Hot Air Balloon Safaris in Maasai Mara.
When you think of a safari, images of rugged 4×4 vehicles traversing dusty tracks, close-up
wildlife sightings, and dramatic African sunsets probably come to mind. But imagine, instead,
gently rising with the sun, floating silently over a sea of golden grasslands, as the world awakens below. Imagine watching herds of elephants casting long shadows, lionesses prowling through the morning mist, and thousands of wildebeest migrating across the Mara River—all from a peaceful, elevated perch in the sky. This is the essence of hot air ballooning in the Maasai Mara. A balloon safari is one of the most enchanting and exhilarating ways to experience the wilds of East Africa. It’s more than just an activity—it’s a moment of stillness and perspective, an immersion into the vastness and rhythm of nature, and a story you’ll be telling for a lifetime.
Why the Maasai Mara Is the Perfect Place for a Balloon Safari
Located in southwestern Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most celebrated
wildlife destinations on the planet. Covering over 1,500 square kilometers, the Mara is famed for
its abundant game, large predator populations, and its role as the northernmost extension of the
Serengeti ecosystem.
The Mara’s open plains, rolling hills, and meandering rivers create the perfect environment for
hot air ballooning. Unlike more forested or rugged landscapes, the Mara offers unobstructed
views as far as the eye can see, with a diversity of wildlife visible from the air year-round.
In particular, the Mara becomes a stage for one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles—the
Great Migration. Each year, from July to October, over 1.5 million wildebeest, zebras, and
gazelles thunder across the plains in search of greener pastures. Viewing this migration from a
hot air balloon is one of the most dramatic and memorable wildlife experiences imaginable.
The Full Balloon Safari Experience: From Pre-Dawn to Breakfast in the Bush
1. Pre-Dawn Departure
Your day begins early—typically around 4:30 to 5:00 AM. You'll be picked up from your safari
lodge or tented camp in the Mara in a specially fitted safari vehicle. The early morning air is cool
and the skies are glittering with stars. It’s quiet, magical, and full of anticipation.
As you journey to the launch site, your guide might point out nocturnal animals still active in the
twilight hours—perhaps a hyena skulking in the brush or a civet crossing the track.
2. Arrival and Balloon Preparation
At the launch site, you’re greeted with a warm smile, tea, coffee, and biscuits as the balloon
team begins the inflation process. Watching the massive envelope fill with hot air is a thrilling
part of the experience. The burners roar to life, casting a flickering glow across the savannah.
Gradually, the balloon rises and stands upright, tethered and ready for boarding.
At this point, your pilot will conduct a safety briefing—explaining how to get into the basket,
how to position yourself for take-off and landing, and what to expect during the flight.
Everything is handled with professionalism and care.
3. Take-Off and Flight
Just as the eastern sky begins to lighten, you climb aboard the basket. A few more bursts of
flame and suddenly, you’re airborne—rising steadily, weightlessly into the sky. There’s no
engine noise, no jolt—just the soft whoosh of the burner and the feeling of elevation.
As you ascend, the first rays of sunlight spill across the landscape, revealing a golden mosaic of
grasslands, rivers, acacia woodlands, and wildlife. You may hover low to observe a family of
elephants trudging through the bush or rise high to take in the expansive panorama of the Mara.
Typical sights from the balloon include:
Herds of wildebeest and zebra moving like ripples across the plains
Lions or cheetahs stalking prey in the grass
Giraffes browsing among tall acacias
Hippos surfacing in the Mara River
Buffalo, hyenas, jackals, gazelles, and countless birds
The balloon drifts wherever the wind takes it—no two flights are ever the same. Your pilot
skillfully adjusts altitude to catch different air currents, sometimes dipping low enough to almost
touch treetops, then soaring to heights of over 1,000 feet for a sweeping view.
4. Landing and Bush Breakfast
After around 45 minutes to an hour in the air, the pilot identifies a suitable landing site. The
descent is gradual, and while landings can sometimes be bumpy depending on wind speed, the
crew on the ground ensures a safe and comfortable experience.
