Masai Mara Balloon Safari

Close your eyes, and for a moment, feel your body lift up, with you having no control over it, and there is a certain part of you, inside you, saying to yourself, I am crazy for taking this balloon safari. This is what most people feel when the excitement of a Masai Mara hot air balloon safari crosses one’s emotions of self-control and independence.

Soar high over the Savannah plains while wildlife roams wild and free beneath you. Book your spectacular Masai Mara balloon safari with us. Hot air balloon rides take place in the scenic beauty of Masai Mara. A gentle ascent takes you well above tree-top level, and the whispering light breeze soothes the hearts as you enjoy a panoramic view of wildlife drama unequaled anywhere in the whole wide world. Thrilling drama of nature’s battle of predators versus the prey, that is constantly displayed in the savanna grassland from time immemorial. It’s worth your dollar!

Itinerary

Your trip begins when you get your wake-up call at your safari lodge or tented camp in the early hours of the morning, as you yawn away, and thoughts about your wildlife viewing from an elevated position begin to stir your mind. The fresh Kenyan traditional hot tea and coffee quickly awaken you, in fact, preparing you for a “mission.”

At dawn, we take off, rising as the sun rises and float in whichever direction the winds of the morning take us. Your pilot can precisely control the altitude of your balloon: sometimes flying at treetop height, sometimes lower, offering a unique perspective and great photographic opportunities of the wildlife below.

At other times, he will ascend to 1000′ or more to see the enormity and wonderful panorama of the Masai Mara. From time to time the pilot must put more heat into the balloon with the powerful whisper burners. In between these burns, there is silence apart from the natural sounds below.

The flight is for about one hour, depending on the conditions. On landing, you celebrate traditionally with champagne (well, an excellent sparkling wine) before sitting down to a full English breakfast prepared and served in the bush in ‘Out of Africa’ style with bone china, linen table cloths, King’s silver, etc.

After breakfast, you receive your Balloon certificate, and we drive you back to the Lodge or camp with game viewing en-route. 9:30 am Arrive at the lodge/camp ready to continue your day’s activities.

Bush Breakfast

How do you get into a hot air balloon basket in the wild?

To get into the hot air balloon, the pilot prepares the balloon for flight. The weather must be perfect, with calm winds, no rain, and minimal fog; otherwise, the pilot will cancel the balloon safari for safety reasons. Not many flights are canceled, but its best to book at least when you have two nights in Masai Mara or Elementaita so that if you are not able to make it on the first morning, you have a chance to do it again the next morning. It’s good to keep an open mind since the pilot will not fly in bad weather for your safety and security.

Depending on the wind speed, the methods to get into the balloon can be between the below;

During stronger winds;

The pilot will turn on the propane burners, and the balloon will start filling up with air. The basket will be placed on its side, and you will crawl inside and get set in your position. The large canopy will open up as the fan is switched on and air rushes in. You need to brace yourself since as the balloon canopy starts getting lifted by the hot air, the basket will begin moving from its side to an upright position and take off to the sky immediately.

During lighter winds;
You will get in the balloon as it stands in an upright position. There are spaced holes that you use to climb into the balloon basket. The climb is quite easy, and anyone using a stepping stool can climb into the balloon. The fans are then switched on, after which the propane burners roar, and your balloon safari begins.

The balloon can be taken by anyone, but let us know if you have any spine issues or knee or hip issues so that the pilot is aware since climbing in the balloon and landing may be affected by any of the health issues noted above.

What do you wear on a balloon safari in Maasai Mara?

Since the balloon safari takes place in the early morning, the weather is usually chilly. You must dress warmly since the higher the balloon flies, the colder it becomes. A warm pullover or warm jacket is essential. A comfortable but loose trouser is important to climb in the basket in case of stronger winds. Flat-soled shoes or sneakers are ideal. Footwear should be closed. You can also wear a tight hat.

How much is a hot air balloon ride in Maasai Mara?

The balloon safari in Masai Mara costs US$ 450 per person and US$ 325 per child below 12 years. Any reasonably fit adult can take the balloon safari. Children can take the balloon safari, but they must be between 4 to 12 years old. Children below this age are not allowed to take the balloon safari due to the rules and regulations set up by the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority.  Children must also be able to hop in the balloon as it turns upright. If they are too short to do so, then they will not be allowed to take the balloon flight.

What to bring on a hot air balloon ride?

You can carry a camera to take photos of the wildlife below you on the safari and the beautiful African sunrise. A phone camera is also excellent for some selfies if you want to share the adventure with your friends and family. Ensure you take a bathroom break since there won’t be one once you are in the air. Also, note the balloon lands deep in the African savannah, so a restroom stop may take a while as you return to your lodge or camp.

Be prepared for a full bush breakfast with champagne to celebrate after you complete your balloon safari!