengeti on a hot air balloon is far from your standard sightseeing experience. Rather, it is one to be remembered. Drifting over the infinite plains in the morning, observing waves of wildebeest migrate through the grassland, and observing lions from high above is an experience few experience. But what does it cost?
Setting Price Expectations
A Serengeti hot air balloon safari’s cost is largely dependent on the season, operator, and whether you are going for the whole package or not. If you are okay with the standard experience, you can expect to spend approximately $500 up to $650 per person.
Why the Price?
Hot air ballooning isn’t a typical safari, mainly because it involves extremely specialized gear, highly trained pilots, and extensive logistics. Here’s what your money buys:
1- Pilot and Crew: Balloon pilots undergo a lot of training and need to be licensed, and the ground crew takes care of a smooth landing and setup.
2- Maintenance of Balloon and Fuel: The balloons are given serious care, and propane fuel consumed on a single journey is significant.
3- National Park Fees: Serengeti National Park charges fees to balloon operators, which are already incorporated in the ticket price.
4- Champagne Breakfast: Most operators offer a bush breakfast in full upon landing, with champagne, which is customary ballooning tradition.
5- Hotel Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at your camp or lodge is often included in packages.
Seasonal Price Differences
Season also has an impact on cost. Throughout peak migration period (June through October), fares usually are higher toward the range in response to large demand. Should you take advantage of being here during low season, partaking operators tend to provide little in the form of discounts, yet the adjustment will typically not be significant.
Operators and Prices
There are numerous companies carrying on balloon safaris in Serengeti with their prices and packages respectively:
1- Serengeti Balloon Safaris – An older and more established provider, their prices usually begin at around $599 per person.
2- Miracle Experience – A more high-end version of the experience, costing around $620–$650 per person.
3- Adventurer Balloon Safaris – A newer company, occasionally having lower prices in the $500–$550 range.
Is It Worth It?
Initially, the cost can appear too much, yet the experience cannot be matched. Taking a ride on a hot air balloon presents an opportunity to observe wildlife in an entirely unique manner—one no game drive can hope to beat. The stillness, the broad vistas, and the private experience make it worth being placed on a life-list.
Book in Advance Tips
1- Book Early: Balloon safaris are very much in demand, particularly during the high season.
2- Discount Check: Certain tour packages come with hot air balloon rides bundled into the package price, and this could end up costing you less.
3- Confirm the Inclusions: Check if park fees, breakfast, and transfers are included in the price.
If you have been looking forward to a trip to the Serengeti and debating whether to splurge on a balloon safari, you can be sure that it is so much more than the simple ride. It is like being right in a moment suspended in time, floating above one of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.
