For those looking for an adventure of a different kind, experience hot air balloon safaris over the Masai Mara. Masai Mara is best known for its scenic beauty, and you would love exploring nature. Witnessing herds of wildebeest, towers of giraffes, or a dazzle of zebras running across the plains of Maasai Mara a few hundred metres below you is something you’re not likely to forget. Combine breathtaking aerial views with a spectacular sunrise, and you’re close to imagining the splendour of an African hot-air balloon safari.
What is a Balloon Safari?
A balloon safari is a Kenyan spin on a classic hot air balloon experience. Floating over the Mara, you’re backdropped by picture-perfect African plains, backlit by a glorious rising sun. You’re likely to see animals like hippos, elephants, giraffes, and impalas—hence “Balloon Safari.”
Is Hot Air balloon in Masai Mara worth it?
Yes, a Masai Mara hot air balloon safari is truly a unique and unforgettable experience, and many tourists consider it to be worth the cost.
The magic of ballooning in the Mara peaks as you float, suspended above the African savannah, taking in the glory of the rising morning sun and painting the sky in a kaleidoscope of colour. Apart from an intermittent hiss of flames overhead, it’s eerily quiet. From this bird’s-eye view, drink in the vast, unspoiled landscape as far as you can see—interrupted only by the horizon. As you drift, wildlife-dotted plains give way to serpentine rivers hugged by trees, where you’re likely to spy a pod of hippos. Post-flight, take a seat back on Earth for a hot bush breakfast and a fizzy Champagne toast. Hot air ballooning in the Mara is an experience that many of our clients describe as a trip highlight, especially when shared in the company of loved ones.
Hot Air Balloon Safari In Masai Mara
You’ll be fetched from your camp before daybreak and transferred to the departure point. The drive will take place cloaked in darkness. Upon arrival, you’ll sip tea or coffee while the ground crew assembles no more than a handful of balloons. A safety briefing will take place, and as the light of day softly illuminates the horizon, you’ll enter your designated section by climbing over the lip of the basket.
During take-off, passengers sit on the bench and grasp the handles. Once off the ground, the pilot will give the verbal okay to stand. A burst of flame will coax the balloon skyward. Along with a few other balloons, you’ll begin drifting, low at first, then rising mid-flight and arcing back to the ground to prepare for landing. During the ride, pilots double as guides, offering insights and highlighting points of interest.
Passengers should also be prepared for an eventful landing. The balloon does not land squarely on the ground in a vertical, downward motion. Instead, the inertia of a gentle but sweeping landing may cause some bumpiness, and depending on the inertia of the balloon, it may cause the basket to tip. Not to worry—you will be seated, and any tipping is experienced in slow motion. It’s considered good luck, and your pilot will likely capture the souvenir moment by jumping out and snapping a group photo.
You’re likely to spot pods of hippos lounging in the river. On land, you’ll probably see elephants, giraffes, antelope, zebras, gazelles, and wildebeests. Less likely are lion, leopard, and hyena sightings.
How long is Hot Air balloon ride in Masai Mara?
The period spent drifting in flight lasts approximately 45 minutes to an hour. A long-table bush breakfast follows. How long the total excursion takes depends on your camp’s location relative to the balloon departure point.
If you are lodging within the reserve, the transfer may only take half an hour. Those staying in the adjacent private conservancies might budget an extra hour or two roundtrips. Typically, guests depart before sunrise and are back at their camp by mid-to-late morning.
How much is Hot Air balloon safari in Masai Mara?
Depending on whether you visit during low, high or peak season, a hot air balloon safari in the Mara will cost between $500 – $700. You can expect ballooning during the height of the Great Migration to cost more than shoulder season.
Hot air balloon rides in the Maasai Mara operate year-round, though less popular during the rainy seasons. Though cancellations due to wind or rain are rare, if ballooning is on your bucket list, it’s prudent to schedule it earlier in your itinerary in the event the weather postpones it by a day or two.
Ballooning in the Mara is popular and there are only a handful of operators to choose from. Those who want to balloon with a group or their family will want to book in advance to guarantee members are in the same basket on their preferred date.
Travellers who are interested in ballooning but won’t be heartbroken to miss out on it might consider booking on the ground, directly through their camp, to save a little bit of money.
What do you wear to Masai Mara hot air balloon?
- Pack or wear layers. You’ll be departing before sunrise, so dress in layers to avoid catching a morning chill.
- Binoculars
- A camera
- Sun accessories (hat, sunglasses)
- Cash to tip your pilot
A few things to consider about hot air ballooning if you’re afraid of heights:
- The balloon doesn’t go that high. You’ll hover at around 100′ off the ground for the majority of your flight.
- You’re focused on other things. You’re in the middle of the Masai Mara! There are rhinos and elephants and unbelievably beautiful landscapes while the sun rises. You don’t have the time or energy to think about a fear of heights when your mind is being pulled in another direction.
- The basket edge comes quite high. means there’s no fear of ‘falling out’ of the basket.
- There’s a seat – and a seat belt with Governor’s Balloon Safari – so if you’re having a moment you can sit and breathe and can tether yourself to the bsaket if that makes you feel more confident. No one needed to do that in our group but that’s an option if you need a moment to breathe.
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