Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara – Experience the Unforgettable Sunrise Views Over the Masai Mara
Picture yourself floating high above the golden savannah plains of Masai Mara just as the first light of dawn touches the earth. A hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, is not just a ride, it is a magical way of experiencing Masai Mara National Reserve in a different perspective. You lift off gently before sunrise, enjoying aerial views of the rivers snake through endless golden plains, herds of wildebeests and wildebeests stirring below and the vast savannah unfolding in crystal clear detail. With no bumpy roads, no engine roar – just total silence of the wilderness, and stunning perspectives of the reserve that will stay with you forever.
Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara is a perfect safari experience for visitors interested in exploring the reserve and its wilderness from a different perspective, those on a romantic gateway. It is an ultimate safari experience, drawing adventurers from around the world to witness the African beauty from the sky.
Why Choose a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara?
Instead of a classic game drive, glide 1,000 feet up with 360 degree views of the wilderness. Hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara changes the script on traditional safaris. No noisy engines, no crowds jostling for the best spot, just you, the burner’s gentle whoosh, and the raw beauty of Masai Mara below.
On this exclusive ride, soak in the Great Migration as it journeys through the plains of Masai Mara from July to October, spot pride of lions lounging by rivers or watch elephants trumpet across the plains, all from an unbeatable aerial vantage point. It is serene, intimate and offers a totally unique perspective of Masai Mara, making it one of the best things to do on a Masai Mara Safari for wildlife lovers.
What to Expect on a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara
Your balloon flight adventure starts off early morning around 5 am with a transfer from your lodge or camp to the launch site. You will have a safety briefing from a skilled pilot as the balloon is being inflated, you will climb into the huge, colorful balloon basket. As the sun peeks over the horizon, you rise smooth, chasing the golden light across.
Here is what to expect on a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara
- Excellent wildlife sightings
Glide above the herds of elephants bathing in rivers, giraffes nibbling acacia trees, hippos yawning in pools, and lionesses on the prowl – often in ways you would never see from the ground.
- Epic Aerial Photography
The golden – hour light creates postcard – perfect shots. Bring your camera for insta-worth panoramas of Masai Mara’s landscape.
- Total Serenity and Space
No dust, not tracks, just wind whispering pas as you drift over hundreds square miles of untouched wilderness.
- Perfect views of the Great Migration
In time for the Wildebeest Migration, hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara offers breathtaking views of the migration as thousands of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles journey through the plains of Masai Mara.
The hot air balloon flight lasts about one hour, landing wherever the wind takes you. After landing, you celebrate with a champagne toast and bush breakfast served under the shade of an acacia tree.
Best Time for a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara
The best time for a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara is during the dry season – June to October, coinciding with the Great Migration when millions of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles are present in the plains of Masai Mara. During the dry season you get to catch soft, magical light perfect for photos.
Tip: To get a spot for a hot air balloon flight in Masai Mara, book early as the slots are limited compared to the demand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara
Is a hot air balloon safari worth the cost?
Yes, for most travelers to Masai Mara, a hot air balloon safari is a highlight for their trip. The combination of aerial wildlife viewing, sunrise scenery and bush breakfast making the cost for a hot air balloon worth every cost.
How Long does a hot air balloon safari last
Balloon flight in Masai Mara lasts approximately one hour, followed by a leisurely champagne bush breakfast. The entire experience takes 3 to 4 hours from pick up to return to your camp or safari lodge.
What wildlife can I see during a hot air balloon safari?
During a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara, you may see giraffes, zebras, wildebeests, buffaloes, hippos, lions, and other wildlife species moving naturally across the plains. Wildlife sightings vary daily, making each flight unique.
Is a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara Safe?
Yes, a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara is very safe. All the flights are operated by licensed professional who follow strict aviation safety standards and are led by highly experienced pilots.
What is included in the cost of a hot air balloon flight?
The cost for a hot air balloon includes early morning transfer from your safari camp, approximately one hour balloon flight at sunrise, aerial viewing over the Masai Mara and champagne bush breakfast.
Who Should go on a hot air balloon safari?
Drifting over the savannahs, observing wildlife from above and witness breathtaking sunrise makes hot air balloon flight an unforgettable experience. This experience is perfect for nature enthusiasts, honeymooners, romantics, serenity seekers and nature lovers.
Can Children Join a balloon safari?
Children at least 1.2m tall and aged eight and above can experience a balloon safari in Masai Mara.
How to Plan a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara
Bookings
You are advised to make your booking for a hot air balloon safari in advance, schedule a no-obligation conversation with one of our travel experts to receive the necessary information. If you book with (company name), our experts will be there for you from inquiry to your return home.
Kindly note that we only arrange hot air balloon safaris as part of a multiday Kenya/Masai Mara Safari. If you would like to book a balloon ride only, kindly contact the operator directly.
Who can fly?
All passengers intending to do a hot air balloon safari in Masai Mara must be physically able to grip ropes, bend at the knees, and climb in and out of the basket. There is no upper age limit.
However, balloon safaris are not recommend for people with heart or mobility conditions or for those who are pregnant or suffer from back or neck issues. That said, in some cases, passengers with limited mobility can be accommodation with prior notice.
Finally, prices are calculated by weight, averaging 77 kg. Consequently, passengers weighing 120 kg or more may incur an additional cost. Please disclose if you have a pre-existing medical condition at the time of enquiry.
Timings for a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Masai Mara
On the day of your safari you will be collected from your accommodation between 4:30 am and 5 am and taken to the launch site. After a safety briefing, you will take off just before dawn at 6:30 am and enjoy an approximately hour – long flight, landing between 07:15 and 7:30.
Following the flight, you will be driven to enjoy a bush breakfast, where you will be greeted by a glass of bubbly and lovingly set tables. After enjoying your breakfast buffet surrounded by nature, you can return to your safari lodge or camp around 11 am or enjoy a game drive with your guide for the rest of the morning.
Clothing
Pack multiple warm layers for cold mornings that warm up quickly, include a warm fleece, scarf, and hat you can remove as it gets warmer.
Are you scared of heights?
People who are usually afraid of heights have reported that they don’t experience vertigo or motion sickness during a flight. The large basket with high walls provide a sense of safety. Moreover, the basket doesn’t sway. Instead, it moves in conjunction with the balloon, creating a sense of stability.
