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Visitors to the Masai Mara can experience the rare excitement of
game viewing from a hot air balloon. In the crisp air of dawn,
the passengers drink coffee while the crew partially inflates
the balloon with
enormous fans. The gas burners are then ignited and the balloon
fills with hot air slowly raising the baskets. Before departing,
finalized checks are made, and the passengers then climb into
the balloon basket for a take off.
The balloons lift off just before sunrise when the breeze on the
plains is still cold. Once airborne, the balloons are blown by
the prevailing winds across the broad landscape. Apart from the
hiss of the burners, the flight above the Masai Mara plains is
magically silent. The pilot controls the height of the craft by
regulating the flow of hot air into the balloon. Sometimes the
balloon will descend over the plains for a close up view of the
wildlife; on other occasions, it rises to clear a tree canopy
and rise over the reverine forest
Clients staying in any of the lodges or camps on the East side
of the Reserve can be collected and returned by our specially
equipped 4x4 Driving vehicles to enjoy both a balloon flight and
a game drive back to the lodge or camp:
Below are Balloon Departure Points in Masai Mara.
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Companies Flight |
Departure Points |
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Adventures Aloft |
Fig Tree Camp |
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Balloon Safaris |
Keekorok Lodge and Siana Springs
Intrepids |
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Mara Balloon Safaris Ltd
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Little Governors' Camp
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Transworld Kenya Ltd |
Mara Serena Lodge
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Masai Mara Lodges &
Camps
You don't have
to be staying at the lodge they fly the ballon from: they'll
come and pick you up at 5.30am. From where we can arrange your
flight.
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Mara Simba
Lodge
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Siana
Springs
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Mara Sopa
Lodge
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Sekanani
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Fig Tree
Camp
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Mara Sarova
Lodge
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Keekorok
Lodge
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Mara Hippo
Lodge
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Mara
Intrepids
At the end of
the flight, the passengers are treated to a champagne breakfast,
complete with flowers. China and crystal are set out on the
table that is placed under a convenient acacia tree. The
finishing touch to the flight is a game drive back to the lodge
or camp, and the possibility of seeing the same pride of lions,
or herd of elephants that had been viewed while ballooning. Over
a dozen balloons depart from sites near six of the lodges and
tented camps. Our customers are often able to view four of the
'Big Five' while ballooning. A flight certificate is issued on
completion of the balloon safari.
Highlights
Excellent photographic opportunities, champagne breakfast and
superb game viewing opportunities.
Recommended duration of stay
Minimum 3 nights stay at your chosen Camp or Lodge in the Masai
Mara
The Hot-Air Balloon Safari is available
with:
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An hour's
Balloon flight
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Services of
an experienced Guide
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Return
transport from the Camp
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Game drive
after the flight
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Special
Champagne Breakfast
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Balloon
Safari Certificate to commemorate the special flight
Hot Air Ballon Price est. $385 PER PERSON
Please Note:
There are no special requirements for participation in a Balloon
Safari, you should be in good health condition, be reasonably
fit and active.
It is not recommended for children under 10 years. People with
health and/or back problems should not participate as the
landing can be bumpy and may cause injury.
This activity can be added to any tour to Masai Mara or
itinerary including Masai Mara booked through Africa Safaris.
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