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The Masai Mara National Reserve is one of the most beautiful, wildlife-rich places in Africa – from any angle. But drifting above the Mara’s and the woodlands that shadow the Mara River as the
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sun rises out beyond the eastern hills is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Yes, a hot-air balloon ride is expensive, costing close to US$600 per person. But whether you’re looking down on the vast herds of and zebras during the , or upon elephants and lions at any time, there are few more spectacular sights in nature.-
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Leave Before Dawn
Balloons taking off at dawn Unless you’ve contacted the balloon safari company directly, balloon safaris are generally booked up front by your tour operator or accommodations. In high season, you should do this as early as you can, but for theRead more
rest of the year there are usually places available, even if you book a couple of days beforehand.The day before your flight, someone from the balloon company will visit you at your lodgings and lay out everything you need to know about the upcoming experience. They may also take payment if this hasn’t already been handled by your tour operator or accommodations. And we’ll add one extra piece of advice: this is also the time to make sure that your camera and phone batteries are fully charged and have plenty of memory free …Balloons take off just before dawn, which often means a 4 AM wake-up call. You’ll drive in darkness to the site – keep an eye out for animals along the way. With the sun’s glow still below the horizon, the hushed voices of your companions and the sound of the balloon’s gas burners firing up help to build the excitement. You’ll be taking off soon. -
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Take to the Skies
Balloon safari at sunrise Every balloon is different, but most balloons used over the Masai Mara have a compartmentalized basket. This means that each seat has its own small area, and you can’t move freely from one side to theRead more
other. While this sounds restricting, the pilots are adept at moving the balloons this way and that so that everyone gets the best view. It’s also a question of balance: it simply doesn’t work to have everyone on the same side of the basket.As the balloon rises and the ground retreats, there are usually gasps of excitement followed by the hush of anticipation. Everyone on board knows that the next hour or so will be something special. There is also a gradual realization that there is nothing to be afraid of – even those who are afraid of heights report that the experience is not at all frightening. Slowly, as the balloon gathers momentum and the sun appears above the horizon, attention shifts to what’s down below. -
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Float High Above the Masai Mara
Balloon safari over the savannah plains Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Photo by larrymull2. © All rights reserved 
Hot-air balloons floating over the Masai Mara Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Photo by Susan Schmitz. © All rights reserved 
Elephants seen from a hot-air balloon Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Photo by Ariadne van Zandbergen. © All rights reserved 
Balloon floating above a herd of wildebeest Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Photo by Bumihills. © All rights reserved 
Sunrise balloon safari above wildebeest Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Photo by Antony Trivet Photography. © All rights reserved 
Balloon safari over the savannah plains Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Photo by Deborah Benbrook. © All rights reserved 
Floating high above the savannah plains Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya. Photo by Melissa Kopka. © All rights reserved No two balloon safaris are the same, but there are some constants. The pilot will adjust the altitude according to where you are and the conditions. Note that high winds are not an issue: the balloonsRead more
simply won’t take to the air in high winds or thunderstorms. When the pilot thinks you’re well placed to get a sense of the scale and overall beauty of the Mara, they will head higher into the sky with views so vast that you can almost see the curvature of the Earth on the horizon.On the other hand, when the pilot spies a herd of elephants, a rhino, or even a pride of lions, the balloon will descend. You’ll get the kind of photos you only used to see in calendars or from professional photographers using drones. Sometimes you’re not very high above the treetops. Even from a low altitude, above the and near the riverbanks, the dark bulk of and the straight backs of somehow seem less threatening. Even the elephants seem small.And although you’ll be well placed to take photographs, the best balloon pilots take you close but without disturbing the animals: most won’t even know you’re there. -
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Come In To Land
Lining up for a group photo after landing How long your balloon safari lasts will vary depending on the company and the day’s conditions. But as you begin your descent, as the golden morning light starts to brighten, you may find yourself focusing lessRead more
on the animals and more on the scenery – the grasslands that unfurl to the horizon, the away to the west, the lone trees that pepper the plains. Most descents are gentle, and the only sinking feeling you’re likely to experience is the disappointment that it will all soon be over.The landing is where the skill of the pilot is really on show. Heading toward the ground party who are awaiting you for breakfast, the balloon eases back toward Earth. Although less gentle than the takeoff, the landing should be little more than a bump. And one final word of warning: take your time stepping out of the basket because your legs and whole sense of balance may, for a few moments, make you feel as if you’re still airborne. -
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Indulge in a Champagne Breakfast
Champagne breakfast Champagne breakfasts have been a part of the whole experience for almost as long as there have been hot-air balloons flying over the Masai Mara. It’s a chance to chat excitedly about what you’ve just seen,Read more
toast the skill of your balloon pilot with champagne, and enjoy the thrill of an outdoor breakfast in such a beautiful place. The food will be excellent and there’s always plenty of choice in what to eat and drink. And the site for the breakfast is usually chosen for its fine views.When everyone has had their fill, you’ll be driven back to where you’re staying. And there’s still time for a full day of on-the-ground experiences in the Mara to look forward to.
