Hot Air Ballooning Over the Maasai Mara
From our experience, not much beats a ride in a hot air balloon when it comes to viewing wildlife from the air. Compared with other flying machines, hot air balloons offer a peaceful, serene experience of game viewing from the skies. You can see the herd patterns and appreciate the full topographical expanse of the savanna. Combine this with an African sunrise, and a hot air balloon trip can be a holiday highlight!
What to Expect from a Hot Air Balloon Safari
Hot air balloon flights in this region take place in Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve. Groups head out from camp at 5am for this activity, so it will be an early wake-up – be sure to enjoy a pre-dawn coffee before it’s time to take to the skies.
After a pre-dawn start, you’re instructed to hop into the basket for the launch. With the flame on complete burn, the pilot raises the basket until the rope attaching it to the ground goes taut. The balloon is finally released, and the flight begins.
Picture this – slowly rising to tree level to the height of the birds and the monkeys. Once you clear the treeline, the magnificent Mara River comes into view. It doesn’t take long before you see the thickets opening up and the sunrise rapidly illuminating the vegetation below to reveal the vast plains! The beautiful Massai Mara is one of the most inspiring places in Africa to experience from the air.
These flights usually surpass people’s expectations. A fantastic variety of wildlife can be seen from the basket, including rhino and large herds of elephants. An unexpected highlight is the sound of the bush from the air and the clarity of elephants trumpeting below.
After about 45 minutes of game viewing, the driver points out the landing site, and you gradually descend back to earth. You position yourself for landing at the base of the basket. In slow motion, the balloon begins to touch the ground until, eventually, the basket comes to a halt.
Shortly after unloading, vehicles arrive to collect you, and depending on your itinerary you could opt for a stunning bush breakfast on the plains. After a delicious meal and more coffee, you return to the base to meet your guides and head back to camp for a well-deserved siesta!
A hot air balloon flight in the Maasai Mara is highly recommended as a must-do if you’re in Kenya! From July through to September, it’s possible to see the wildebeest migration from the air and take in the sheer mass of the mega-herds as they graze on the plains below.
Where to Stay
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Serian the Original
From AU$1,925 – AU$2,329 ppSerian the Original scores plenty of points from Yellow Zebra. It really is a very family-friendly property – and great for groups as well! Check out our page on Nkorombo Serian if you are thinking of combining the two.
Safari Tips
What to Wear
The mornings are often chilly in the Maasai Mara, so you will need some warm clothes for the early start (a fleece and light jacket are ideal). In general, layers are best, as the weather will warm up quickly throughout the morning. Closed, comfortable shoes are also required.
What to Take
Take as little as possible in the basket, as items can get in the way during landing. Cameras are allowed, and you can get some incredible pictures from the air, but bring a minimum amount of equipment to avoid breakage. Another suggestion is binoculars.
Is There an Age Limit for Children?
Generally speaking, children who are taller than 120cm can go on a balloon safari, as they can see over the rim of the basket. This does vary slightly, depending on the company. Chat to your safari consultant about child eligibility and the company that would be best to use.