Once on the ground, the adventure continues with a gourmet bush breakfast, served in the open
savannah under a lone tree or canopy tent. Tables are elegantly laid with linens, and a full
breakfast is served: eggs to order, sausages, bacon, toast, fresh fruit, pastries, tea, coffee—and of
course, a glass of chilled champagne or sparkling wine.
The tradition of a champagne toast dates back to the earliest balloon flights in France in the 18th
century, and today it remains a symbol of celebration and accomplishment.
5. Commemorative Certificate and Return
As breakfast winds down, guests are presented with a personalized flight certificate signed by
the pilot—a keepsake to commemorate your unforgettable journey. You're then transferred back
to your lodge, arriving around 9:30 to 10:00 AM, with the rest of the day free for game drives or
leisure.
Balloon Safari Logistics: What You Need to Know
Who Can Fly?
Hot air ballooning in the Maasai Mara is accessible to most travelers, but certain restrictions
apply:
Minimum age is typically 7 years
You must be able to stand for 1 hour
You must be able to climb in and out of the basket unassisted (though help is available)
Not suitable for pregnant women, those with recent surgeries, or severe mobility issues
Always disclose any medical conditions in advance so the team can assess suitability.
What Should You Wear?
Dress warmly in layers—mornings can be very cold before sunrise
Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes
Bring a hat or cap (the burners can get quite hot above your head)
A camera or smartphone is a must—but hold it tightly!
When’s the Best Time to Fly?
Balloon safaris operate year-round, with each season offering something different:
July to October: Great Migration season—most popular, book well in advance
December to March: Green season—lush landscapes, fewer crowds, good predator
sightings
April–June: Rainy season—flights still operate when weather permits, stunning skies
and fewer visitors
Flights only take place in favorable weather conditions, and the final decision is always made
by the pilot for safety reasons.
Cost of a Hot Air Balloon Safari in the Maasai Mara
This is considered a luxury activity in the safari world, and prices reflect the exclusivity,
logistics, and quality of the experience. A typical flight costs between USD $450 to $600 per
person, and includes:
Lodge pickup and return transfers
Tea/coffee and refreshments
Balloon flight (45 mins to 1 hour)
Champagne bush breakfast
Commemorative certificate
Conservancy/park fee for balloon activity
It may seem expensive, but almost everyone who does it agrees: it’s worth every cent.
Top Balloon Safari Operators in the Maasai Mara
Reputable, licensed operators maintain the highest safety and quality standards. Some of the best
in the region include:
Governor’s Balloon Safaris – Operating from Governor’s Camp, known for scenic
flights over the Mara River
Balloon Safaris Ltd – One of the oldest and most trusted names in the region
Skyship Company – Operating in central Mara, ideal for migration viewing
Serena Balloon Safaris – Often used by guests at Mara Serena Safari Lodge
Your safari operator can arrange a booking with any of these providers, coordinating seamlessly
with your game drives and lodge schedule.
Why Hot Air Ballooning in the Mara Is Truly Unforgettable
Few safari experiences evoke the same emotional resonance as a hot air balloon flight. There is
something deeply moving about floating above a land so ancient and alive, so teeming with raw
beauty and survival.
It's not about speed, adrenaline, or ticking a box. It’s about wonder. Peace. Presence.
The stillness of the dawn. The silhouettes of giraffes in morning mist. The way the world seems
to pause just for you.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, treating yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime
experience, or simply yearning to see the world differently—this is it.
Booking Your Balloon Safari with Us
At Priority Wild Safaris and Tours, we offer hot air balloon safaris as part of our tailor-made
or escorted tour packages in the Maasai Mara. We work with reliable, top-tier balloon
operators and ensure every detail—from pickup to breakfast—is perfectly managed.
We also cater to special requests:
Private balloon flights
Honeymoon champagne toasts
Custom photography sessions
Accessible arrangements for guests with limited mobility
Let us know your dream—and we’ll make it fly.
Ready to Rise?
The sky is waiting, and the Mara is calling. If you’re planning a safari and want to add a hot air
balloon flight to your itinerary, we’re here to help.
