Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safari -Book a Hot Air Balloon Ride in Kenya
Masai Mara hot air balloon safari – A truly ‘once in a lifetime’ experience, flying in a Hot Air Balloon over the Masai Mara plains is an evocative experience that you have the opportunity to enjoy during any safari you take to Masai Mara. The balloons take off at the break of dawn, around 5.30am, gliding silently over the savannah grasslands below where you can spot a variety of wildlife in Mara. The flight lasts an hour and concludes with a ”Champagne Bush Breakfast’‘ at the balloon landing site in the wilderness. The balloon is flown by a fully qualified and experienced Pilot and the balloons themselves are most often made by Cameron, a specialist hot air balloon manufacturer in Great Britain. The basket sizes vary and it is best you book in advance as space if typically limited to a maximum of 16 passengers per balloon, often less if flying with a smaller basket.
Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon ride prices
Prices for the 2020 – 2021 season range from US$ 410 to 495 per person depending on which camp or lodge you will fly from in the Mara. Child rates available in certain cases for children less than 12 years of age.
Hot air balloons at the Masai Mara offered by different companies are designed to hold specific number of passengers. We have the option of
- 16 passengers
- 12 passengers
- 8 passengers
- 4 passengers (This option would be idea for couples who want privacy like honeymooners or photography/film crews
An early start is necessary with passengers expected to be ready and waiting by 5 to 5.30am at their respective Lodge or Camp reception desks, this again dependent on how far you are from the take-off site. You will be collected for a transfer by road to the safari starting point, with the flight typically being air borne by 6 to 6.15am. During the flight you will fly over various parts of the Mara reserve below. Upon landing about an hour later, a delicious sit-down breakfast awaits, replete with waiting staff and a full hot breakfast ‘in the bush’ accompanied by chilled sparkling wine or champagne. Drop off back to your hotel follows right after breakfast, with a brief game drive en-route.
Booking the Balloon flight
Please send Great Adventure Safaris with your preferred date which has to be at earliest, the second day of your stay in Masai Mara – We also need to know where in the Mara you will be staying the night before, so as to check if a timely transfer is possible to the nearest take off site, Cancellations are a possibility mainly due to adverse weather conditions, specifically strong winds or heavy rains. In the event of a balloon not taking off, passengers are refunded in full- less minor administration fees.
Frequently asked Questions about Masai Mara Hot Air Balloon ride
Is there a minimum age or maximum weight allowed?
Typically children under the age of three are not allowed to fly on hot air balloons. Even though there doesn’t seem to be a weight limit for individual passengers, some balloon companies do request that you let them know in advance if you weigh over 250 pounds
Are take-off and landing of the balloon ride rough?
Most take-offs are normally gentle, though in windy conditions the takeoff might be a bit faster. If the wind is above 15 knots at the take-off site, the pilot will not fly due to safety concerns.
About half of the landings are termed as “tip over” landing, which means that the balloon basket drags along the ground for about 20 meters before coming to a stop lying on its side.
What to carry?
- Binoculars
2. Cameras
3. Closed shoes should you be required to walk through a grassy area after landing
4. Dressing in layers to enable you transition from the cool, dark early morning over the Masai Mara to the relatively hot late morning sun.
Duration of Flight
Flight lasts about one hour. You will fly approximately 15 to 25 kilometers depending on the wind conditions. Trip starts at about 5:00AM (transfer to the launch site and take off) and finishes at about 10:30AM (after having bush breakfast and being transferred to your lodge or camp).
If you are planning a safari to Masai Mara that may include a hot air balloon ride and are interested in a competitive quote, do fill out the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Popular Kenya Safari itineraries offered by Great Adventure Safaris
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