Hot Air Balloon Safari Over the Masai Mara


Enhance your safari experience with an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara. As the sun rises at 6:30 AM, drift silently above the golden savannah, witnessing breathtaking views of the endless plains, winding rivers, and abundant wildlife below. From a bird’s-eye perspective, watch as elephants, lions, giraffes, and wildebeests roam freely in their natural habitat.

After an exhilarating one-hour flight, touch down in the heart of the wilderness, where a champagne bush breakfast awaits. Savor a delicious meal surrounded by the sights and sounds of the Masai Mara, making this experience a truly magical way to start your day.

Common Questions

  • Balloon rides generally begin early in the morning, around 6:30 am, providing an opportunity to experience a breathtaking sunrise over the Mara. The weather conditions in the Mara are perfect for daily balloon flights all year round. Most launch sites are conveniently situated in the heart of Masai Mara National Reserve.

  • The balloon flight typically lasts about one hour and covers a distance of 5 to 20 km, depending on the wind. The entire experience, from pick-up at your camp or lodge to drop-off, involves an early start between 4:00 am and 6:00 am, based on the proximity of your accommodation. You'll have plenty of opportunities for photography both in the air and on the ground. After the balloon excursion, you'll enjoy a game drive on the way back to your camp or lodge, returning around 10:30 am.

  • The basket can hold 12 to 16 people; however, the final number of passengers is determined by a weight limit.

  • A hot air balloon ride over the Masai Mara offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of one of Africa’s most spectacular landscapes. As you rise with the sun at 6:30 AM, you’ll witness the golden savannah stretching endlessly beneath you. Below, herds of elephants, buffalo, and giraffes roam freely, while lions and cheetahs may be seen lounging in the morning light. The Mara River, home to hippos and crocodiles, winds through the plains, creating stunning natural scenery.

    If you’re visiting during the Great Migration, you might even witness thousands of wildebeest and zebra moving in vast herds across the landscape - a truly unforgettable sight. Birds of prey often soar at eye level, adding to the magic of the experience.

    After your one-hour flight, you’ll touch down in the heart of the wilderness, where a champagne bush breakfast awaits, making this experience a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence.

  • Yes, there are some age and mobility considerations for safety reasons. Children under 5 years old or shorter than the height of the basket are generally not permitted to fly. There is no upper age limit, but passengers should be in good general health and reasonably fit.

    For safety reasons, pregnant women and individuals with certain medical conditions should avoid ballooning. A moderate level of physical strength and mobility is required to climb in and out of the basket, which may either be standing upright or lying on its side upon landing. Passengers with impaired mobility can be accommodated with prior notice, so please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.