Hot Air Balloon Safari on an African Honeymoon
Last updated September 2026 · By the honeymoons.africa editorial team
A dawn flight above savannah, desert or floodplain followed by breakfast after landing.
A balloon safari is one of Africa’s signature honeymoon splurges. You lift off in the half-light before sunrise, drift silently over plains, rivers or dunes as the sun comes up, and land to a breakfast laid out in the bush. The flight is short, but it shows you the scale of a wildlife area in a way no game drive can — and it is the kind of shared moment couples remember long after the trip.
Where to take a balloon safari in Africa
| Destination | What you fly over | Season | Approx. price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serengeti, Tanzania | Endless plains, granite kopjes and, in season, the migration herds | Year-round in the central Serengeti; seasonal launch sites elsewhere | US$550–650 for the flight, plus daily park fees |
| Maasai Mara, Kenya | Open grassland, the Mara River and, July–October, the migration | Year-round | Around US$500–650 |
| Sossusvlei, Namibia | Red dunes, gravel plains and desert mountains | Year-round, weather permitting | Often a little lower than East Africa |
| Luxor, Egypt | Temples, the Valley of the Kings and the Nile | Year-round; most comfortable October–April | A fraction of safari prices |
| Marrakech, Morocco | Palm groves, Berber villages and the Atlas foothills | Year-round | A fraction of safari prices |
Balloon operators need a concession to fly in each park, so flights launch from set zones and the operator usually collects you from your lodge. Prices and park fees change, so confirm what is included when you book. In Tanzania, park entry fees are published by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).
What the balloon safari morning is like
- Pick-up before dawn: typically around 5:00–5:30am from your camp, with coffee at the launch site while the balloons are inflated.
- Lift-off at sunrise: baskets are divided into compartments and often carry around 8 to 16 passengers. Some operators offer smaller or private baskets at a premium.
- About an hour in the air: the wind decides your direction; the pilot changes altitude to skim over treetops or rise for the wide view.
- Champagne and bush breakfast: a toast on landing, a full cooked breakfast in the open, then usually a game drive back to camp by mid-morning.
Is a balloon safari worth it on a honeymoon?
For most couples who do it, yes — but it is a considered splurge. For two people in the Serengeti, the flight and fees can approach US$1,500 for roughly an hour in the air, and wildlife directly beneath the basket is never guaranteed. What you are paying for is the light, the silence and the scale of the landscape. It is most rewarding in a big, open ecosystem such as the Mara or Serengeti, especially during migration season, or over the Namib dunes. If your budget is tight, an extra night at a better camp may add more to the honeymoon.
Best time for a balloon safari
Flights run year-round in the Maasai Mara and central Serengeti, but strong wind or heavy rain can ground them. The drier months from June to October are the most reliable and, in the Mara, coincide with the migration herds from roughly July to October. In the Serengeti, launch sites in the south and west are used seasonally as the herds move. For month-by-month detail, see the best time for a Kenya honeymoon and the best time for a Tanzania honeymoon.
Booking tips for couples
- Book early for peak season: July to October flights in the Mara and Serengeti can sell out well ahead.
- Fly early in your stay: if the flight is cancelled for weather, you still have mornings left to rebook.
- Check what is included: park fees, transfers, breakfast and the cancellation and refund policy.
- Ask about a smaller basket: a private or semi-private basket makes the flight feel far more personal.
- Check restrictions: operators set rules on pregnancy, mobility and minimum age or height.
- Dress in layers: it is cold at dawn and warm by breakfast. Bring a soft bag and closed shoes.
Honeymoons that include a balloon flight
- Kenya: Maasai Mara and Diani — fly over the Mara, then relax on the Indian Ocean.
- Tanzania and Zanzibar — Serengeti balloon, then spice-island beaches.
- Kenya and Seychelles — safari from the air, then granite-island coves.
- Namibia and Mauritius — a desert balloon flight, then a lagoon resort.
Hot Air Balloon Safari Questions
How much does a hot air balloon safari cost in Africa?
In the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, expect roughly US$500–650 per person for the flight, and up to about US$750 in the Serengeti once daily park fees are added. Namibia is often a little cheaper, and balloon flights in Luxor or Marrakech cost a fraction of safari prices. Rates change, so confirm the current price when you book.
Is the Serengeti or the Maasai Mara better for a balloon safari?
Both are excellent. The Mara is compact, flights run year-round and July to October coincides with the migration. The Serengeti is vast, with launch sites that change with the seasons. Choose the park that fits the rest of your itinerary.
How long does a hot air balloon safari take?
About an hour in the air, but the experience fills the morning: pick-up before dawn, the flight, a champagne bush breakfast and a game drive back to camp by mid-morning.
What happens if the balloon flight is cancelled?
Pilots cancel when wind or rain make flying unsafe. Operators normally rebook you for another morning or refund you, so schedule the flight early in your stay and check the cancellation policy before paying.
Can we book a private balloon for two?
Some operators offer private or smaller baskets for couples at a premium. Availability is limited, so request it at the same time as you book your safari.