Hot air balloon rides in Masai Mara

Masai Mara is still the most popular hot air balloon safari destination in Kenya, especially in July-October, the peak season for the Wildebeest migration. During this annual wildlife spectacle, over 1.5 million Wildebeest, and thousands of zebras roam Masai Mara’s grassy plains in search of fresh grass (having exhausted the one in their other homeland, Serengeti National Park). There is no better way to take in 360oview of all this drama than from the comfort of a hot air balloon. It will leave you feeling like you are in the middle of a National Geographic documentary.  It is hard to miss the yielding calls of indigenous birds and snorts of hippos enjoying a lazy morning in the river. If it is your lucky day, you might see lions in the swooshing vegetation or at least hear their roars in the distance.

The itinerary for the day is simple! You will rise early, and sip a hot cup of Kenyan tea or coffee before the flight. Once the balloon is ready for takeoff, you will board it and start enjoying a magical one-hour ride over the majestic savannah as you behold phenomenal views of flora and fauna. Prepare to see movements of large animals, sometimes dramatic but most of the time orderly.

Special about this adventure is that the balloon will fly over areas that safari vehicles don’t reach due to the strict rules of off-track driving. Sometimes, the balloon will fly closer to the earth, giving a closer view of different animals. And other times, it will fly at a higher altitude so you can take in views of the distant horizon. The beauty of the setting skyrockets—as more and more hot air balloons pepper the sky as they float up at sunrise.

Throughout the ride, a refreshing breeze that sweeps over the plains will soothe your senses. The exhilaration of floating just above the trees is an experience of a lifetime.

Usually, each hot air balloon ride differs from another because the speed and direction balloons take depend on air currents. The only thing the pilot can control is the upward and downward movement of the balloon.

Once back on the ground, you will be treated to a champagne breakfast in celebration. After this age-old ballooning tradition, our Gonja Safaris driver guide will pick you up for a game drive.

About what to wear, you are better of wearing your warm clothing considering that the activity starts very early in the morning when it is still cold.