Travel is an opportunity to experience something new. Planning a safari in Masai Mara National Reserve? How about gaining altitude and viewing nature and wildlife from the sky aboard a hot air balloon? Flight details, duration, pricing... Discover everything you need to know before taking a hot air balloon ride over Masai Mara.

Why take a hot air balloon flight over Masai Mara?

A hot air balloon flight over the Masai Mara National Reserve promises an unforgettable experience. Imagine starting your day from a basket and taking off to discover the vastness of Masai Mara from above. You'll be mesmerized by the sight of plains and savanna bathed in their most beautiful light.

You'll watch the bush animals awaken and parade beneath your eyes. During the phenomenon of the Great Migration (between July and October), you can also enjoy the spectacle and witness vast herds of wildebeest, zebras and antelope moving as one with a unique bird's-eye perspective. It's worth noting that hot air balloons allow you to observe animals from above without disturbing them (the noise is considerably less frightening than that of an airplane or helicopter).

The first rays of sunlight, painting the sky in shades of orange, pink and purple, will delight photographers who can capture the Kenyan savanna from an entirely new angle.

As you can see, a hot air balloon flight over Masai Mara is an experience that leaves a lasting impression. It's an activity you can enjoy as a couple for a romantic moment above nature's grandeur, or with children during a family safari trip to Kenya.

Flight Details: What to Expect?

Most companies and tour operators offer roughly the same program. Here's an example of how the activity unfolds:

Briefing and Takeoff

After arriving at the launch site at dawn, you'll witness the balloons being inflated: the basket lies on the ground while a fan-like device fills the balloon with air.

The pilot then provides a briefing, explaining all passengers about instructions and safety guidelines (particularly the positions to adopt during takeoff and landing).

Once ready for takeoff, the pilot ignites the burners, which heat the air inside the balloon to make it rise. Smoothly and gently, you begin your ascent.

Good to Know:

Depending on the tourist season and chosen operator, you may be paired with one other person or be part of a group of ten (generally, the basket can accommodate a maximum of 15-16 people plus the pilot).

Flight over the Plains of Masai Mara

Once airborne, the sun rises on the horizon and the vast expanse of Masai Mara's plains unfolds before you. You'll spot the first animals of your expedition below: giraffes, elephants, buffalo, wildebeest, zebras, lions...

Depending on weather conditions and wind patterns, the balloon may climb to higher altitudes offering panoramic views of the reserve, or fly at treetop level to see animals up close.

This is your moment to take it all in, savor every second and bring out your camera. If you'd like to take your own photos, we recommend setting your camera for a fast shutter speed and wide aperture (to compensate for movement and distance).

Note:

Most hot air balloons are equipped with cameras fixed around the basket. You can purchase several prints at the end of the experience. This allows those who prefer to simply enjoy the moment to still have some memorable photos.

Landing and Breakfast in the Savanna

After flying over part of Masai Mara comes the time for landing. This is executed smoothly in a crouched position (as explained by the pilot during the briefing).

You can then enjoy a hearty breakfast accompanied by champagne, all served in the heart of the savanna. It's the perfect opportunity to share your impressions with fellow travelers and review the photos taken from the basket.

Return by 4x4 through the Reserve

Once you've finished breakfast, you'll head back to the starting point by 4x4: you can continue enjoying the safari experience, this time from the ground, and observe the reserve's wildlife until the very end.

A flight certificate is then presented to you before being transferred back to your hotel or lodge.

What Time and How Long?

Generally, hot air balloon flights take place early in the day, just before sunrise. These are the most favorable flying conditions. Departures typically occur around 6 AM, allowing you to watch the sunrise from the basket.

As for the duration of the experience, plan for approximately 1 hour of flying time. Note that the duration can vary slightly depending on flight conditions (wind speed and currents). The flight may last anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.

To Remember:

From the moment you depart your accommodation until your return, the entire experience spans several hours. Plan for at least half a day in total.

How Much Does a Hot Air Balloon Flight over Masai Mara Cost?

While pricing varies by operator, expect to pay between €350 and €500 per person for a hot air balloon flight over Masai Mara.

Generally, the price includes transfers from your accommodation, the flight, breakfast in the savanna, return by 4x4 and a flight certificate.

What's the Best Season for a Hot Air Balloon Flight over Masai Mara?

The best period for a hot air balloon flight over Masai Mara is between July and October. Not only are weather conditions most favorable, but you can also witness the Great Migration spectacle and see impressive herds of herbivores moving through the park, closely followed by predators...

December, January and February are also ideal months to experience this activity.

Is It Frightening?

There is no reason to fear a hot air balloon flight. Takeoff is gradual and smooth, and you won't experience vertigo during the flight. To clarify: dizziness only occurs when your feet sense movement against the ground. Similarly, you cannot experience motion sickness in a hot air balloon.

Minimum Age for Hot Air Ballooning

Moreover, hot air ballooning is an activity suitable for both adults and children. Generally, flights are open to children aged 7 or 8 and above.

Contraindications for Hot Air Ballooning

No specific physical condition is required to take a hot air balloon flight. However, it's best to avoid the activity if you fall into any of these categories:

• You have recently undergone surgery,

• You wear a prosthetic,

• You use a wheelchair,

• You are pregnant.

What Should You Bring?

During a hot air balloon flight over Masai Mara, it's recommended to bring:

• Warm clothing,

• Sunglasses,

• Sunscreen,

• Binoculars to observe animals more easily,

• A camera.

How to Book?

A hot air balloon flight over Masai Mara departs from the Little Governors Camp. Since you'll need to arrive around 5 AM, we recommend contacting a travel agency such as Nomadays to organize your experience. This way you can enjoy the activity without managing logistics: transfers from your hotel to the launch site and back.

We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak tourist season (July, August, September) to ensure your spot is secured.

Have a question? Need help organizing your hot air balloon flight? Contact us right away!