Hot Air Balloon Safari in Maasai Mara

A hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara is an early morning adventure that begins before dawn. As the balloon rises with the sunrise, the panoramic views of the Mara below are nothing short of spectacular. The gentle, peaceful glide over the plains, rivers, and forests of the Mara offers a unique perspective that cannot be experienced on a regular game drive.

During the flight, which lasts about an hour, you'll have the opportunity to see a variety of wildlife from above. The Maasai Mara is home to lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, and more, and spotting these animals from the air is an experience like no other. The highlight for many is seeing the Great Migration from the air, where thousands of wildebeest and zebras can be seen making their way across the plains.

The Hot Air Balloon Safari Experience

The experience starts early in the morning, with a pre-dawn wake-up call. You'll be taken to the launch site, where you can watch as the balloon is inflated. As the first rays of sunlight begin to light up the horizon, the balloon lifts off, and you start your journey across the Mara. The serene and silent flight, accompanied by the occasional roar of the balloon's burners, allows you to take in the stunning views and the wildlife below without any disturbances.

The balloon safari is typically followed by a champagne breakfast in the bush. After landing, you are treated to a gourmet breakfast, complete with sparkling wine, set up in a picturesque spot in the reserve. This is a wonderful way to celebrate the end of an unforgettable flight.

Wildlife Viewing from the Balloon

The Maasai Mara is renowned for its rich wildlife, and the hot air balloon provides a unique vantage point for viewing it. You may see elephants grazing, prides of lions basking in the morning sun, or herds of zebras and wildebeest moving across the plains. The aerial view allows you to see the animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.

During the Great Migration, the balloon safari offers a spectacular view of one of nature's greatest spectacles. From above, you can see the vast herds of wildebeest and zebras as they make their perilous journey across the Mara River, evading crocodiles and predators on the way.

Best Time to Go

The best time for a hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara is during the dry season, which runs from July to October. This period coincides with the Great Migration, making it an ideal time to witness this natural wonder from the air. However, balloon safaris are available year-round, and the Mara's abundant wildlife ensures a memorable experience regardless of when you visit.

Popular Tour Operators & Costs

Hot air balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara are considered a luxury experience, with prices ranging from $400 to $600 per person. It is advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak season, as spaces are limited and in high demand.

Here are some popular tour operators for hot air balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara:

Governor's Balloon Safaris
Address: Mara Rianta, Kenya
Hours: Open 24 hours
Phone: +254 741 752749

Balloon Safaris Ltd
Address: Hardy Office Park, Ground Floor, Nairobi, Kenya
Hours: Monday - Friday 8:30 am–5 pm, Closed on weekends
Phone: +254 705 721462

Hot Air Safaris
Located in: Fedha Valley Arcade Shopping Mall
Address: PQ59+QXV, Gitanga Rd, Nairobi, Kenya
Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 am–5 pm ; Saturday & Sunday:  8 am–1 pm
Phone: +254 733 300304

Skyship Hot Air Balloons
Address: Mara Rianta, Kenya
Timings: Monday to Sunday, 5–10:30 am

What’s Included in the Price

• Flight Duration: A hot air balloon flight lasts approximately one hour, providing ample time to take in the stunning views of the Maasai Mara.
• Transfers: The package includes transfers from your safari camp or lodge to the launch site, and back after the flight.
• Bush Breakfast: After the flight, enjoy a champagne-style breakfast in the bush, a delightful conclusion to your adventure.
• Landing Fees: The cost also covers conservancy or national reserve landing fees.
• Conservation Fees: A substantial portion of the balloon flight fee contributes to conservation efforts, ensuring the protection of the wildlife and ecosystems within the Maasai Mara.

What to Expect

Duration: The entire experience, including the balloon flight, breakfast, and return to your lodge or camp, usually takes about 4-5 hours.
Pick-up: Guests are usually picked up from their lodges or camps before dawn and taken to the launch site.
Weather: Balloon flights are weather-dependent, and safety is the top priority. In the rare case of bad weather, flights may be rescheduled or canceled, with refunds or alternative arrangements made.
Attire: Dress warmly in layers, as the early morning can be chilly. Comfortable shoes and a hat are also recommended.

A hot air balloon safari in the Maasai Mara is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that offers a unique perspective on one of the most famous wildlife reserves in the world. Whether you're floating above the endless plains, watching the sunrise over the horizon, or spotting wildlife from the air, the memories of this adventure will stay with you forever. It's an experience that combines the thrill of adventure with the serenity of nature, making it a must-do for anyone visiting the Maasai Mara.