Hot
Air Balloon Safaris
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
4 Wheel Drive 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.
|
Companies
Flight Departure Points
|
| Adventures
Aloft |
Fig
Tree Camp |
| Balloon
Safaris |
Keekorok
Lodge and Siana Springs Intrepids |
| Mara
Balloon Safaris Ltd |
Little
Governors' Camp |
| Transworld
Kenya Ltd |
Mara
Serena Lodge |
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
1. Mara Simba Lodge'
2. Siana Springs
3. Mara Sopa Lodge
4. Sekanani
5. Fig Tree Camp
6. Mara Sarova Lodge
7. Keekorok Lodge
8. Mara Hippo Lodge
9. 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
- An hour's Balloon flight
- Services of an experienced Guide
- Return transport from the Camp
- Game drive after the flight
- Special Champagne Breakfast
- Balloon Safari Certificate to commemorate the special flight
Hot
Air Ballon Price USD 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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