Maasai Mara Hot Air Balloon Safaris: Prices, Experience, and Best Time to Go.
Get a completely different perspective of the landscape and wildlife of the Maasai Mara on hot air balloon safaris. On hot air balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara National Reserve, you soar above the sky just before sunrise, gently rising into the colourful morning sky, drifting silently over the open plains that the reserve is known for. Fly above the winding rivers and acacia trees as the first light of the day washes across the savannah.
From above, the beauty of Maasai Mara National Reserve comes into full view. You will be treated to a bird’s-eye view of the large herds moving through the bush, the towering giraffes casting long shadows and predators beginning their day. The stillness of the balloon flight allows for incredible wildlife sightings and uninterrupted 360-degree views.
During the Great Wildebeest Migration, the hot air balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara are exhilarating when vast herds of wildebeests and thousands of zebras move across the grasslands. It is a sweeping, ever-shifting pattern of movement best appreciated from above. For photographers, you are in a retreat, as you will get to capture shots of the Maasai Mara and its abundant wildlife from above, adding something extraordinary to your safari journey.
What to Expect on Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Maasai Mara National Reserve is known for its sculpted trees and endless golden savannahs, teeming with wildlife such as the famous African Big Five and the Great Migration.
As you soar above the endless plains of Maasai Mara, you are treated to aerial views of the landscape and the abundant wildlife calling the reserve home, including lions, leopards, herds of elephants, buffaloes, warthogs and the Great Migration (if you visit in time for the Great Migration in Maasai Mara, you will watch large columns of wildebeest together with zebras and gazelles filling the landscape in their search for water and green pasture).
How To Plan Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve
In Kenya, hot air balloon safaris are only available in the Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Reserve; that is why they are in high demand. So, you need to start planning your experience as early as you think of heading to Africa for a Maasai Mara safari.
Talk to one of your Kenya travel consultants to tailor the best package for you and advise on when the best time is to visit. Kindly note that hot air balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara are arranged as part of a multi-day Maasai Mara safari. If you would like to book a balloon flight only, it is advisable to talk to the balloon flight operators directly.
Who Can Fly?
All passengers taking part in a hot air balloon safari in Maasai Mara must be physically able to grip ropes, bend at the knees and climb in and out of the basket. There is no upper age limit.
However, balloon safaris are not suitable for people with heart or mobility conditions or for those who are pregnant or suffer from back and neck issues. That said, in some cases, passengers with limited mobility can be accommodated as long as prior notice is provided.
Timings of the Hot Air Balloon Flight
On the day of your hot air balloon flight, you will be collected from your safari lodge between 4:30 am and 5 am and taken to the launch site. In the dark hours of the night, you might be able to see some early risers like lions and African wild dogs. As the balloons are being inflated, you will have a safety briefing, and at 6:30 am, just before dawn, you will soar into the sky. The balloon flight is approximately one hour, landing between 07:15 and 07:30.
After landing, you will be driven to the bush to enjoy a bush breakfast, where you will be greeted by a glass of bubbly champagne to toast to a magical experience. After enjoying your breakfast surrounded by nature, you can return to your accommodation around 11 am or enjoy a game drive with your guide for the rest of the morning.
When to Go For Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Hot air balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara occur year-round; however, the best time for a balloon flight is during the dry season from June to October. This season experiences ideal weather conditions for balloon flights and offers incredible wildlife sightings.
The dry season in Maasai Mara National Reserve coincides with the high season, seeing a high influx of visitors in the reserve, so it is important to book your balloon safari in advance.
November to mid-December and January to mid-March are shoulder seasons in Maasai Mara National Reserve; still, this period offers an incredible safari experience. The advantage of going for a hot air balloon safari in these months is that they offer slightly lower prices and fewer visitors, thus an incredible Kenyan safari experience.
Is a Hot Air Balloon Safari in Maasai Mara National Reserve Safe?
Hot air ballooning is very safe; this experience is operated by expert ballooning partners who have extensive experience and a proven track record of safety and delivering remarkably memorable experiences. To ensure the quality of their equipment, all balloons used in this experience are retired after a specific number of hours.
The pilots for the balloons have years of local knowledge and experience. They prioritise safety and will cancel flights if any concern about bad weather arises. Before you soar up into the sky, you are provided with a thorough safety briefing.
All visitors are assigned a seat in a specific basket compartment, where you will find your seat and, in some cases, a safety belt. Once in the air, you can take incredible photos and enjoy the amazing views.
The very light winds of the early morning make landings very gentle, ensuring the visitors’ safety.
Can Children Join Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Maasai Mara National Reserve
Children at least 1.2 m tall and from the age of 8 upwards can take part in hot air balloon safaris in the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
