Best Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Masai Mara
Looking for the best hot air balloon safaris in the Masai Mara? This blog post is yours. When it comes to aerial game-viewing experiences, there are a few places to visit, and none is more famous than the Masai Mara National Reserve. At the Masai Mara, visitors enjoy more than the usual game drives. Book and experience hot-air balloon safaris in the Masai Mara National Reserve on your next Kenyan vacation; you won’t regret it.
Hot air balloon safaris offer peaceful, memorable game viewing from the skies. Rise above the serene savannas and woodland vegetation of the Masai Mara Reserve while keeping an eye on the diverse wildlife.
What awaits you on a Masai Mara hot air safari?
The Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the best destinations in Kenya for hot balloon safaris. On the Masai Mara hot air balloon safari, expect to experience morning/dawn (sunrise) balloon safaris.
Sunrise Balloon Safari
The sunrise flight above the golden savannas, with the first rays of sunlight washing over herds of elephants, wildebeests, and giraffes below, promises amazing views. The Maasai Mara hot air balloon tour offers one of the most magical ways to explore wildlife and breathtaking landscapes.
The sunrise balloon tour starts early with a pre-dawn pick up from your respective accommodation in the Masai Mara, and is expected to depart from the camp at around 5:00 am. Visitors are expected at the launch site early to attend the briefing. Visitors assemble at one of the key take-off zones that are located around The Talek, Mara Serena, and Little Governor’s Camp.
You should be ready for the briefing before the safari starts.
The pre-flight briefing and setup – once you have arrived, expect a warm welcome from the team of experienced, licensed pilots. At this point, you can be freely sipping a warm drink while you observe the balloon being set up.
Expect to take off immediately; the first rays of the sun break over the horizon. The balloon gently lifts off as you appreciate the spectacular views of the early morning sky. You have up to one hour to enjoy the scenic flight above the Maasai Mara plains. Traverse the open plains of the Mara Reserve, the meandering rivers, witness the diverse wildlife, and enjoy the stunning wooded escarpments. Taking the sunrise hot air balloon safari in the Masai Mara comes with 360-degree game viewing opportunities, ranging from zebras, giraffes, elephants, and on a lucky day, you can observe predators as they embark on hunting game, especially cheetahs and lions.
If your balloon safaris happen to be booked around the peak migration season (July-September), then expect mesmerising encounters of millions of the wildebeests plus multiple grazers as they freely roam across the plains of the Mara or get the dramatic view at the Mara River.
Champagne Bush Breakfast
Expect to enjoy a champagne bush breakfast in the middle of the savanna plains. This is an excellent outdoor meal not to be missed, offering an intimate experience. The bush breakfast includes tea, coffee, fresh pastries, a glass of sparkling wine to toast the skies, and more.
Returning to the lodge/camp
After your bush breakfast, visitors can have a short guided game drive back to the lodge. The return time often ranges from 9.30 and 10:00 am. You settle into your respective camp/lodge to chill and reflect on your sunrise balloon tour.
When to Experience the Best Hot Air Balloon Safaris in the Masai Mara?
Before you embark on a vacation, you need to understand the best time to go for ballooning tours in Kenya’s Mara plains. Different seasons/months guarantee captivating experiences. July to October is characterised by mesmerising highlights, especially the powerful Mara River crossing, Wildebeest herds, and predator-packed action.
The green season, from November to March, is ideal for guests seeking an intimate balloon tour. The green season allows you to traverse the lush landscapes of the Masai Mara and is also suitable for birding safaris.
The dry season, from June to October, offers a clear, sunrise balloon safari experience. The best weather conditions are during the peak dry seasons, ensuring excellent flight service and game viewing.
Balloon Safaris Combined with Other Masai Mara Tours
At the Masai Mara, there is a possibility of spicing up your adventure both on land and in the sky. The sunrise balloon safaris can be incorporated with a variety of other safari experiences, including guided nature walks, cultural tours & game drives. Our balloon safari packages are curated to blend luxury camps/lodges and are ideal for honeymooners, group travellers, and families.
Accommodation Options
Choose the right place to stay to experience the best hot-air balloon safaris in the Masai Mara. The location of your safari lodge/camp matters a lot for easier connection to a launch site. Here are the available accommodation options that you can secure for your overnight stay;
Serian the Original Camp
The Serian the Original is an exclusive tented camp set in the Mara North Conservancy. It is set along the scenic forested banks of the Mara River and also offers breathtaking views of the Siria escarpments. This stylish camp is a 40-minute drive from the launch site for hot air balloons.
Little Governors Camp
The hot air balloon launch site lies just behind the Little Governors Camp and is ideal for you to catch up with the pre-dawn balloon program. The luxurious Little Governors Camp comprises 17 tented suites.
What to pack for hot air balloon safaris in the Masai Mara
Essentials to include on your packing list for ballooning tours in the Masai Mara include light jackets, comfortable safari shoes, sunscreen, a safari hat, a camera, passports, a booking confirmation, and more.
Why choose balloon safaris in the Masai Mara?
The Masai Mara National Reserve is best known for its rich biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes. Embarking on a hot-air balloon safari offers nature enthusiasts a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the African wilderness.
Valuable Tips for Planning the Best Hot Air Balloon Safaris in the Masai Mara
Book a ballooning tour in advance. If you plan to have a balloon safari in the Masai Mara during the peak season – July to October, consider securing a slot early.
Compare the balloon safari packages. Take time to explore the different packages, which often include additional experiences such as guided game drives/private transfers.
Understand the best time to visit. The different seasons offer unique opportunities. Rates for balloon safaris often increase during the high-migration season compared to the shoulder season.
Age Limit for Balloon Safaris
The age limit for participating in active balloon safaris varies by company. But this adventure is suitable for people over 4 years old. Other essential factors to consider when planning a balloon tour include height and the ability to stand for the duration of the balloon flight. The recommended height should be at least 1.37m.
Booking the Hot Air Balloon Safaris
Book your hot air balloon safaris in the Masai Mara or anywhere in Kenya through Native Africa Tours. We offer affordable ballooning safaris and tour packages. Ensuring the opportunity to participate in this wilderness adventure and explore the wonders of the Masai Mara National Reserve.
