The Serengeti is one of the seven natural wonders of Africa and one of the ten natural wonders of the world. Covering at least 30,000 square kilometres, it boasts an impressive population and a wide range of wildlife and stunning lakes, often considered the Jewel of Africa!
If you haven’t already, you definitely should make a point to visit the Serengeti at least once in your lifetime. The endless plains of the Serengeti also host the largest land Migration in the world where millions of wildebeest and zebras are on a constant move. It’s no wonder this stunning landmark is at the top of many travellers’ to-do lists.
With this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you need to make sure that you are making the most of it, and what better way to do it than to go on a hot air balloon safari in the Serengeti?
Enjoy an incredible safari from the sky flying over the Serengeti National Park, boasting enchanting scenery and uninterrupted views on an unforgettable, extraordinary adventure. You will be amazed by unprecedented opportunities for stunning photographic moments on this miraculous glide over the Serengeti Ecosystem.
There is no better or more exhilarating way to experience the wildlife and landscapes of the Serengeti.
At Miracle Experience Hot Air Balloon Safaris, our hot air balloons allow you to experience a safari from the ultimate vantage point to see the giraffes, wildebeest, and pride of lions only a few metres below. Best of all, balloon safaris are the perfect way to observe the fauna in its natural habitat without disturbing or interfering with their routines, it’s a win-win situation.
With a Serengeti hot air balloon safari, you get to relish a bird’s eye view of the plains below, a view that you’ll never forget.
How does the Balloon Safari Work?
Hot air balloons are dependent on weather conditions at the time, hence excess wind or rain could result in a cancellation of your flight. Due to this reliance and for your safety, a balloon safari is not an activity that can be scheduled and organised at the last minute. For similar reasons, balloon safaris aren’t all available throughout the year. Only a few companies offer their services all year round.
Make sure to book your adventure as far in advance as possible, as this will help ensure that you get the best experience.
Balloon safaris over the Serengeti are safe with little to no risks at all. In order to keep it that way, we have a large team of experienced professionals to carry out regular servicing and maintenance.
While the price of a balloon safari can seem expensive, it includes a champagne toast after landing, a 5-star breakfast in the bush, an optional bush lunch, transport to and from the launch site, expert guides, and an unprecedented view over the Serengeti.
Safety and Equipment in a Hot Air Balloon Safari
Your safety is of paramount importance. We use state-of-the-art, custom-made balloons that are inspected in accordance with the TCAA requirements at either 100-hour intervals or annually. In addition, all our balloons and transport vehicles are insured against the likelihood of injury. For those with a fear of heights, our highly-skilled crew will be on hand to calm all your fears.
Ground Crew and Pilots
For starters, our pilots are highly experienced in their trade with over 7000 hours of flight time between them. They are also commercially certified and have safety, first aid, and fire training under their belts.
Our ground crew members also have similar training and are familiar with balloon handling operations. We have compiled a list of pre-flight inspections catering to our balloons that are followed by our ground crew before every flight to ensure the smooth running of the process.
When to go for a Hot air Balloon Safari in the Serengeti?
As stated earlier, hot air balloon safaris require favourable weather conditions. The company will refund your money in the unlikely event of a cancellation or might also ask you to reschedule for a different date if you still have enough time on your holiday.
We advise you to take this Safari during the dry season (June to October) because not only will you get a trip guaranteed during this time, you have a higher chance of witnessing the great Wildebeest migration. There is no better time to experience the great migration, floating silently above this amazing spectacle.
What to pack for the Trip
Since the view of the Serengeti promised is sure to be stunning and breathtaking, a good start could be to bring along a pair of binoculars and any camera of your choice. Be sure to pack all necessary equipment such as spare batteries to make sure that you don’t miss a single shot. As we love nature and strive to leave it undisturbed by our presence, we are cautious about things being dropped from the balloon. To avoid this, please bring safety straps with your electronics as well.
In terms of clothing, we’d advise you to wrap up in a few extra layers as it does get chilly before and during the ride.
You should also consider bringing a hat during the trip. A hat/cap can protect you from the sun, but also protects the person sitting next to you from your hair accidentally whipping them.
A few extra helpful tips: go to the bathroom before the trip. Avoid drinking too much liquid before the balloon safari as you’ll be up in the sky for an hour with no toilet. You want to make sure that you enjoy the experience.
What to Expect?
Our flights are divided into three separate stages; the pre-dawn departure, the flight itself, and the breakfast & Celebration. Let’s delve further into these 3;
Pre-Dawn Departure
Once you book with us, your booking confirmation and ticket should display the pick-up time. We normally make special arrangements to have you picked up at your accommodation before dawn to make sure that you get the best experience possible.
Once you have been picked up and taken to the launch site, you’ll meet your pilot of the day. The pilots that fly our balloons have years of experience and are familiar with the necessary safety procedures. At this time, the pilot will explain all the necessary safety information including the boarding and sitting positions for take-off and landing.
You’ll also get to witness your balloon being inflated ready for the safari from the sky. Our staff will also offer you some treats, coffee, tea, and biscuits before take-off. Photos can also be taken at this point.
Take off and Flight
Our take off time is scheduled for 6am on balloon days however due to weather conditions, this may not always be the case. The flight time is normally an hour and as you fly over the Serengeti, the “miracle experience” truly begins. Have your cameras ready as you get a rare bird’s eye view of the Serengeti plains.
Don’t expect to get too close to the animals due to ecological disturbance and safety factors. With that said, our pilots will provide you with the best experience possible, so you might find yourself hanging low to the Serengeti floor or at 1000 feet in the air. No one balloon safari is ever the same.
Breakfast and Celebrations
What a landing! We will celebrate the lifetime experience that you have gone through as the trip comes to an end. During the landing, the basket might land upright or tip over. Better yet, it might drag along for a bit before coming to a rest. Do not be alarmed as it is all part of the fun. Our balloons are specially designed for safety and comfort, so relax and enjoy!
After the landing is nailed, our ground team will lead you to the breakfast area that is set up to immerse you in the wild plains of the Serengeti. Our staff will join in song (all part of the celebration) and serve you a hearty meal to commemorate this special event.
Following a long and exciting safari, we understand that clients are often exhausted after being in a car for such a long time, especially during the afternoon hours. As a refreshing and exhilarating solution, we now offer our guests the option to enjoy a fresh hot meal prepared and served to them right in the middle of the bush! This Bush lunch package is available for both our hot air balloon customers and for those who are on Safari in Tarangire and Serengeti national parks. We also accommodate special meal requests and pre-planned surprises.
Miracle Experience Hot Air Balloon Safaris offers you a Safari from the Sky packed with unique experiences that you will remember for a lifetime.
