Maasai Mara National Reserve hot-air balloon safari

Maasai Mara National Reserve hot-air balloon safari: Taking to the skies over the Masai Mara National Reserve is the peak of a Kenya wildlife safari.

The view below is a never-ending thrill ride of riverine forests, immense savannahs, towering escarpments, and raging rivers.

High-air balloon trips above the Masai Mara offer an unrivaled perspective of the varied animals that reside there, all against the backdrop of spectacular sunrises.

There is just nothing else like it; the view is unparalleled, and the experience is priceless.
Maasai Mara Balloon Safari for 4 days

HIGH FLIGHT

Soaring high over the African plains provides an unparalleled sensation of freedom and pleasure. Certainly, getting up at the crack of the morning when on vacation may not sound tempting. Yet, the advantages of beginning this exciting journey much exceed the inconvenience of waking up between 4:00 and 5:00 AM. When your guide brings you to the balloon launch site, you’ll begin to feel more excited. As you have a cup of coffee or tea, the balloon staff will prepare your balloon for takeoff and inflate it. Before launching the balloon, your pilot will give you a briefing once it has been filled and after you have gotten into the basket underneath it. When the sun begins to rise, your balloon will gradually soar to the heavens in a spectacular display of burning reds and golds.

THE GREAT MIGRATION AND HOT AIR BALLOONING

If you visit the Masai Mara between October and November, you will have the opportunity to view the “Great Wildebeest Migration” while flying over the African plains. This migrating herd of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles is unparalleled. Riding in a hot air balloon above the migrating herds is one of the greatest ways to comprehend the immensity of what is happening. Some exciting sights are leopards perched high in trees and predators like as lions hunting their prey. Every hot-air balloon journey provides the opportunity to see fascinating new vistas below. Your pilot will t nake care to fly at a lower height on occasion in order to capture the greatest photographs possible.

PRICE OF MASAI MARA HOT-AIR BALLOON FLIGHT

Hot air balloon flights may be pricey, especially in remote locations like the Masai Mara. Hot air balloon trips start at US$450 per person. One of the reasons for the high cost of this event is that balloons have a limited lifespan before needing to be replaced. Balloons are retired after approximately 850 flight hours to safeguard the safety of passengers who board them, and a new balloon must be purchased.
Maasai Mara National Reserve hot-air balloon safari
Maasai Mara National Reserve hot-air balloon safari

Further contributing to the high expense of hot air balloon excursions are the costs of fuel and employing a crew to operate the hot air balloon. Each team consists of six crew members and a trained balloon pilot. An extra 10 individuals work behind the scenes to launch each hot air balloon (per balloon). This equates to a substantial number of people whose livelihoods are dependent on the cash generated by hot air balloon rides. Backup operations, transfer trucks, and recovery vehicles are also required for each hot air balloon flight. To top it all off, a sizable percentage of the hot air balloon ride charges go toward environmental conservation.

The following items are included in the price of a balloon safari:

Flight time for a hot air balloon is around one hour.
Transportation from your safari camp or lodge Champagne-style bush breakfast After breakfast, return to camp.
Landing fees for conservation areas or national parks

ARE YOU CONSIDERING A MASAI MARA BALLOON SAFARI?

We can organize Masai Mara balloon safari excursions from the majority of lodges and camps in the Greater Mara region. We strongly advise making a reservation for a balloon safari in advance because it is a very popular activity that fills up rapidly (especially during peak season). Please remember to bring warm clothes as well as a backpack for your camera, binoculars, and any personal goods.

WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS AWFUL?

So, what happens if the hot-air balloon trip is canceled due to inclement weather? Because the hot air ballooning team values safety above all else, your flight may be canceled if the weather is bad. If this occurs, you should be placed on a later flight. If this is not an option, your money will be returned to you.