Hot Air Balloon Safari Experience:
Taking a hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara is an unforgettable experience that allows you to witness the vastness and beauty of the African savannah from a unique perspective. Here’s what you can expect from a hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara:
- Pre-Dawn Departure: The hot air balloon safari typically begins before dawn to catch the sunrise and optimal wildlife viewing conditions. You’ll be picked up from your lodge or camp and driven to the launch site in the Masai Mara.
- Balloon Inflation: Upon arrival at the launch site, you’ll have the opportunity to watch the skilled crew inflate the hot air balloon. This process is fascinating to witness and adds to the excitement of the experience.
- Scenic Flight: Once the balloon is inflated and ready, you’ll board the basket and lift off into the sky. Drifting silently above the Masai Mara, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the expansive plains, meandering rivers, and diverse wildlife below.
- Wildlife Viewing: As you float gently over the Masai Mara, keep an eye out for the abundant wildlife that inhabits the area. You may spot herds of elephants, giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, lions, cheetahs, and other animals going about their daily activities.
- Spectacular Sunrise: One of the highlights of a hot air balloon safari is witnessing the sunrise from high above the African landscape. The changing colors of the sky and the golden light casting its glow over the plains create a magical atmosphere.
- Guided Commentary: Throughout the flight, your pilot will provide informative commentary about the wildlife, landscape, and ecosystem of the Masai Mara. They’ll point out notable landmarks and answer any questions you may have.
- Champagne Breakfast: After approximately an hour of flight time, the hot air balloon safari concludes with a smooth landing. You’ll be greeted with a traditional champagne breakfast served in the bush, complete with freshly cooked hot dishes, pastries, and beverages.
- Game Drive: Following breakfast, you’ll embark on a game drive in the Masai Mara to further explore the wilderness and encounter more wildlife up close. This provides an opportunity to see animals from a different perspective and capture memorable photographs.
- Certificate of Flight: At the end of the experience, you’ll receive a certificate commemorating your hot air balloon safari adventure in the Masai Mara.
A hot air balloon safari offers a unique and exhilarating way to experience the beauty and wildlife of the Masai Mara, making it a must-do activity for visitors to this iconic safari destination.
Every dawn is an entirely new adventure, different from any other.
Custom 4X4 safari vehicles will pick you from your camp or lodge between 0400-0530AM and drive you to the launch site, to arrive by 0600AM. Depending on the weather conditions, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or tea while you watch the balloons being prepared for take-off. Your pilot will give a safety briefing as well as explain what you can expect during the flight. There are basic toilet facilities available at the launch site. NB: one launch site has toilet facilities.
The balloon crew will assist as you clamber into your balloon basket for take-off just before sunrise, at about 6:30AM. As you rise the Maasai Mara plains opens up before your eyes to feast on the golden sunrise, enchanting sceneries, plains-game below as the winds gently blows the basket deeper into the reserve. The pilot is at hand pointing out at the wildlife below with plenty of photographic opportunities unfolding. Soar silently with 360 degrees of spectacular savannah lasting approximately one hour, depending on wind conditions.
Upon landing between 7:15 and 7:30 AM, observe the complete deflation of the balloon envelope as our vehicles wait for you for a short drive to your morning hearty meal.
Our breakfast is set up on the picturesque savannah plains of the Mara, typically under the shade of a single balanite tree. Sit down to a full bush breakfast in the Kenyan style, complete with eggs-to-order, sausages, fresh juices, fruits, cereals and, of course, sparkling wine.
During breakfast, you can also peruse the photos your pilot has taken during the flight, and decide whether you would like to purchase the photos, or any of the other Africa Eco Adventures Ltd merchandise on display. The finale is balloon flight certificate signed by your pilot as a memoir.
After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely game drive back to your camp or lodge to arrive by around 10:30AM already reliving the memories of the morning’s flight.
