Price and what changes the rate
| Option | Price seen (per person) |
|---|---|
| Flight only, common offers | about US$550 to 600 |
| Flight only, depending on departure camp | US$600 to 799 |
| Flight with champagne breakfast | from US$643 |
| 3-day safari with balloon | about US$900 and up |
Check what is included: the return to camp costs US$100 per vehicle in one offer, and park entrance fees are extra if you stay outside the park. Prices vary from page to page, even for the same flight.
How it goes
Pickup around 5 am, take-off around 6:30 am, a flight of about 1 hour over the plain, landing then a bush breakfast. The total time is 1 to 2 hours depending on weather. The flight is not suitable for pregnant women, children under 5 or under 1.2 m, or people with serious neck or back injuries (one operator's rules); another source gives a minimum age of 7.
How to fit it into a safari
Book it with a 2- to 3-day safari to the Serengeti and Ngorongoro (see the Serengeti), because the flight leaves very early and you need to sleep nearby the night before. 3-day safaris that include the balloon start from about US$900, against a US$550 to 600 add-on if you book it separately. For the migration, see the great migration. From Zanzibar: safari from Zanzibar, which one and safari or Zanzibar, combining.
Is it worth it?
Yes if the budget allows and you want to see the plain from above and a sunrise. No if you are sensitive to heights or if the money should go to lodge nights: the balloon adds no animals, it changes the viewpoint. Safari prices: cost of a safari in Tanzania.
